During winter months, people will often wear sunglasses to shield themselves from glare, but the sun’s glare is present indoors, as well. With the winter sun lower in the sky, it has a more direct impact shining through windows and fading furniture, rugs and artwork, while exposing people inside to unhealthy UV rays.

And for those who may have second homes in mountainous areas, snow on the ground can reflect up to 85% of these harmful rays upwards, according to the Vision Council of America, and this only compounds the glare problem. A simple, yet cost-effective solution is professionally installed window film to make your environment more comfortable while keeping your family and furnishings protected.

Come spring, the sun is still unforgiving as it rises higher in the sky and the hotspots and uneven glare coming into the home can make the interior have uncomfortable hot spots. This is one reason why, the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a non-profit organization, is educating the public on window film use for residential and commercial applications, to reduce harmful solar glare while delivering significant energy savings.

According to the IWFA, window film may also eliminate uncomfortable hot spots in rooms by blocking solar heat. This enables heating and air conditioning systems to work more efficiently. For larger commercial and office buildings, which run heating and cooling systems year-round, energy savings are even more significant.

Window film is a thin sheet of window coating, professionally and permanently installed, to deliver a range of high-value benefits to a smart homeowner. Introduced almost 30 years ago, window film now has been engineered using today’s advanced technology to deliver energy savings similar to low-e windows, yet at a fraction of what replacement windows cost. For single-family homes, window film installation costs can range from $3 to $11 per square foot, depending on the type of window film installed, and the process can be completed in one or two days.

Window film is available in a range of shades from clear to dark and once installed, the energy conservation benefits are immediate. In addition, more than 250 films have been certified by the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council), verifying their energy performance.

An added benefit of this hidden home-improvement treasure is that many window films can qualify for “green” credits and energy rebates and are considered carbon-negative products. Window film also delivers seven times the energy savings benefits per dollar spent compared with installing replacement windows.  It’s simply a great way to protect your home from UV rays while delivering solid energy efficiency benefits.

Darrell Smith is the Executive Director of the International Window Film Association. For more information on protecting a home or office from glare, please visit the IWFA’s website at www.iwfa.com . Homeowners can also go to site to locate a professional in the Bay Area who can conduct an energy savings audit and share window film options to best meet your needs.