All You Need to Know About Electrochromic Film for Windows

You’ve heard of smartphones, smart lights and smartwatches, but what about smart windows? Electrochromic film works like automatic blinds for your windows, giving you the ability to instantly control the amount of light in a room with the touch of a button on your phone or a remote.

But how does it work? Is it worth the cost? Keep reading for our full breakdown of electrochromic film and the benefits it can bring to your home or business.

What Is It?

If you’re still wondering how electrochromic film works, you’re not alone. What it is is an electronically charged film that can be placed over the top of your windows. It works by applying what’s almost like an automatic tint over your windows, and using your smartphone or remote you have the ability to change the glass from opaque to clear or vice versa.

The technology involved to make this happen involves tiny crystals that make up the film, which line up when electricity is passed through them and allows light to travel through. When the electricity supply is cut off, the crystals randomly reorient themselves and the light disseminates and results in an opaque appearance.

The Benefits of Electrochromic Film

One of the main benefits of electrochromic film is the privacy it allows for both homes and businesses. If your home is on a busy street or has the neighbours’ windows overlooking it, electrochromic film is the perfect solution. Rather than having to shut your blinds for privacy and miss out on glorious natural light, you can enjoy the warmth and serotonin that comes from sunlight and still enjoy your privacy at the same time.

When it comes to businesses, electrochromic film can help you maintain privacy throughout your workplace where you need it the most, such as conference rooms, offices and more. Not only does this remove unnecessary distractions, but it can help protect your intellectual property and prevent lawsuits and other legal issues.

While tinted glass is popular in many office buildings, electrochromic film allows you and your employees to enjoy the sunlight when they want to as well. Additionally, more sunlight in your office means less reliance on artificial light and lower energy bills for your business as well. Plus, when set to opaque, they block up to 98% of sunlight. This can greatly reduce your need for air conditioning in the summer, lowering your carbon footprint and along with the money you could save on lighting, help you make back your financial investment in no time.

Electrochromic glass is also available, however, this requires a much higher upfront cost and can often take up to 3 or 4 minutes to switch between opaque and clear. Electrochromic film is easier and cheaper to install, and can easily switch between settings in an instant.

Conclusion

While you might not have heard about electrochromic film until recently, it’s a fast-growing technology that’s slowly taking the world by storm. If you do decide to invest in it, make sure you work with professionals who will install the film over your windows for you and help ensure the best results possible for your home or your business.