Sun Screens vs. Window Film

RACHAEL'S WINDOW TREATMENT EXPERIMENT

Both bedrooms are similar in size, west facing, with the same window arrangements. On one window we installed an exterior sun screen, on the other we installed interior window film.

I turned off fans and lights in both bedrooms and placed a drinking glass in the light shining on the floor to measure both the temperature of the windows themselves and objects in the room. I measured the same panel of glass in each experiment and I measured identical panels in each room.

TIME	PLACE	ITEM	TEMPERATURE
2:40pm	Bedroom #1	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	93 83
	Bedroom #2	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	102 83
4:00pm	Bedroom #1	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	98 85
	Bedroom #2	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	113 85
4:50pm	Bedroom #1	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	99 85
	Bedroom #2	Window Temperature Glass Temperature	108 84

Rachael's two cents: Window in bedroom #2 was substantially hotter to touch than but both treatments work well and offer relief from the sun. I love the way the light looks and feels with the window film. It is a softer, more diffused light. I like the privacy of the screens and the fact that they cut more heat from entering the home.