The Estimator works out how much a building could save each year with window film, and how long the job takes to pay for itself. It also checks if the film is safe on the existing glass. It's part of the Flat Glass module. See The Flat Glass module.
Open the Estimator
If your shop does flat glass work, go to Flat Glass → Estimator in the sidebar. You can also click Energy estimator on the Flat Glass dashboard, or Open estimator on the Films page.
Fill in the inputs
The page is headed Energy savings + payback. Defaults are US averages, so change them if you have real numbers.
- Glass square footage: the area you'll film.
- Film SKU: pick a film from the Films list. Each one shows its TSER and VLT.
- Climate zone: Zone 1 (very hot) to Zone 8 (very cold), with example cities.
- Utility rate ($/kWh): the local electric rate.
- Install cost ($/sqft): your price per square foot.
The results update as you type.
Read the results
- Annual savings: dollars saved per year, with the kWh saved and pounds of CO₂ avoided.
- Payback period: years to pay back the install, and the total install cost.
- Equivalent emissions avoided: tons of CO₂ per year, shown as cars off the road.
- A card with the film's specs: VLT, TSER, Glare ↓, UV Rejected, Comm. Warranty and Res. Warranty.
Check the glass first
Under Glass compatibility check, pick the Existing glass type and tick South or west exposure if it applies. The Thermal-shock risk card shows LOW, MODERATE or HIGH. If there's a known problem with that glass and film, it says what it is. If not, it says "No known compatibility issues with this glass + film combination."
How the numbers are worked out
The methodology note at the bottom explains the math. It says the numbers are conservative and are not a substitute for a full energy model. Present them as an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where is the flat glass energy estimator?
A: Go to Flat Glass → Estimator in the sidebar, or click Energy estimator on the Flat Glass dashboard.
Q: Is the savings number a guarantee?
A: No. It's a conservative estimate based on climate zone, film and your rates. The page says it is not a substitute for a full energy model.
Q: What does the thermal-shock check do?
A: It rates the risk of the film cracking the existing glass as LOW, MODERATE or HIGH, based on the glass type, the film and sun exposure.