A home's windows may be one of the biggest sources of heat loss during wintertime, and they can also allow sunlight and heat to get trapped in the home during summertime, making the space seem warm and stuffy. You can upgrade to a better quality glass in the home or choose a protective, insulating window film, which is usually more affordable. Note a few other reasons why window film may be the better option for your home, beyond the cost alone.

Security

Smash and grab theft is very common in some areas; this refers to a thief smashing a window and then quickly grabbing whatever they can while still outside or entering the home, taking what they can and leaving just as quickly. This is easier for a thief than trying to pick the locks of the front doors or kick in an entryway door and means less risk of being caught by police than if they spend time in the home, searching for hidden valuables. Energy-efficient windows aren't necessarily going to stop a smash and grab theft, but thick window film can keep windows from shattering. This means the thief won't be able to reach in or crawl through the window, reducing the risk of a break-in.

Decoration

If you love the look of coloured or stained glass but can't afford this type of window, you can recreate the look with coloured window film. You might buy window film that is already designed to look like coloured glass or buy coloured film and cut it into a pattern. You can also buy 'frosted' window film and film with decorative elements, including flowers, geometric patterns and even the look of raindrops. These decorative films can still add some privacy while the windows are open; you might choose film with a heavy frosting pattern at the bottom or across the middle, to obscure the view inside the home without blocking sunlight.

Coating options

There are many different coating options you can choose for window film, perhaps more so than with simple glass. These coatings can reflect sunlight and UV rays, or they may simply be thick enough to provide insulation from cold weather. Some are tinted to reduce glare, which is good for a home office or for windows that are behind a television. Anti-graffiti film can be placed outside the windows if you live in an area prone to vandalism as the film is easy to wash or simply peel away and remove, saving the window glass.