Recently built a small weekend home with A LOT of windows and I've noticed that the A/C has trouble keeping up. It's possible that it is a bit undersized (that's what she said) but nevertheless, I want to try and block as much of the heat that comes in through the windows. I went to 3M's website and saw that they have some products and I assume that the 3M ones are the best.

Does anyone have experience with window film used at their home? Any suggestions? I really do not want to limit the ability to see out of the window since that's the entire point of having windows, but the heat blockage is the most important objective.

In this order of experiments and prediction of success, you might try

• a roll of solar shade screening from a big box store, stapled up, then can later order framed versions from a window shop
• erect PVC trellis shading with hopes of growing vines to shade further in future ... others might elect tarps, etc. until a large tree takes over in a few years
• discussion of films in Aggieland have many sources, one might be https://sunshadewindowfilm.com/
• window shade shops have offered a reflective window side option ot many window treatments and the honeycomb obviously adds insulation cells

Directing HVAC vents to blow toward the windows may help some
Insulating HVAC ducts may help
Shading outside HVAC and insuring free breeze flows always helps

The same UV resistant film for automotive windshields can be installed on home windows by some mobile tint companies. It may not be a drastic difference, but enough that you can place your hand on top of the dash in direct sunlight and not burn yourself.

We had one very hot western window in the dining room. Rather than shell out money for a replacement, I DIYed tint film. It is not the prettiest job, but it has held up for the past year and has made a huge difference during summer afternoons.
https://a.co/d/3s1qg7x

If you have grass or flower beds in front of those one way windows will it scorch them? I recall someone mentioning that in the past…

I had auto installer put ceramic film on several windows.

In a pantry with a small east facing high window (with no duct) it made a huge difference. Stuff would melt in there during the summer if the door was closed.

Kitchen has multiple east facing windows and skylights and fruit on the counter would go bad pretty quickly. This made less of a noticeable difference in that respect, but you can definitely tell it knocks the ambient heat down quite a bit.

For your case I think it will be a great solution and only a small adder vs solar screens (which look awful)

BiggiesLX said:

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If you have grass or flower beds in front of those one way windows will it scorch them? I recall someone mentioning that in the past…

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I have seen no impact on the grass.

Be aware that installing film on your windows may cause the manufacturer to void any warranty on your windows. Varies by manufacturer, so double check that.