Doors and Windows - Window film questions

Hi,

I decided that I want to cover some of my windows with a film to prevent UV damage as well as get some cooling saving.
I'm looking for a "lighter" film.

I have two questions that I'm trying to answer:
a.) some films seem become a mirror at night. Is this true for all film brands?

b.) Is there a quality difference between the brands? I.e. we are looking at Vista films.

Do you have single or double glazing??? Is it lo-E glass??? You can install films to any side of single glazing. But you should be careful when installing films to double glazed glass. Installing it on the wrong side can cause heat to build up inside the glass and cause premature failure of the seals.

I have double glazing. Don't know what lo-E is. I have Pella windows that are about 8 years old.

If you must, install the film on the outside. Lo-E glass will block 90% of the damaging UV rays.

8 y/o windows should have etching in the corners of the glass somewhere. The codes will tell you what kind of glass was used.

Using any film on a LoE double glazed unit is not worth the effort, unless you were just looking for a darkening effect.

Well, from the result: looking at the carpet and hardwood floor I have to conclude that I have no UV protection.

Are there better film brands than others?
How about the mirror effect at night?

I've heard good things about 3M..but I don't know whether they sell to the public. I know several places that do it out here in the hot sunny conditions we have advertise they install Vista films. Kinda makes me wonder if its a renamed 3M?

Oh, as to the mirror effect....I think it depends on the film. Many of them have that effect I know. Dark outside and the interior lights make it so you can't see out. Prob depends on if it has a polarized coating....maybe you could get a sample?