Does the film go on the inside or outside of the glass?
3M Architectural Film is applied to the interior surface of the existing glass. 3M is the only manufacturer that includes a UV inhibitor in the adhesive layer to give the both film and your interior protection from the harmful effects of the sun, so the film must be applied to the interior to receive that protection. There is no need to go through the expense of replacing the existing glass, as the addition of the film makes that glass into high-performance glass in place. For difficult to reach windows, such as skylights, we do have an exterior film and we offer other, non-film solutions should you have Plexiglas or other non-glass windows.

Can I put film on double paned windows?
Yes. Independent tests confirm that the use of film is harmless to dual pane glass. If the windows are new and have a manufacturer's warranty, Energy Control Consultants, Inc. can provide you, thru 3M, continuing warranty coverage that matches the original manufacturer. Your representative will review this option with you. 3M has a vested interest in providing products which are safe to apply and provide long life in normal situations.

What if I decide to remove the film later?
The film is designed to be permanent, but strippable. While that sounds like a contradiction in terms, the engineers at 3M designed a special adhesive system that offers long life but can be removed at any time without any harm to the glass. We can show you how to remove it yourself or we can provide this service to you for a nominal charge.

Will the film affect my houseplants?
In most cases, the film will go totally un-noticed by your houseplants. Occasionally we find that the film is beneficial to certain types of tropical plants, as the window environment that they had been living in was simply a little too warm for their own good. The application of the film created the perfect climate for them to thrive in. The only common exception to this is in the case of African Violets, which need large amounts of ultraviolet light to thrive. Unfortunately for the violets, 3M Architectural films are designed specifically to eliminate UV in order to protect your interior. Moving the violets to an un-treated window for two days a week is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

Is the application a messy process or are there chemicals used?
The installation process is very neat and odor free. Step one in the installation process is to thoroughly clean the glass and frames. The film has an adhesive already applied at the factory, protected by a covering, which you will see us remove prior to the application. There are no odors or chemicals used. A very small amount of soap, such as liquid Joy, is used in the water to lubricate the adhesive and allow the film to be squeegeed to the glass. When installed properly, there are no bubbles or any distortion. The film is final trimmed on the window, leaving a very thin, usually less than 1/8th of an inch margin around the edge. Although this void is almost imperceptible, it is a requirement of the installation process from 3M.

Towels and tarps protect the surroundings from the very minimal water used. In some special cases, such as wallpaper in the jamb of the window, or silk drapes, we use plastic taped to the area to give additional protection. Regular drapes and window treatments are not affected and usually can remain in place. Upon completion, the area and window is re-cleaned…we like to leave your home in better shape that we found it.

Do I have to take my curtains down?
In most cases the curtains and drapes will remain in place. If there is a special concern for delicate drapes, it may be advisable to have your drapery installer remove and re-hang the drapes, although this would be a highly unusual situation. Your sales representative can advise you on these special situations.

Do I have to apply the film to my entire home? Will it look odd if I don't?
We typically recommend that only the most sun-facing windows be treated. If some windows receive less direct sun or are under an awning or other shade, we will apply a lighter film to those windows, for protection as well as uniformity. All windows can transmit UV, regardless of whether they face direct sun. If fading protection is the primary concern and there are delicate furnishings or artwork needing protection, then use of film would be recommended.

Can you see the film? Will it be very dark?
3M designed the films in the residential product line to provide as much clarity as possible on your windows. We usually recommend a slightly darker version of the film if you have large or high windows, due to the extra glare and heat from the sun. Most of our clients report that they cannot tell any visible difference from the inside…other that the fact that they don't have to squint anymore. We promise that you will be 100% satisfied with our products and service.

How long will film last?
Today's films from 3M can last as much as 35 years. Realistically, windows in high traffic areas, such as sliding doors, or kitchen windows which get splattered with grease, may show enough wear over time to be replaced sooner. It is not unusual, however, that even these film panels will not be replaced for at least ten to fifteen years.

What is the warranty on the film?
3M Architectural films used in a residential setting are covered by a LIFETIME QUALITY PROMISE, direct from 3M. This warranty assures that you will be completely satisfied with our products for the entire time you live in your home. If the product needs to be replaced under the warranty there is absolutely no charge to you. All labor and materials are covered…there is no pro-rating.

Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
The warranty is issued to the original purchaser and is not transferable to the next homeowner.

How many installers will be in my home during the installation?
We set up our projects to use as many installers as necessary to complete the job in one full day, so typically one or two installers will be able to complete of the job very quickly and efficiently. Our installers are neat, quiet, and courteous. The members of our staff are in uniform with identification badges at all times on the installation site. We schedule jobs at your convenience and will make every effort to arrive at your home at the appointed time and complete the job within the promised time.

Energy Control Consultants, Inc. is fully insured. A copy of our Certificate Insurance is available upon request.

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Residential Solutions:

How long will it take to finish my home?
We will always try to finish your home in a single day. If you have an unusual situation, such as many French panes or an unusually large or complex installation, it may take slightly longer. Every effort is made to have as many installers as possible to complete the job in one day. Our sales representatives and scheduling facilitator will review the estimated time with you. Any special scheduling needs you may have will always be taken into consideration and discussed with you by the sales representative and the facilitator.

How do I clean the windows after the film is installed?
3M Architectural films can be cleaned with any commonly available window cleaning solutions and products, including ammonia based products, such as Windex. Use of a squeegee or soft cloth is recommended. The interior surface is specially treated with an acrylic hard coat to protect the film and provides for easy cleaning, without fear of scratching.

What happens if I scratch the film?
Although the film is extremely scratch resistant, it is possible to scratch the film under unusual circumstances. Mild scratching generally does not require replacement of the film but a deep and unsightly scratch may require replacement of the film panel. The good news is that, had the film not been in place, you most likely would have scratched the glass…requiring replacement of the window. The film can be removed and replaced quite easily and at minimal cost.

Can I buy the film from you and install it myself?
We do not offer 3M Architectural films for sale "over the counter". The film is extremely thin, in order to provide the very best optical quality, so it is almost impossible for someone without experience in the industry to install the film and get quality results. We want all of our clients to be totally pleased with the end result, so we only make the product available thru our professional installation team. Also, the warranty stipulates that the film must be installed by a 3M certified installer to receive coverage.

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Commercial Solutions:

What types of commercial applications can you do?
Energy Control Consultants has provided film solutions to sun problems for commercial installations ranging from retail storefronts, an individual commercial office, or the largest high rise building. 3M has a variety of films is suited for virtually any commercial requirement.

Can you give me some examples of your work?
We have installed our products on literally thousands of locations in east Tennessee. An installation of note is the 2003 installation of film to the new News-Sentinel building in downtown Knoxville. View the case study here.

What is the warranty on commercial installations?
Our commercial installations receive a Ten-Year Warranty direct from 3M. As the Authorized 3M Dealer/Applicator in east Tennessee, we can professionally manage any sized project. We have worked with virtually all of the major general contractors and architectural firms in the area and will closely coordinate within their specifications and scheduling requirements. Energy Control Consultants, Inc. is fully insured can easily satisfy most insurance requirements.

What is the expected life of window film?
3M patented and introduced its SCOTCHTINT Film line in 1966. Since then a vast number of improvements have been made, including:

· Clearer and more durable adhesives, exclusive to 3M
· Laminating and thin-film technologies that prevent premature aging
· Use of specialized metals that maintain their transparency and effectiveness throughout the life of the Film.
· A unique "hard coat" that protects the interior surfaces and prevents scratching during normal cleaning.

3M Films, under normal circumstances, can easily maintain their effectiveness for greater than twenty years.

Can you handle a large installation, such as a multi-story office building?
Yes. Our staff is capable of professionally installing our product in situations involving anything from thousands of windows in a high rise office building down to the smallest residential project. Our trained personnel are dedicated to providing exceptional quality and service in all of our installation projects.

Do my tenants have to move out during the installation?
Installing window film involves no odors or chemicals and can be provided during normal office hours with minimal interruption of office routine. If there is a concern, special arrangements can be made for evening and weekend installations. We do ask that three to five feet of space be cleared in front of the window so that our crew can thoroughly clean the windows and apply the film.

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Information about Energy Control Consultants, Inc.

What brand of window film do you sell? Is it a name I would know?
Energy Control Consultants is proud to be the representative for 3M Architectural Window Films. 3M is the inventor of window film technology. We have been the Authorized Dealer/Applicator of 3M Architectural Window Films in east Tennessee since 1983. 3M is the most respected name in the industry, having brought its expertise in thin film technologies, plus its world famous adhesives research and development, into a product that is designed to offer years of clear optics, with excellent solar control and durability. 3M films stand up to years of punishment from the sun, yet continue to perform.

3M backs up its products with the best warranties in the industry, including a Lifetime Quality Promise on residential applications and a full 10 year, non-pro-rated warranty on our commercial applications.
Our trained, professional applicators are also the best in the industry, offering prompt, courteous and professional service on all of our projects.

How long have you been in business?
Energy Control Consultants, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1983, and has been continuously operated by the Williams family ever since.

Do you have references I could check?
Yes. We have applied 3M Film to thousands of homes and businesses throughout eastern Tennessee. You are always invited to inspect and speak to any of our previous customers. Names and addresses of our references are provided upon request.

Where is your service area?
We cover the entire eastern third of the state of Tennessee, as well as limited areas of southern Kentucky, western Virginia and North Carolina.

Are you insured?
We are fully insured and can provide you with copies of our Certificate of Insurance if needed.

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