Review on Gila CS78 Glare Control Smoke Film - 36 x 6.5' Window Film, 36-inch x 6.5-inch by Whitney Richardson

Well I've been thinking about buying window film since we bought our house a little over a year ago. We have two large windows in the living room - almost floor to ceiling - which are lit by the sun from about 7am to 12:30pm. Needless to say they miss a lot of summer heat and I knew I had to do something. We've used decorative films in the past, more for privacy than thermal control, but I absolutely hate not being able to see outside. my windows. I searched and searched and just couldn't find anything that 1. blocked the sun, 2. allowed me to see (day or night) and 3. didn't need a razor blade if I ever wanted to take it off. This film meets all these requirements! So I bought two rolls to cover a window and see if I like it (windows are so big I needed two rolls per side). I won't detail how I installed them because I think it's been explained pretty well in various previous reviews. I just want to share what I noticed. First, they darken the view (yes!) with a sort of bluish gray cast, but it's a lot less cavernous than if I had all the curtains and blinds closed 24/7. . Second, they distort the view a bit. It seems to get a little better over time as the water dries up between the window and the film, but it's still there and more noticeable when you're close to the window. In general, it doesn't really bother me. Third, I can see through the windows at night. Yes, the lights inside should be dimmed, and it helps when it's light outside, but I can see when someone is pulling into the driveway or walking by, and that's acceptable to me. When the living room is brightly lit, I get a little "mirror effect," but not as much as in some other films. Fourth and last point. They keep it much cooler. To see how much cooler I was, I closed the blinds and shades and waited until the windows were in full sun for about 3 hours and it was 96 degrees Fahrenheit outside. I stuck a thermometer in an open window and let it sit for 15 minutes - it read 115f. Then I took the thermometer with the film to the window and left it for 15 minutes - 90f. I still can't believe they lower the temp that much! Even better, my central air conditioning turns on and off throughout the day instead of running for six hours or more at a time. In general, I am completely satisfied and have bought more films for the remaining windows! For the price and how well they have worked for me I cannot recommend them enough. If you hesitate, buy a roll and give it a try - I did!