It's Abundantly Clear - Window Film Saves you Money

Today's window films don;t have to block light or be highly reflective to block heat and save money

For years, window films have had the stigma that in order to block heat, you also have to block all the light, or have extremely reflective windows.


Years ago, window films used to screen damaging light rays either by adding a dark color to the film, which would absorb the heat and harmful rays, or by adding metal to the film to reflect them.

"Today's technology uses absorbing metals and materials that have reflectors we can't see," said Darrell Smith, executive director of the International Window Film Association. "The harmful rays are still absorbed or reflected, but this work is done outside of the visible light spectrum."

Read the full article at the Denver Post 





7 crystal-clear window-film tips
Here are more points homeowners should know about getting great protection, even if they never see it:

1. Color-neutral options. "If you don't want to change the color of your home's natural light or see any metallic shine, ask for a color-neutral day-lighting film," said the window-film association's Darell Smith. Your windows will save energy, but give up next to nothing in light quality.

2. Lower bills. In hot weather, solar-control films can block up to 80 percent of the solar energy coming through windows, which cuts down on air conditioning. "It usually translates into a year-round savings of about 5 to 10 percent of the home's total energy bill," said Smith, and much more during hot months.

3. Damage shield. Visible light lies on the spectrum between ultraviolet, which damages furniture, and infrared, which beams heat. Treated windows will block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays, thus greatly slowing the deterioration and fading of drapes, carpet and furniture.

4. Decorative looks. Today's window films can also inexpensively make clear glass look etched or frosted for privacy or a decorative effect.

5. It's not a fix. If your window is in bad shape, leaking or poorly insulated, adding film won't fix that. Deteriorating windows should be replaced. However, if your windows are in good shape, don't replace them just for energy efficiency, said Smith. Try film first.

6. Get a warranty on the work. And read it before you sign a contract. You should be protected against bad installations. Signs of a bad job include film that peels or lifts at the edges, or little bubbles growing under the film. Speaking of warranties, many window manufacturers will invalidate their warranty if you do anything to their windows, including adding window film. If your windows are still under warranty, find out how adding film will affect that protection. Get it in writing.

7. Get money back. If you had window film installed in 2012 or 2013, you could get a federal energy tax credit of up to 10 percent of the cost of installation, up to $500. Ask your utility company if they offer a credit toward your energy bill if you treat your windows.