Window Films Can Lower Your Cooling Bills and Your Tax Liability
Unprotected, energy inefficient windows can transmit more than 80% of the solar energy hitting them into your home, super heating it and causing your cooling equipment to work harder. And if you cool passively, using natural breezes, solar heat gain can sabotage your efforts to keep cool without expensive mechanical cooling equipment.
Energy efficient, low-e windows designed for low solar heat gain can lower cooling costs by a significant amount, but they are expensive, costing between $350 and $495 for an average-sized window. For a fraction of the cost of replacing windows you can install reflective window film to south and west facing windows to block solar heat gain. Professionally-installed window film costs around $130 to $180 for an average-sized window.
Installing window film yourself is possible, but not recommended. Generally, if the film is not professionally installed, the warranty is invalid, and getting the film smooth takes some skill. You don’t want your windows to look like they have film on them, only perform like to do!
Consumers who purchase qualifying energy control window film for their home between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible for a 2009 tax credit up to $1500.
Resource: Window Film Information Center
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