Lower Summer Energy Bills and Get a Tax Credit

Well, Spring is finally here! The sun will be out heating up things and raising your air conditioning bills in the process. While sunlight is important for our health, physically as well as mentally, it is not too good for our heating bills. But don’t despair, there are a few easy tricks to keep the summer sun at bay on those big windows. This is tip #1.

Palladium windows are beautiful, but south or west facing windows let in heat in the summer. Often putting blinds or shades over these windows defeats the purpose of the windows, the view that you paid so much to see! Adding Window Film can solve many problems. Search out local companies online for the products available in your area. The local installers will know which products work best for your location and can easily do the installation on those high windows. Get informed and keep yourself safe while getting a professional installation.
What to look for in a Window Film:
* Look for films that reflect 97% of the suns infrared light to keep your home cool. The energy coming through the windows is infrared in nature and will not turn to heat unless it bumps into people or furniture. So blocking the infrared light is important in keeping your home cooler. Only a few degrees in temperature reduction can reduce cooling costs by up to 25% according to Solargard.
* Search for films that block 99.9% of the suns UV rays since these cause fading and the risk of skin cancers according to the 3M site.
* Another positive to the window film is holding the glass in place after it has been hit by a tree limb or a burglar trying to enter your home. Check with your local provider to see if their product has this Security Property.
**Finally, a financial incentive to look at using window film this year is the Tax Credit you will receive on the purchase price of the film(labor costs are not part of the credit). The Federal Tax Credit applies to film purchased between Jan 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Homeowners can receive 30% credit on the costs of qualified window film products , up to a maximum of $1500. The tax credit comes directly off your tax bill! Check with your personal tax advisor for more information before you purchase.

Now you can save energy on cooling, save on replacing furniture because of fading, save of health costs by reducing the risk of skin cancers and save on your 2009 Federal Tax bill!
More Energy Saving tips Coming on the Next Post! Stay tuned!