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!

A Little About Elise...

Hi, my name is Elise and I welcome you to my blog! This is an exciting new venture and an adventure for me as I undertake writing this ongoing blog. I am a Southern Belle Entrepreneur who enjoys Internet Marketing in the Health & Wellness arena by being a Shaklee Independent Distributor as well as being a Professional Photographer with Hall & Hearn Photography. Creating wealth, health and beautiful images provides me great energy as inspiration is all around. Enjoy the beauty and healthy living ideas you will find in these posts!
Living around the sunny South in Georgia, Alabama and Florida, with long visits to Tennessee and the Carolinas, has given me a deep appreciation for and some understanding of the beauty of this world and how interactive our world really is. My Photography keeps my eyes on the prize, how beautiful the planet is and how we miss out on its beauty when we get so caught up in acts that don’t really matter to us or anyone else.
In this blog I plan to talk about issues that impact our quality of life, our health and our ability to make money. Being a Shaklee Independent Distributor gives me a wonderful base for practical information on how to have a healthy home, how to have a wellness plan, how to have a Plan B for making extra money for our family and so much more. From all the resources available on living green, working green, living healthy, keeping well and more, I will work to provide current, reasonable, sensible information on staying well, living green and living safely.
What I have learned and passed on so far has been of interest to me and I hope has helped you. Leave your comments and let me know the kind of hints and tips you need to have a healthier life!
Keep Well,
Elise

Essential Oils

Essential Oils are popular now and are used in adding scent to homes and aroma therapy. However, according to a recent article in Cosmetics Design, caution should be taken with Essential Oils. From the current research, it seems that the evidence shows where Essential Oils can become allergens on contact with air and skin.

Upon contact with the oxygen and certain skin enzymes, according to recent research, Essential Oils may become allergenic. Certain oils are altered by environmental factors and can cause contact allergies in sensitive individuals, even if the oil itself is not an allergen in its pure form.

Care should be taken when using any Essential Oils in your home or office. Upon contact, rinse and wash the area thoroughly to avoid skin inflammation. Keep away from children as they are more sensitive to irritants.

Items like Green Tea and Baking Soda are good ways to freshen a room while being safe for you as well as the environment.