Don’t be Fooled by the Winter Sun and Let Your Investments Fade Away
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Homeowners today are investing in furnishings that they expect to be heirlooms. The desire for large windows and open views are destroying that investment because of sun damage. Closing the blinds and drapes is not the answer. The best solution to this dilemma is window film. The benefits go beyond protecting furnishings. It saves you real money in reducing your electric bills.
Dianne Matecki, owner of Wheaton Window Tinters says “Window film is an investment and will pay for itself in 2-3 years. One customer in Geneva called me back to say that his electric bills were $100 to $130 less per month after filming his east, south and west windows. Now his air conditioning is more regulated throughout his home.”
Window film is applied to the inside of the window. The R-50 film by Llumar starts blocking 66% of the solar heat gain and 99% of the UV rays immediately. The film is an added layer of insulation, so it retains about 20% of the indoor heat in the winter.
Wood floors and furniture can look brand new for decades longer when window film is a first priority in a new home. Deterioration is slowed by the combination of heat reduction and blocked UV rays that only window film provides. Without protection from direct sunlight, leather furniture will dry out and crack, draperies will fade, and precious artwork and photos will be ruined.
One of the biggest misconceptions about window film is that it will make the room dark. Newer generations of film are designed to let all the visible light in but keep out the heat and UV rays.
Washing filmed windows is the just the same as before, but using products that contain ammonia and vinegar will damage film. Wheaton Window Tinters recommends using Sparkle window cleaner and paper towels. The scratch-resistant coating on window film is smooth, and dust will not build up as it does on the rough surface of plain glass.
For those who have skylights and love the light, but hate the heat, there is more good news. Skylights can also be filmed. Films can block up to 80% of the heat and still keep the sky view.
One of the new benefits of the R series film from Llumar is that it now qualifies for the Tax Energy Rebate. Not all films have qualified for this energy saving rebate, so check before you buy. That’s real money saved.
The price of window film ranges between $6.50-10.00 per square foot. In-home estimates are usually free and by appointment.
For more info, contact Wheaton Window Tinters at (630) 853-8468 or (773) 307-8468.
Tags:Home & Garden
