index sitemap advanced
search engine by freefind

www.icanfixupmyhome.com home page Read the icanfixupmyhome.com blog Read electrical & appliances articles Read green building & energy efficiency articles Read home interior articles
Read home exterior articles Read drywall and framing articles Read plumbing articles Read painting and wallpaper articles Read tools and woodworking articles

Solar Window Film Reduces Utility Bills


An Alternative to Double Glazed Argon Filled Energy Star Windows

© 2009 by all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission. Author’s Google profile

The summer sun's radiant heat


The harsh rays of the sun



This article was last revised on 10/14/20.

Solar window film is an economical substitute for double glazed argon filled Energy Star windows when seeking to reduce utility bills on a tight budget in the current economical situation. It stops the summer’s heat and UV rays from getting in. Darker tints will supply a degree of privacy as well.

It’s a simple fact that as the weather gets warmer, the more costly it is to keep the interior of the home cool. There’s many things that may be done in the house to control energy usage and lower power bills. Installing solar window film to conserve energy is really a great place to start.

Double and Triple Glazed Windows or Solar Window Film

Window efficiency has gained by leaps and bounds over the last 10 to 20 years. Both double and triple glazed Energy Star windows should be specified for new home construction. This is also true when it comes to hiring a remodeling contractor.

The downside of all this is how expensive are the windows themselves coupled with the window installation labor expenditure.

Most homeowners today thinking about remodeling their homes are leery of the capital expenditure because of the current economy added to the escalating cost of gas and basic groceries. Solar window film to the rescue! You already know how much more comfortable tinted windows make your car. Should’t your home get the same treatment?

Three Ways Solar Window Film Save Energy

  1. Heat transference: Film saves energy both during the summer heat as well as the winter cold. During the summertime, it redirects thermal energy back outside. Ditto assaulting UV rays with high-quality film. UV rays can fade the fabric on furniture as well as carpeting.

    During the wintertime? Film reduces warm thermal transference to the exterior. It has been estimated that up to 70% of a building’s heat will transfer through contractor grade windows. The sooner you install film the better, no matter what season it is.


  2. Minimize UV rays: As noted above, solar window treatments are engineered to reflect ultraviolet rays. The actual percentage depends on the film grade and manufacturer.


  3. Privacy window film: The darker-shaded and mirror style films provide a good deal of seclusion and privacy for you and your family while still giving a good view of the outside world.

How to Install Solar Window Treatments

I’m always being asked if this is a good DIY project to tackle. Good question, glad you asked. The answer, as you might suspect, is yes and no. It does take patience and attention to detail. That being said, many people would prefer to hire a window treatment contractor.

Keep in mind that a respectable window specialist will always offer a comprehensive warranty in writing. On many occasions during in these down economic times, a deferred payment plan may also be on the table if you ask for it and mention that not having one is a deal-breaker.

The newly-remodeled windows shouldn’t be washed during a specified time interval; this is usually 30 to 60 days. The solar product is curing and bonding during this time.

Available Grades of Window Film

Many manufacturers and the installation that represent them offer at least three grades. The two differences between them is first, the amount of energy efficiency and secondly, the degree of privacy.

So what can you expect to be offered? How about a selection between lightest, light, medium, and darkest. (Like car paint colors, different manufacturers have different names for these.) In many cases, the darkest film tint is obtainable in the same color tint as the lighter film.

Choices of bronze and silver are popular and yield the maximum degree privacy because of a mirror-like appearance. They’re also the best sustainable green building alternative so if you are into that either is a good choice.

Look for Energy Tax Credits

In some cases, this energy saving product is eligible for the energy tax credit. Don’t count on it. The government bases eligibility on location, type of window, and type of frame. If perchance you can claim it, the credit is just for the cost of the material, not labor, but anything is better than nothing, right?.

Save all receipts for when the time comes to file federal tax returns and scroll down to share your comment with our other readers. Now, ready to install solar window film to reduce you energy bills?


Visit Kelly's profile on Pinterest.

Recommended Related Articles

Did you find this article helpful? Please consider supporting this free site with a small donation! We rely on our info-seeking readers rather than a paywall to keep the lights on and the info flowing.

About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.












Looking for more content? Visit our partner sites:
The Green Frugal
Running Across Texas

As Featured On Ezine Articles

Do you need an article or blog post written? I offer these services at reasonable rates. Hire Me!

Return to the Green Building and Energy Efficiency Articles

Return to ICFUMH Homepage

Website © 2008 KSmith Media, LLC; all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without written permission.