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Jul 01
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Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of Energy - Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of Energy

By | Commercial, Home

In an article by the Department of Energy website Energy.Gov entitled Energy Efficient Window Attachments, they discuss the window film energy saving benefits as well as the benefits of several other window covering technologies. They highlight window films in the list and have very positive things to say about the energy saving benefits these films provide.

As the article states:

“Window films help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure…They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain. They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure.”

Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of EnergyThe article goes on to discuss how different window films are the first window attachment to be rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This rating allows you to compare the performance figures of differing films on an apples to apples basis. Regarding these labels, the article states that film “includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT) of the window film, both numbers between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at blocking heat gain. The higher the VT, the more potential for daylighting.”

It’s nice to see window films recognized by a third party rating source for their energy saving abilities. Moreover, it is even more satisfying to see the recognition coming from The Department of Energy as they discuss their role in energy efficient design.

To see the entire article, click HERE

If you have any questions about this article or how you can experience window film energy saving benefits in your home or commercial space, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide you with a free, no obligation quote to implement this innovative technology into your existing windows.

Jun 17
0
Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Films and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy

By | Commercial, Home

We wanted to summarize some information contained in an article that appeared in Healthcare Facilities Today related to how a window film retrofit upgrade to existing glass can enhance comfort and help save energy in nearly any space. The article written by Steve DeBusk entitled Window Film Can Balance Comfort, Energy Savings discusses some primary sources of savings. While this article was written specifically about using these films in hospitals and medical buildings, the benefits can be realized not only in medical facilities, but nearly any residential or commercial space.

The article begins by saying that “the right type of window film offers several energy-saving benefits: enhanced and prolonged performance of HVAC and lighting systems, increased window insulating power, and decreased plug load. Window film also improves the indoor environment by reducing hot and cold spots, making near-window indoor temperatures more tolerable, reducing glare, and lessening exposure to UV rays.” Let’s take a look at each on of these points individually.

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Film and Window Tinting InformationImproved Comfort: As mentioned above, a properly specified window film can help reduce both how and cold spots in a building. Rather than have areas of a building that are too hot or too cold, you can strategically use window films to even out the temperature and increase comfort. In addition, window films can be used to reduce glare and eye strain while allowing pleasant light to stream into the space. This makes a space more pleasant by maintaining views while eliminating the irritating elements of natural lighting.

HVAC Savings: This point was made by stating “proper maintenance and load reduction strategies may extend the life of existing systems. If you’ve identified HVAC as an opportunity to save energy, start by reducing heating and cooling loads. You may also prolong capital investments in HVAC upgrades or replacements.” There are several ways to reduce the load on an HVAC system, but a logical place to start is by controlling the transmission of heat through the windows. Window films can be used to help reduce the heat passing through the glass and allowing the HVAC to not have to work as hard to keep the space at the desired temperature.

Lighting Savings: Having uncontrolled light streaming through the windows can bring some unwanted aspects. This causes many people to use blinds or shades. The article explains by stating while this “helps reduce the effects of solar heat gain, glare, and UV ray exposure, but covering the windows also sacrifices natural light and views. As a result, artificial lighting requirements may increase because it’s the only source of light.” By taking advantage of the natural light coming through the windows, the need to use lighting is decreased and that helps save on lighting costs.

We hope that this summary helped you understand how a window film retrofit upgrade can improve your space by making it more comfortable and help save energy costs. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We service Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

May 20
0
Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading - Home Window Tinting and Films in the Springfield, Missouri area

Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading

By | Home

In a recent question and answer segment of the Home & Garden section of The Washington Post, the author Jeanne Huber discussed how window film can be effective to help prevent sun fading of furniture and floors.

Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading 2The person’s question was as follows: “My apartment — on the 12th floor, with southeast exposure — is wonderfully sunny. Plants do well, and I enjoy the light and the view all day. However, the sun has bleached both wood and upholstered furniture and some carpet. I don’t want to close the drapes and live in the dark. Can my windows be treated?”

Jeanne went on to describe how window film could be the solution to the issue by saying, “Having window film installed on the inside of your windows could be the solution…Window film cannot totally prevent fading because other factors, such as humidity, account for about 5 percent of the problem. But depending on the window film you select, it can go a long way toward reducing the problem. All films block virtually all ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are responsible for about 45 percent of fading. Films also can block the rays that together cause about half of fading: visible light and infrared light, which causes heat.”

Jeanne was absolutely correct. The window films we carry cannot completely stop sun fading, virtually nothing can, but they can significantly slow down the process. By significantly reducing UV, visible light and heat, a properly specified window film can allow you to enjoy the sun without worrying about bleaching out your furniture or flooring.

You can read the complete piece in The Washington Post by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information about how our home window films can help to prevent sun fading in your home, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to discuss this with you and provide you with a free, no obligation quote of implementing a window film product into your Springfield, Missouri area house.

May 07
0
May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - See How Window Film Helps - Window Film and Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – See How Window Film Helps

By | Commercial, Home

Based on information from The Skin Cancer Foundation, with over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. That is why observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month is so important. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.

Skin care to help prevent skin cancerWhile fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer affected more than 5.4 million people in the United States in a single year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all the other cancer types combined, and one in five Americans will develop it by the age of 70. Because this risk is so great, we wanted to offer some skin cancer prevention steps you can take to protect yourself while on the go, at home, and on the job.

Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of RecommendationYou may wonder why we are sharing this information with you. What does window film have to do with skin cancer prevention? Actually, professionally installed window films are a given the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun protection. They warn that ultraviolet radiation can travel through car and home windows, where it can contribute to the daily accumulation of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. UV-blocking films can not only protect you against this exposure, but can offer other benefits as well. Harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they’re also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you’re inside your car or house, if you’re sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you’re at risk for UV damage. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.

We are happy to offer window film products that can help be part of the solution. We wanted to share this article and this information to do our part during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Please share this article to help raise skin cancer awareness and educate friends and family one how a product like window film can help protect you in ways you never imagined.

Vehicle UV Protection

Skin Protection While Driving With Automotive Window FilmsResearcher Scott Fosko, MD in an American Academy of Dermatology news release said that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. He continued by saying “Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men,”

Researches attribute this split to our sun exposure while driving in the car. Given that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year, that’s a lot time for one half of your body to be receiving more UV radiation than the other.

To prevent skin cancer, always keep sunscreen in your car and apply before driving. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen is critical, because at least 50% of UVA rays can pass through glass, and even though they aren’t as intense as UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common than UVB.

Another option is having a professionally installed window film installed. This is an even better way to filter the UV radiation that causes most types of skin cancer, because it filters all the time without the need for reapplying every two hours. In addition, many professionally installed window films are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can check out their article on using window film for sun protection by clicking HERE.

At-Home UV Protection

Skin Protection While at Home Using Home Window FilmsSpeaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors

An easier solution is to have a window film installed to block out up to 99.9% of those damaging rays. Because films put a barrier between your home and the sun, they reflect heat from the exterior and trap it inside during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of window films for protecting your home, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog post on the topic.

UV Protection on the Job

Skin Protection While Working With Commercial Window FilmsWhile you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.

If you’re lucky enough to sit by a window while you work, don’t forget to consider windows film or a broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied regularly. If neither these options is feasible, try and situate your workspace where you won’t be sitting directly in the sun. If you work outside, sunscreen is especially important! The Skin Cancer Foundation found that 85% of melanomas and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers come from exposure to UV radiation, so if you’re working full time outdoors, your risk will increase exponentially.

So, as we start in Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you found this article informative and now understand how window films can play a part in your overall skin protection plan. Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films to help protect your skin. If you would like more information on the products or services we offer, contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE.

Nov 13
0
Solar Controlling Window Film in Springfield, Missouri.

Solar Controlling Window Film Pros & Cons Detailed by Architect Magazine

By | Commercial, Home

Evelyn Royer wrote an article for Architecture Magazine called “The Pros and Cons of Window Films” that we wanted to summarize. Solar controlling window film can be a misunderstood product, so we wanted to clear up some misconceptions. These innovative films retrofitted to your existing windows can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost energy efficiency in both homes and commercial spaces.

With a growing interest in improving energy efficiency, residential and commercial window films should not be a product that is overlooked. Let’s look into what the article says that these films can, and cannot do.

Window Film Pros

  • Window film can cut utility costs by 30% to 40% that is much cheaper than replacing windows.
  • Solar films block 99% of UV light that fades furniture without looking reflective or dark.
  • Window films can add security and slow down a break in.
  • Window Film can add safety by holding shards together if a window shatters.
  • Some films can make a low-cost new window as efficient as a newer low-E, triple-pane unit.

Window Film Cons

  • Some window manufacturers warn that films will void their window warranty. Check with your window manufacturer if your windows are still covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
  • Certain glass lites, latches, and frames make installation difficult, which can impact cost.

Ultimately, experts say the future is bright for solar controlling window film products. We completely agree as the importance of green technologies implemented into existing spaces will only be growing in importance over the coming years.

We would be happy to answer any questions and schedule a free, no obligation consultation about integrating these films into your home or commercial space. You can contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Aug 28
0
Duke Energy Offers Several Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners - Home Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Duke Energy Offers Several Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners

By | Home

Let’s face it, most of us are looking to save a little money these days and would love to take a bite out of high utility bills. However, we also want to maintain a comfortable house as many are spending a great deal more time in our homes these days. We wanted to do our part to help by summarizing five energy saving tips provided by Duke Energy in a recently published article. While this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, this could get you on the way to saving some money each month.

Five Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy

  1. Use ceiling fans and set them to rotate in the proper direction for the season. Fans allow users to set thermostats in a way that can reduce energy use.
  2. Have your heating and air conditioning system serviced and change the air filter each month or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Date the filter or set a reminder to help track when it’s time for a new one. This can help the unit run more efficiently.
  3. Install attic insulation rated R-30 and seal attic leaks. This will reduce heating and cooling escaping and could qualify for bill credits. Check with your utility company for more information.
  4. Install home window films or keep blinds, curtains and shades closed during the hottest part of the day, especially on south and west facing windows. This helps keep heat out and the AC from running constantly. However, most of us do not want to keep our blinds or shades closed, and this is where we can help. Modern home window films that can block a significant amount of this heat without even changing the appearance of your windows. We even have low-e options that can potentially save energy in both the warmer and cooler months. Contact us for more details.
  5. This is an area most people are unaware of. Unplug phones or other electronic devices once fully charged. Many chargers use energy even when they aren’t connected to a device.

The article at Duke offer several more tips as well and you can read the entire piece by clicking HERE.

We hope that this summary gave you some energy saving tips that you could use to start driving down your utility bills. If you would like more information about the home window films mentioned in the article, click HERE. If you have questions about our services, If you have questions about our services call us at or fill out a form HERE today.

Jun 26
0
Noticing Heat And Glare Issues As You Spend More Time Spent At Home? - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Noticing Heat And Glare Issues As You Spend More Time Spent At Home?

By | Home

If your increased time at home has caused you to notice some excessive heat or irritating glare issues in your home, window film retrofitted to your existing windows can help. The unfortunate aspect of the great open feeling that windows provide is that they can allow in more glare and heat than you might prefer. This can cause your air conditioning to work overtime or make it harder to see computer and television screens.

Ways Window Film Can Help

Reduce Excessive Heat – While window treatments can be effective at blocking sunlight and reducing incoming heat, they also obstruct the desired view through the windows. A window film applied to your existing glass can reflect sunlight before it enters the home. In fact, it can block and reflect up to 78% of the sun’s heat. This means air conditioning does not need to run as frequently, so energy bills can be reduced.

Cut Irritating Glare – When direct sunlight causes glare on computer or television screens a window covering can block the light. However, this also means rooms are darker and more interior lighting is required to account for the loss of natural light. Window films can be used to control excessive brightness and prevents glare without forsaking natural light. In addition, you are able to look out windows and enjoy views and scenery, which has been shown to increase well-being and mood.

We hope this brief article helped enlighten you to how window film can help with heat and glare issues in your home. If you would like more information on home window film, click HERE. If you have questions about these innovative films, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form here. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your home. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

May 14
0
Benefits of Home Window Film As Spring Arrives in Springfield, Missouri - Window Tinting in the Springfield, Missouri Area

Benefits of Home Window Film As Spring Arrives in Springfield, Missouri

By | Home

While most of you are likely thinking about other things at this time, we wanted to share some information you might find educational and informative. Despite the current situation, Spring has officially arrived and Summer is on the way. This time of the year brings in longer daylight hours and plenty of sun. While most of us typically look forward to this time of the year, that extra sun can play havoc in your home, with your health and on your budget. In this article, we wanted to focus on three ways that window films can help make all that extra sun alright.

    • Home Window Film Can Save Money on Energy Costs – The extra sun that Spring and Summer brings also often brings high utility bills because your air conditioning system is working overtime. Through the use of modern window films, you can dramatically reduce the amount of heat entering your home through the glass and subsequently reduce how hard your AC unit has to work to keep the home cool. If your AC system is working less, you are using less energy and your utility bills will reflect that savings.In addition, although not specifically a utility bill, your AC unit working less throughout the Summer can extend the service life of that unit and reduce maintenance costs. So, window film can actually save both on the energy cost of running the AC and the maintenance costs associated with the usage of your AC.
    • Window Films Can Make Your Home More Comfortable – The longer days of Spring and Summer can also bring about things that make your home less comfortable. Specifically, many homeowners deal with excessive glare and hot spots in the home at this time of the year. Whether it is for watching TV, using a computer or just kicking back with your favorite book, glare can make a room an uncomfortable place to be. By using window films strategically in your home, you can reduce the glare in rooms where that is an issue.Additionally, does your home suffer from hot and cold spots at this time of the year because one side is in sun most of the day while the other side is in the shade? You can use window film on the side of the home with excessive sun to reduce the heat entering in that area and equalize temperature throughout the home.
    • Window Films Can Preserve Your Furnishings and Your Health – The extra sun that Summer brings can also bring about fading issues with your flooring and furniture. Most windows offer no protection from the UV rays pouring through that account for a full 40% of the factors that cause fading. With modern window films, even the lightest shades block 99+% of the UV rays from entering through the windows. By eliminating this major cause of fading, you have taken a major step to extend the life of your flooring and furnishings. Also, The Skin Cancer Foundation has warned that this UV entering your home can also be detrimental to your health. In an article, they state,
      “While it’s understood that taking sun safety precautions is important outside, few people realize they can sustain sun damage indoors, too. While both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. However, at least 50 percent of UVA rays can pass through windows. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.”       The use of window film can help block these harmful UV rays and preserve your health in this area. You can read the entire article from The Skin Cancer Foundation by clicking HERE

So, don’t avoid the sun, but welcome its arrival by preparing your home with a modern home window film. If you would like more information on these innovative films, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form here. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your home. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.