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Apr 01
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Home Window Tint and Film Benefits Discussed In Million Acres Magazine - Residential Window Film in the Springfield, Missouri

Home Window Tint and Film Benefits Discussed In Million Acres Magazine

By | Home

We wanted to share information from a recent article in Million Acres by Matt Frankel, CFP that discussed the pros and cons of having home window tint retrofitted to your existing windows. In this article, we are going to primarily summarize the benefits as the only negative the article mentioned was the potential out of pocket cost up front. Other than that, home window tint and film provides a fairly substantial list of positives. The great thing about this home improvement is that in most cases window film can be installed directly on your existing windows with very little disruption to a household. So, without further delay, here are the pros of home window tint.

The Benefits of Home Window Tint and Film
  • Reduce Excessive Heat or Eliminate Hot Spots: In general terms, sunlight generates heat, and utilizing tinted windows allows less sunlight in. The result is less heat entering the home through the windows. This can be used to cut heat in a room that has a south or west exposure and gets too hot during the day or in targeted areas to eliminate a hot spot in a very particular area of the house. The article quotes a HomeGuide claim that tinted windows can block as much as 85% of the heat generated by sunlight, which can mean a difference of as much as 15 degrees in the interior of the home. While the amount of heat reduced depends on the particular windows installed, home window film is an effective way to reduce heat from entering though the glass.
  • Help Prevent Sun Damage: As the article states, “natural sunlight isn’t just hot, it can be damaging to the inside of your home“. Wood floors and furniture are especially vulnerable to long-term sun damage. This sun damage is caused primarily by a combination of UV rays, heat and natural light. Window films can reduce the combination of these three primary elements to help prolong the life of your furnishings.
  • Lower Energy Costs: This goes hand in hand with reducing excessive heat. The goal is to maintain a comfortable environment in your home for the least amount of cost due to energy usage. The article explains that, “as sunlight heats the air in your home to an uncomfortable temperature, you probably use your air conditioning system to cool it. Reducing the sunlight in your home means you’ll run your air conditioner less, which can save you money on electricity.“
  • Improved Privacy: The article states that, “tinted windows make it more difficult for people to see into your home, which can add to the feeling of privacy (and security) in your home, without the need to keep your shades drawn at all times“. While this is true of some window tint during the day, when it becomes dark outside others will be able to see in. That being said, there are specific window films that can be used to give you privacy both day and night.
  • Cut Irritating Glare: Like a quality pair of sun glasses, window film can be used to cut irritating glare. The article says it this way, “tinted windows help eliminate glare caused by sunlight. As a personal example, I can’t use my home office after 3 p.m. without my blinds down. The glare is too intense for me to see my computer screens comfortably. Window tint can solve this sort of problem“.
  • Add a Decorative Element: In addition to films that reduce the light transmission, some types of window film come in attractive textures, designs and patterns that can add both decorative and privacy elements to your home.

If you would like to read the entire article in Million Acres, click HERE.

We hope that this summary of the article gave you some insight into all the great things these innovative home window tint and films can do. If you would like more information about the home window tinting films mentioned in the article, click HERE. If you have questions about our services, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your Springfield, Missouri home.

Jan 31
0
Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and Film in Springfield, Missouri

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy

By | Commercial, Home

These days, a more energy efficient commercial space helps you go green in two ways: it’s better for the environment, and it’s better for your wallet. With the costs of utilities going through the roof, you want to find ways to conserve wherever possible. The energy savings from solar control window films can help you avoid costly utility bills, and these innovative films retrofit to existing windows to avoid the cost and disruption of replacing inefficient windows.

Adding one of these window films to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation….and they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and FilmThis results in a number of significant benefits:

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Dec 10
0
The Perfect Home Gift Might Be A Window Film Retrofit To Existing Glass - Home Window Tinting in the Springfield, Missouri area

The Perfect Home Gift Might Be A Window Film Retrofit To Existing Glass

By | Home

It’s officially that time of year again! People are often scrambling around to come up with gift ideas. Why not give a gift that continues to provide value well into the future? Considering that many people are spending more time in their home since the beginning of the pandemic, we wanted to share what we thought might be the perfect home gift. Who couldn’t use a gift that will improve comfort, save money and help preserve furniture, floors and furnishings in your home? That is exactly what retrofitting a window film to the existing glass in your home can do. Sound interesting? Let’s learn more!

3 Reasons Window Film Is The Perfect Home Gift
  1. Help Save Money On Utility Costs – As a result of spending more time at home, many have noticed their heating and cooling system working harder to maintain the desired comfort level throughout the day. When these systems are working harder, they consume more energy. Window films retrofitted to your existing glass can help reduce the demand on your system by making your windows more energy efficient. With the projected significant rise in utility costs this upcoming year, this reduction in demand on the system can result in some nice utility savings.
  2. Improve The Comfort Of A Home – Nothing impacts the comfort of a home more than being too hot or too cold. That is exactly what often happens in areas of the home near windows. You can experience hot and cold spots throughout the home that the heating and cooling system cannot address. A properly chosen home window film can help eliminate these hot spots in the summer and cold spots in the winter, making a home more comfortable all year round.
  3. Preserves Floors, Furniture & Furnishings – A home window film retrofitted to existing glass will block virtually all of the sun’s UV rays as well as a portion of solar heat and visible light. These are the 3 main factors related to sun damage and fading. By reducing this combination of 3 factors through the use of window film, you can extend the life of floors, furniture and furnishings.

We hope that this article explained why we feel might be the perfect home gift idea this holiday season and beyond. If you would like more information about the residential window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and estimate, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of retrofitting a house window film solution onto your home’s existing windows in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Aug 05
0
House Window Tint Useful Information And The Pros & Cons of Using It - Home Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

House Window Tint Useful Information And The Pros & Cons of Using It

By | Home

When discussing house window tint with homeowners we often get asked many similar questions. As a result, we wanted to write an article that explains some facts about these innovative films and also shares some pros and cons of having them installed in your home.

4 Fast Facts About House Window Tint

  • Window Film Retrofits To Existing Windows – Window film is installed as a retrofit to your existing windows allowing you to significantly improve the performance of you windows with minimal disruption to your home.
  • Window Film Improves The Comfort In Your Home – Window film can enhance comfort by reducing excessive heat and glare throughout your home or strategically only in areas most impacted by the sun.
  • Window Film Extends The Life Of Your Floors & Furnishings – Most window films will reduce 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This along with the reduction of heat and glare mentioned above will significantly reduce the contributors of fading and extend the life of your floors and furnishings.
  • Window Film Can Enhance Privacy – By using decorative window films in areas like entryways and bathrooms you can add privacy without resorting to blinds, curtains or shades that obscure the windows.

Pros and Cons of House Window Tint

  • Home Window Film Pros – In addition to the facts listed above, window films can also be used to add safety and security to a home, protect the skin of the occupants in the home and improve the insulating value of your existing windows for far less than the cost of replacement units.
  • Home Window Film Cons – The primary negative of window film is the fact that it can void your existing window warranty if you have one in place. You would have to verify you have a warranty in place and that window film would void the factory warranty. If so, a supplemental warranty from the window film manufacturer is often available to replace the voided manufacturer warranty.

We hope that this article shed some light on house window tint and the pros and cons of using it in your home. If you would like more information, 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 home.

Jul 01
0
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.