Windows are an essential component of any building, but they also present challenges such as excessive heat, glare, and fading of furnishings due to UV rays. Fortunately, professionally installed window film can address these issues and provide numerous benefits for homes and businesses.
What is a Window Film?
Window film is a thin, self-adhesive material applied to the interior or exterior of windows. It is typically made of polyester and comes in a variety of shades, colors, and patterns to suit different needs and preferences.
Benefits of Professionally Installed Window Film
Energy Savings
One of the main benefits of window film is its ability to reduce energy costs. Window film helps to keep the interior of a building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by reflecting heat back into the room. This means less reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy bills.
UV Protection
Window film can protect against the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause skin damage and fade furnishings over time. High-quality window films block up to 99% of UV rays, helping to prolong the life of furniture, carpets, and other interior items.
Glare Reduction
Window film can significantly reduce the amount of glare that enters a room, making it easier to work, watch TV, or use a computer. Glare reduction can also improve the safety of drivers on the road, as it reduces the glare from the sun and headlights.
Improved Privacy
Window film can provide increased privacy for homes and businesses. Privacy window film can be applied to the lower portion of windows to block the view from outside while still allowing natural light to enter the room. Decorative window film can also be used to add style and visual interest to windows while still maintaining privacy.
Enhanced Security
Professionally installed window film can also improve the security of homes and businesses. Security window film is designed to hold glass together in the event of a break-in or natural disaster, making it harder for intruders to enter and reducing the risk of injury from flying glass.
Easy Maintenance
Window film is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It is also durable and long-lasting, with most films having a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Federal Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Under the Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit, homeowners who make certain energy-efficient home improvements, including window film installation, may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 10% of the cost of the improvement, up to a maximum credit amount of $500. As of 2023, this tax credit will be modified and expanded. Homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the improvement, to an annual maximum tax credit of $1,200, for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements made through 2032. This includes window film that meets specific energy efficiency requirements.
To qualify for the tax credit, the window film must meet certain requirements, including a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.23 or less and compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) version 2015 or later, or the Standard 90.1-2013 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
State and Local Incentives
In addition to the federal tax credit, there may be state or local incentives or rebates available for installing energy-efficient window film. It's important to check with local authorities to see if there are any available programs.
Other Benefits
Aside from the benefits discussed above, professionally installed window film can also:
? Reduce the risk of skin cancer and eye damage from UV rays
? Reduce the fading of carpets, furniture, and other interior items
? Provide added insulation, making the space more comfortable and helping to regulate temperature fluctuations
? Increase the overall value and curb appeal of a building
? Provide a more consistent and uniform appearance to a building's windows
? Offer added shatter resistance in the event of an impact or break-in
By reducing the risk of skin cancer and eye damage, window film provides an added layer of protection against harmful UV rays. This is especially important for individuals who spend a significant amount of time indoors or near windows, such as office workers and children in schools.
The fading of carpets, furniture, and other interior items due to UV rays can be a significant concern, especially for those with expensive or sentimental items. By blocking up to 99% of UV rays, window film can help prolong the life of these items, saving money and reducing waste over time.
In addition to energy savings, window film can also provide added insulation to a building, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations and reduce drafts. This can help create a more comfortable indoor environment, especially during extreme weather conditions.
By improving the overall appearance of a building and providing added shatter resistance, window film can increase the value and curb appeal of a property. This is especially important for businesses looking to make a good first impression on potential customers.
In terms of aesthetics, window film can also provide a more consistent and uniform appearance to a building's windows, especially in commercial or industrial settings where different window styles and sizes may be present.
Overall, professionally installed window film is a cost-effective and versatile solution for improving the comfort, functionality, and value of any building. With a wide range of options available, including decorative and security films, there is a window film solution to meet every need and preference.
Federal Tax Credit and Other Incentives
In addition to the numerous benefits of window film, there are also federal, state, and local incentives available to make the investment even more attractive.
The Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit provides homeowners who make certain energy-efficient home improvements, including window film installation, with a tax credit of up to 10% of the cost of the improvement, up to a maximum credit amount of $500. However, as of 2023, this tax credit will be modified and expanded, allowing homeowners to claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the improvement, up to an annual maximum tax credit of $1,200, for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements made through 2032.
To qualify for the tax credit, the window film must meet specific requirements, including a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.23 or less and compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) version 2015 or later, or the Standard 90.1-2013 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
In addition to the federal tax credit, there may be state or local incentives or rebates available for installing energy-efficient window film. It's important to check with local authorities to see if there are any available programs.
Conclusion
Professionally installed window film offers numerous benefits for homes and businesses, including energy savings, UV protection, glare reduction, improved privacy, enhanced security, easy maintenance, added insulation, increased value and curb appeal, added shatter resistance, and more consistent and uniform appearance. With a wide range of options available, including decorative and security films, window film is a versatile and cost-effective solution for improving the comfort and functionality of any building. Additionally, the federal tax credit and other incentives make the investment even more attractive, providing homeowners and businesses with a valuable opportunity to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.