Some of the bonuses of residential and commercial Blackout window film include:

• Complete privacy, both day and night
• Scratch resistant interior coatings are easy to maintain, and less susceptible to damage
• Its ability to double as a safety window film product if your glass is broken
• It is significantly more attractive, and durable, than black paint

Here is more information regarding Hanita Tek’s Blackout film for your home or business.

Complete Daytime and Nighttime Privacy. Sometimes our customers want privacy, but not at the expense of natural light, or the view outside. In that case, we direct their attention towards more traditional home window tinting products. But when you need absolute privacy, Blackout film is the way to go. It blocks out 100% of the visible light spectrum, and rejects up to 82% of the solar energy projected at your windows, which will significantly improve your building’s energy efficiency on south and west facing windows.

Hide Unsightly Interiors. When offices, companies, and/or residences take over industrial buildings, large windows can be a benefit and a curse. Where you want them, they are great. When you need to make interior structural changes, or use an existing window wall as a part of your storage area, it can make your interior appear unsightly from the outside. Once Blackout window film is applied, the interior of your office is no longer exposed. Passersby, guests, and/or customers will only see an opaque black window from the outside, and the interior will look exactly as you designed it.

Durable. Blackout window film has a soft, multi-ply construction with a scratch-resistant coating on the interior side. This makes it easy for windows to be cleaned, without having to worry about scratching or nicking the film’s surface, or compromising its integrity. To back up the durable quality of Hanita Tek’s Blackout window film, they provide a 12 year limited warranty to cover “failure of film, including change of color, peeling, bubbling, rippling, cracking, delamination and demetalization. It includes the cost of material and labor for removal and re-installation.

Get in the Solar Zone. Blackout window films are a part of Hanita Tek’sSolar Zone program. When installed and maintained correctly, Solar Zone products can:

• Reduce your energy bills by as much as 20%
• Reduce your solar heat gain by as much as 80%

Together, this can make your building more sustainable, and a part of the energy efficiency solution.

Contact DayStar Window Tinting for More Information About Blackout Window Film Products

Interested in learning more about how Blackout window film products can enhance your home or business? Please contact Daystar Window Tinting. We have been working with Bay Area residents for more than three decades in order to reduce sun damage, and improve energy efficiency. One of our knowledgeable and trustworthy representatives can meet with you at your home or business to discuss which of our window tinting products will be best for your needs.

The post HanitaTek Blackout Window Film appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

Have you been considering home window tinting now that summer is just around the corner again? While home window tinting is an investment, it is one that will be returned to you in a reasonable amount of time, plus interest! Interest being the additional energy savings you will gain, as well as the energy efficient tax credits you’ll receive this time next year.

Here are five reasons why home window tinting is well worth your investment.

1. Energy Savings. One of the most immediate benefits of window tinting is the money you will save on monthly utility bills. When we come to look at your home, we will be able to tell you which type of residential window film product will be best for each window. It’s important that you block solar heat gain, but not to the point that you don’t benefit from solar heat during the winter. When a perfect balance is achieved, you will lower your heating and cooling bills by an average of 20%. That’s significant. And, since up to 99% of the sun’s UV rays are blocked by window film, your home will also be protected from faded furnishings and decor.
2. Tax Credits. The U.S. government extended the energy efficient window film tax credits into the 2012/2013 tax year. As long as you purchase your window film products by December 31, 2013, you will be able to claim the credit on your tax forms. In order to utilize this energy efficient incentive, you must purchase qualifying films, and can claim 10% of your window film expenses – up to $500.
3. Natural Light. When you live in a city or urban environment, it can be difficult to achieve the level of privacy you would like in your home. Often, it requires closing the blinds and/or drapes, or pulling the shades, which means you have to turn your lights on during daylight hours. Not only is this an unnecessary use of energy – and your money – it is also harder on your mental and emotional well being. When you use home window tinting products, you can achieve the level of privacy you need, while still enjoying the benefits of natural lighting. Natural light is proven to be better for concentration, learning abilities, and emotional well being.
4. Safety and Security. Here in the Bay Area, our safety and security window films are a hot item. Not only are home and business owners concerned about theft or intruders, they are also worried about the next big earthquake. While building standards have evolved considerably in terms of earthquake safety, your glass window panes are still vulnerable. However, when they are covered with a thick, safety window film, the broken glass shards will remain in place. Not only does this protect the occupants and interior furnishings, it makes clean up and window replacement as simple as possible.
5. Home Design. Decorative window films are a wonderful way to dress up windows. From stained glass patterns to ornate etched-glass, our window films are perfect for patio doors, sliders, street-facing windows, or the glass panels on your exterior doors. Not only are they more affordable than their “real” glass counterparts, they are much easier to maintain. They can be easily cleaned using traditional glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth, without any worries of etching, or grime build up, on raised stained glass borders or porous, etched surfaces.

Window films are an attractive and affordable way to gain energy savings, privacy, safety, and an attractive home environment. We promise you they are worth your investment.

Please contact Daystar Window Tinting. We’ve installed home window tinting for Bay Area Customers since 1986.

Photo Credit: iBSSR who loves comments on his images via Compfight cc

The post 5 Reasons Why Home Window Tinting is Worth Your Investment appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

As more homeowners are looking for green building and energy saving solutions for their home, we’re seeing an increased interest in residential and commercial window tinting products. Anyone who has had their car windows tinted knows what a difference tinting can make, especially on a sunny day. Even a moderate decrease in UV penetration can provide a noticeable decrease in temperature. Window film can also be purchased for additional benefits such as privacy, decoration, and/or safety. But to be fair, there can be cons to purchasing window film as well.

The more you know and understand about residential and commercial window film, the better choice you will make in selecting the right product for your home. Here is a list of the Pros and Cons of window film.

Pros of Installing Window Tinting Products

• Energy Efficiency. The car example listed above is a model of solar heat gain. The more windows you have installed in your home or business, the more susceptible you are to solar heat gain. Without proper protection, like that provided by window film products, your air conditioning will run unnecessarily in an effort to keep the indoor temperature comfortable. This results in wasted energy and higher utility bills. Installing professional window film in your home or office can help you save energy, and money.
• Privacy. If privacy is a concern for you, whether it be exterior windows, or interior glass panels, window tinting products come in a variety of shades, colors, and degrees of darkness, in order to provide the privacy you need.
• Security. Some window film products are specifically design for safety and security. They can help to prevent smash and grab thefts, or intruders. They also make sure that shattered glass shards stay in place. This protects the interior of your home or office, as well as its occupants, in the event of an emergency. Plus, the thick film makes for an easier cleanup and replacement process.
• Anti-Graffiti. If graffiti is a problem in your area, anti-graffiti film is an affordable solution. It makes it easy to peel graffiti right off, preventing you from an expensive window replacement. It also protects your windows from etching.

Cons of Installing Window Tinting Film

• Window Warranty Void. Some window manufacturers will void their window warranty if you use any type of window film product. In most cases, this is because DIY window film is often installed incorrectly, which can prevent the window from operating properly and/or can cause damage. However, certain window film manufacturers will offer to match the window warranty as long as your window film is installed by a professional. Please let us know if you feel your window warranties are an issue.
• Choosing the Wrong Film. DIY window film installation can do more harm than good. If you choose the wrong film for your window, you can end up causing the window to build up condensation or absorb too much heat, which can disrupt the seal or cause window breakage, etc. Always hire a professional window film installer to ensure you select an appropriate, high-quality film for your windows and that it is installed correctly.
• Persnickety Windows. An odd-shaped window, or certain window frames, latches, and lites, can make it difficult to install the film smoothly, and without creases or bubbles. Again, an experienced window film installer will be able to assist you with this.

Obviously, we have a vested interest in believing there are more pros than cons when it comes to professional window tinting products. When you work with Daystar Window Tinting you can be assured we know the best window tinting products for whatever kind of project you have to get the best possible result.

Photo Credit: windowcoatingscom via Compfight cc

The post Window Tinting Products: Understanding the Pros and Cons appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

“Many of those wounded in the city of Chelyabinsk, 900 miles east of Moscow, were hit by broken glass when the shockwave smashed thousands of windows. At least 31 people were reported to be seriously injured and close to 200 children were among those hurt.” -The Independent

It’s hard to imagine the thoughts and fears that raced through the minds of Chelyabinsk residents when the nearly 10-ton meteor shot by their small town. The bright lights, loud noise, and the shock-wave accompanying its passing must have seemed like an act of war or terror. The unfortunate results of the fireball are the thousands of individuals wounded by shattered glass, and the cleanup that is now taking place. This is an example of the unpredictable consequence of natural disasters, which make security window film such a good investment for residential and commercial properties.

Photo from the Baltimore Sun

Is Your Home or Business Prepared for the Next Glass Shattering Disaster?

Experts say small meteorite attacks occur every year. Fortunately for humans, most of the planet’s surface is uninhabited and we are rarely affected in the way the Chelyabinsk community was on February 15. The problem is smaller meteorites and their strike zones aren’t able to be accurately predicted. As such, you never know when our area could be next.

Security Film Could Have Protected the Victims of the Meteorite Strike

There are three ways safety and security window film products could have made a difference in the recent meteorite disaster:

1. Security window film prevents physical harm. There were more than 1000 people injured, 200 of whom were children and 31 of whom were in serious condition, as the result of broken and shattered windows. At best, windows with security film would have kept shattered windows intact immobilizing the shards of glass and protecting individuals in affected buildings. At the least, the entire panel of security film may have been blown out but even still, the glass shards would not have been able to project into buildings and onto adjacent sidewalks and streets.
2. Security and safety film would have reduced property damage. Property and possessions are also damaged when glass shards are blown with extreme force. Walls, furniture, furnishings, and irreplaceable art works are all susceptible. Security film would have kept shards from penetrating property.
3. Window film can simplify the clean up. Ever tried to clean up the glass shards from a single broken window? Infinitesimal pieces can turn up for weeks and month afterwards in flooring, carpet, window coverings, furniture etc. One simple security film installation and all anyone has to do is cut the secured film out of the window and replace it with a new film – it’s that simple.

Those of us who have lived in the Bay Area for any length of time know that it’s not a matter of IF but, rather, a matter of WHEN there will be another earthquake. In our industry, window glass damage from earthquakes is one of the number one reasons we suggest that homeowners and business owners alike install security window film. The outcome of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or gale-force winds, are rarely predictable so preparation can be the key to remaining safe, protecting the ones you love, securing your possessions, and simplifying the cleanup process.

While we don’t expect to become the victims of a meteorite strike anytime soon, one thing is for certain; the devastation from Russia’s recent meteorite event is proof that you can never be too prepared. Contact Daystar Window Tinting and make an appointment for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your home and/or business is protected from the next natural disaster.

The post Prepare for the Next Meterorite Strike with Security Window Film appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

Our customers’ safety is very important to us, which is why we wanted to increase customer education on the topic the security and safety window film products that we offer. Your doors and windows are the most vulnerable regions of your home and office. Glass is especially tempting because intruders need only break the glass to gain access. The more you can do to prevent an intrusion, the better chance you have of keeping your family members, employees, and valuables safe from harm. High-quality security window film products can be a deterrent to potential intruders however, they may not entirely stop vandals from entering.

Safety and Security Window Film Can Slow Down Intruders

Experienced intruders know how to break in, enter, grab valuable contents, and get away in record time. Security and safety film serves as an additional barrier, which slows the perpetrator’s ability to enter your building. In some cases, especially when paired with a security door frame, the vandals may not be able to break the glass at all without multiple attempts. The unanticipated barrier of security window film can be enough to send them on their way as they aren’t interested in spending additional time entering the building. They risk being seen or caught when safety personnel begin arriving on the scene.

That being said, filmed glass can potentially break away from a door frame, allowing intruders access. Please consider your security and safety window film products as crime deterrent. It works best in conjunction with a solid security-strength door or window frame, and an active, reputable home or business security system. Together, these entities can work to minimize your chances of an intrusion.

Security and Safety Film Products Undergo Rigorous Safety Tests

We want our customers to know that Daystar Window Tinting only works with the highest quality commercial and residential window film suppliers and vendors. Our security and safety window films have been put through rigorous, standard, third-party safety testing. These testing procedures are the same methods used to test tempered glass, laminated glass, and heat-strengthened glass. All of our manufacturers have copies of the standard laboratory test reports, which validate their products have met and/or exceeded current impact testing standards.

While it’s true the film alone may not be able to stop a home or business intrusion, security and safety window films are used regularly on municipal, state, and federal government buildings. Large corporations and banks routinely install security window film products as extra protection against crime and to keep their employees safe. In addition to preventing intrusions, safety window film will hold glass in place, preventing glass fragments from harming people and furnishings in the event of an earthquake, natural disaster, a bomb blast, or other explosive attacks.

Which Safety Film Products are the Best?

The thicker the film, the more secure your windows will be. Laminated films, made from multiple layers of window film, work best. Keep in mind that repeat impact to the same area can cause security window film to be compromised. If you have a window film product that is peeling or lifting, it’s important to replace it immediately to maximize your building’s security.

For more information on using security and safety film to keep your home or business safe, contact Daystar Window Tinting. We are happy to come by and discuss which products will provide the maximum security for your building.

The post The Limitations of Safety and Security Window Film appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

We can’t tell you how many customers come to us desperate after their own attempts at applying home window film. While DIY window film may seem like an affordable and simple option, you have to really know what you are doing in order to get a perfect, professional, and error free application. And while the primary interest in window film is usually functional, a bubbly, wrinkly or torn window film looks tacky.

3 Reasons DIY Home Window Film Doesn’t Work

Bubbles and Wrinkles

In order to achieve the look of invisible window film, the film itself needs to be high quality and the installer needs to know exactly what s/he is doing. While the directions on the package may seem simple, i.e. clean windows, moist application, smoothing, etc., one wrong move and the entire project goes awry. If the window aren’t 100% clean, any debris or dirt will be trapped between the window and the film – unsightly to say the least. If the film becomes a bit offset or the smoothing tools aren’t used correctly and efficiently, the result is a notably bubbled or wrinkle window film, which looks like a cheap DIY window film project.

Professional window film installers do it right the first time so that your window film is invisible. You and your guests will forget it’s there while the film provides protection, insulation, and invaluable privacy.

Tears

While high quality window film shouldn’t tear easily, it is also thin enough to provide protection while remaining invisible to the casual observer. As such, one moment of erroneous application or frustration can cause the material to tear. This is a big window film “no no”. Not only will the tear(s) be readily seen, it will cause your window film application to appear cheap and unattractive. Tears also prevent the film from sealing properly, allowing moisture to become trapped between the film and the window. This condensation will create a permanently foggy aesthetic, and accumulated moisture may result in damage to your window, window trim, and/or the sill.

Another reason tears – and bubbles/wrinkles for that matter – are an undesirable consequence of DIY window film is because so many customers are opting to purchase window film with patterns, logos, or for security purposes. If the home window film application isn’t perfect, the patterns or logs will look crooked, off set, or unattractive which defeats the purpose of installing an interior design-oriented film.

Warranties? What warranties?

If you damage your DIY window film in the process of installing it, or are not happy with the product’s performance upon installation, you are stuck. In most cases, DIY commercial and home window film will have minimal warranties. Any error on your part during the application will mean scrapping the damaged film, purchasing more, and starting over. This is a waste of your time and money.

Professional window film installation guarantees your film will be installed right the first one, by knowledgable and professional window film installers. Not only will your home window film products be warranteed, our employees’ labor is warranteed as well. In many cases, your window film will come with a lifetime warranty! Add up the cost of multiple DIY window film installations and you will easily exceed the cost of one competitively priced professional window film installation.

Don’t let your good intentions result in inferior home window film. For more information on professional home window film installation, Contact DayStar Window Tinting. We’ve provided honest, reliable, and professional service to the Bay Area since 1986.

The post 3 Reasons to Avoid DIY Home Window Film appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

Security window film for your home or office provides a barrier which is able to stop smash and grab burglars in their tracks. Here is how it works.

Use Security Window Film to Prevent Smash and Grab Thefts

Security window films stop thieves in their tracks using the element of surprise, blocking ease of entry, and slowing them down. Need proof? Watch a security home window film demonstration by Madico.

The Element of Surprise

While security window film is thicker than most traditional home window film options, it is still completely see-through. Your potential burglars are counting on a large window break and/or shatter which will allow them to enter and exit the building quickly. They won’t be able to see your homes windows are protected with a security window film. Because the thick window film keeps broken shards in place, the burglars are startled and have to move to Plan B if they want to continue with the crime. This usually sends them away from your house before your security alarm, video surveillance, or potential witnesses have time to identify them for authorities.

Prevents ease of entry

The idea of smash and grab burglaries is based on the criminals’ ability to gain quick access to the interior of your home or business in order to grab valuables and get out. They aren’t as concerned about being caught on camera or setting off an alarm because their defense is centered around making a quick entrance and get away. Your home security window film will prevent them from smashing a hole in the window since the tough material holds broken glass shards in place. This inhibits their ease of entry and most criminals will not want to waste valuable time finding a new point of entry. Even kicking the security film in can be a problem because the cumbersome and sticky glass laden material can make it difficult for them to maneuver through, acting as a secondary barrier.

Slows them down

Since the goal is “quick in and quick out”, your security film will prevent them from achieving their goal. Your home security system will be activated, flood lights will come on, curious neighbors will be on alert, and every precious second of exposure puts them closer to being caught. While it’s not impossible for a criminal to gain entry through a security home window film, it will be more of a barrier than most criminals will want to deal with, sending them elsewhere for their next hit.

If you have been reading about escalating crime in your neighborhood, or are worried about the possibility of a smash and grab operation on your home, consider installing security window film for your home or business. Professionally installed window films come with money-backed guarantees for products and services. With one affordable installation you can protect your family and your valuable belongings.

For more information about how security window film can be used to protect your home, contact Daystar Window Tinting. We have provided window protection for Bay Area homes for almost thirty years.

The post Stop Smash and Grab with Security Window Film appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

5 More Ways to Save on Energy Costs in Your Business

1. Increase access to natural light. We started with lighting in Part 1 and we will begin there again. If your business is in a large warehouse or in in a single-story building you’re able to modify, it makes sense to look into solar tubes and/or skylights. These are simple and affordable to install and will add a tremendous amount of natural light to your warehouse or office even on a cloudy day. Seek out skylights with the Energy Star label to ensure they are rated for maximum energy efficiency in terms of insulation. You can also contact a local commercial window film installer to add window film to skylights for added protection from UV rays and to prevent glare.

2. Assess your air leaks. Poorly sealed doors and windows, leaky HVAC duct work, and gaps in exterior construction materials can waste a tremendous amount of energy. Do an annual air leak inspection and replace weathered or damaged weather stripping, caulk cracks or obvious gaps in window seals and on exterior walls where different construction materials meet. Also,inspect areas where electrical outlets, cables, and plumbing enter your building to ensure the holes and gaps are properly sealed as well. Energy savings in your business can be gained by keeping your interior temperature comfortable without overworking your HVAC.

3. Consider an insulation overhaul. If your business is located in an older building that hasn’t been renovated in a while, it is probably worth it to hire a local licensed contractor to do an inspection. A poorly insulated building wastes a surprising amount of money in heating and cooling costs. If the bid comes in higher than you would like, consider upgrading your roof insulation. Simply modifying the roof insulation to a higher R-value can save about 15% in HVAC energy costs alone. If your building is so old that existing insulation values are lower than R-12, you may be eligible for incentives which will further the energy savings in your business.

4. Install a programmable thermostat. If you are in a newer building, you probably already have a programmable thermostat. However, older buildings don’t usually have them and the difference can cause a larger company hundreds of dollars per year on monthly utility bills.Talk to your HVAC contractor about installing one. If you already have one, check the programming fairly regularly to make sure nothing has been changed. This is especially true around daylight savings time changes, seasonal changes, and during certain times of the year – such as holidays and summertime – when the office might be less inhabited.

5. Go Solar. Many business owners are stuck in an old way of thinking: “I’d love to go solar but it’s just too expensive.” However, technology has continued to advance, making solar energy more efficient and affordable than ever before. Government tax incentives have continued when other energy efficiency tax incentives have fallen by the wayside. Now could be the best time to overhaul your company’s energy paradigm and make the change to solar. Between tax incentives, competitive sales rebates, and affordable financing, it might cost you much less than you imagined.
   

Making small changes, such as increasing natural lighting or using a programmable thermostat, and large changes, like beefing up insulation or going solar, you can take energy savings in your business and transform them into significant dollar savings.

The post 5 More Ways to Save on Energy Costs in Your Business appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs in Your Business

1. Perform an Energy Audit. Energy audits are a great way to take annual assessment of where the energy is going in your business. Many local utility companies offer energy audits for free, or for a small fee. A representative can meet you at your place of business to do a walk-thru and asses the building structure, and day-to-day energy consumption, to make recommendations on how you can benefit from energy savings in your business. You can also do online energy audits, such as this energy audit provided by PG&E, by answering a series of questions.

2. Turn on the right kind of lights. What kind of lighting is your business using? If you are using any amount of incandescent lighting you are throwing money right out the proverbial window. By switching all of your business’ interior and exterior lighting from incandescent to compact florescent (CFL) or LEDs, you can save  more than 75% on lighting costs. That can really add up, especially for businesses with multiple offices or large industrial warehouses. Also, install motion sensitive light switches in bathrooms, storage closets, or other areas where people may forget to turn off the lights. These energy savings will quickly add up as well.

3. Install Commercial Window Film. One way to quickly gain energy savings in your business is to install commercial window film, especially on windows that have western or southern exposure. By blocking UV rays, you can save as much as 10% on monthly utility bills. In addition to energy savings, window film can also protect interior furnishings from fading, and cut down on frustrating computer glare.

4. Look for the Energy Star Label. The government created the Energy Star label in order to highlight products that met strict energy efficiency standards as per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of energy. One qualification to meet Energy Star guidelines is that the cost difference between a product with the Energy Star label and a standard version will be made up in a reasonable amount of time. Owners and/or managers should always purchase electronics, appliances for office kitchens, and even smaller devices – such as exit signs – with the Energy Star label to reap additional energy savings in your business.

5. Fix Water Leaks. Any water leaks should be fixed immediately. Not only will it save you money on your water bill, it will also save you in terms of repairs. Water leaks can erode concrete, cause mold and mildew damage, and can creep into interior wall spaces where further damage can go sight unseen. In the case of faucet leaks, hot water leaks can cost extra since the company’s hot water tank will be working unnecessarily.

Finding ways to gain energy savings in your business can become a game. These five steps will get you started. Now it’s your turn to think of additional energy saving techniques. If you get stuck – check back for “5 More Ways to Save on Energy Costs in Your Business.

The post 5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs in Your Business appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.

1. An Energy Audit. The word, “audit” can cause the nervous system to go on alert. However, this is the kind of audit where the homeowner, or a licensed professional, assesses the areas where energy – and therefore money – might be wasted by inefficiency in appliances, undetected leaks, and so on. Energy savings at home should begin with a knowledgeable assessment of where the energy in a home is going. Almost anyone can perform a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit. Homeowner’s may be surprised at what they discover. If you don’t feel like you know enough to perform a thorough energy audit, contact your local utility company. Many utilities, such as PG&E, offer Energy Audit seminars or can direct you in hiring a professional to do the audit for you.

2. Wish Upon the Energy Star. When it’s time to purchase a new appliance, HVAC system, or a piece of home entertainment equipment, keep an eye out for the Energy Star Label. Energy Star is a government approved stamp that the electronic or gas powered device is more energy efficient than a standard model and meets strict energy guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy. It is also a guarantee that the extra money spent on an Energy Star product will be recouped by its energy savings within a “reasonable amount of time.” From that point forward, it’s all just energy savings.

3. Light Bright. Lighting is an easy focal point for energy savings at home. Incandescent bulbs burn significantly more energy than their florescent and LED counterparts. In fact, as it stacks up between the three lighting options:
   • Energy Saving Incandescent Bulbs: 25% energy savings

   • Energy Saving Compact Florescent (CFL): 75% energy savings (Note: CFLs contain mercury and should never be thrown away in the trash. Please save them and bring them to your local hardware store or other CFL recycling station.

   • Light-Emitting Diode (LED): 75%+ energy savings

   
   You can imagine how those savings at home add up over time.
   

1. Make Way for Natural Light. Sunlight is absolutely free. However, so many homes have the blinds pulled and the curtains closed during the daytime to maintain privacy, cut down on passive solar heat (another way to conserve energy!), or to keep the glare from television and computer screens. Installing window film can be a great way to keep the lights off during the daytime while still benefiting from free sunlight, preserving privacy and preventing excessive solar heat gain. Contact a local window film installer for more information on how you can keep the lights off and let the sunlight in.

2. Adequate Insulation. Insulation helps to maintain a more constant indoor temperature so the HVAC system works less to balance fluctuations. Older homes are often inadequately insulated. It’s worth the money to have your home inspected and get bids on adequately insulating your home. Improving the insulation in your attic can help tremendously. Take a peek – if the insulation is equal to, or lower than attic floor joists, it’s time to make modifications.

Energy savings at home means more money in the pocket. Take some time this weekend for a DIY energy audit and see where you can start saving energy.

The post 5 More Ways to Lower Energy Costs at Home appeared first on Daystar Window Tinting.