Lower Summer Utility Bills

(HIT) - During the summer, heat invades our homes. In 2001, energy costs doubled in many communities. Very few utility companies lowered their rates when energy became more plentiful in late 2001. The question now is not where to find the energy, but where to find the money to pay the utility bills.

Many homeowners are not aware that the heat pouring through their windows is responsible for an average of 15%-20% of their average summer utility bills. In Sunbelt states, the average can be much higher. The sun’s heat gain puts such a load on air conditioners that they keep running all the time. As energy rates remain high or climb further, everyone needs a more affordable and more immediate way to beat the heat while lowering summer utility bills.

The biggest problem in the home is the window.

Start lowering home utility bills at the windows, especially windows facing south and west. For people who live in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California, excessive sun heat coming in the windows means a lot of cash going out to utility companies. According to Jack Haenichen, senior technical adviser for the Arizona commerce department’s energy office, "40 percent of a house’s heat is a result of its window space and approximately 50 percent of a utility bill can be attributed to them."

A cost- effective solution for lowering summer utility bills is the use of a sun control window film. James Dulley, author of The Sensible Home, writes that "Window film is your best solution to block heat and fading, especially if you are on a limited budget. The new summer/winter films save energy year-round." In his syndicated "Utility Bill Updates," Dulley recommends metallized polyester films that reflect summer heat outside and help retain radiant heating in winter, much the same way high-tech insulated windows do, only at a tiny fraction of the cost for new windows.

Potential To Lower Summer Utility Bills Significant

The most energy efficient insulating films reflect up to 70% of the sun’s energy outside. They significantly reduce heat gain, improve comfort, and lower summer utility bills. On an average 2000 sq. ft. home, a heat control window film applied to all the windows can reduce summer utility bills up to 25% in. In western states like California, Arizona, and Nevada, utility bill savings can be more. The difference is immediate, the payback can be less than a year, and these films work up to ten years. After that, replacement is quick and easy, and the savings begin again. Actual benefits depend upon window age, type, exposure, and climate.

Sun control window films offer homeowners five levels of savings. According to John Pinkerton of GILA Window Films, "These consumer-friendly films reduce utility bills and improve comfort. They are readily available at home centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. They cost less than a dollar per square foot. They are designed for relatively easy do-it-yourself application. And they improve existing windows." More information is available about GILA films at www.gilafilms.com.

Pinkerton adds, "Only sun control window films applied directly onto the glass to reflect heat and reduce harsh glare and damaging UV A+B rays should be used. Maximum efficiency and lower utility bills starts with selecting the right film and applying it to all the window, especially those facing south and west."

Different Films Meet Different Needs

Leading do-it-yourself brands feature heat control, glare control, and privacy films for homes. Heat control ratings usually appear as numbers or icons on the packaging. Some films are virtually invisible. Some are darker to block glare. Others are mirrored or frosted for greater privacy and personal protection. Most films are sold in precut rolls near other window treatments or insulation products in home centers nationwide.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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