Energy Efficiency: An investment with a guaranteed return
These days, everyone is looking to make solid financial decisions. One of the smartest ideas you can make? Improve your home’s energy efficiency. By saving energy, not only are you guaranteed a reduction in your energy bills, you’ll also be increasing your comfort and adding long-term value to your home. And using less energy means fewer emissions — which helps the environment.
If you’re interested in making your home more energy-efficient, look no further than our Home Energy Improvement Program. Through this new program, you can receive cash rebates from Progress Energy to help you increase your home’s energy efficiency, get a list of specially trained contractors you can use to complete your improvements, and learn more about the financial and other benefits of having an energy-efficient home.
The cash rebates can be used for the following improvements:
HVAC system maintenance
HVAC system replacement
Air duct testing and repair
Attic insulation upgrade and attic sealing
Installing energy-efficient windows
In addition to the cash rebates from Progress Energy, many of the improvements listed above may help you qualify for additional federal tax credit up to $1,500. For more details, visit ENERGYSTAR.gov. All in all, making your home more energy-efficient is one of the best financial decisions you’ll ever make. With the Home Energy Improvement Program, not only do you get assistance in paying for upgrades to your home’s energy efficiency, the increase in energy savings you’ll receive will reduce your energy bills for years to come.
The Home Energy Improvement Program was approved by the N.C. Utilities Commission on April 30, 2009. The program launched in North Carolina on July 1, 2009. The program was approved and launched in South Carolina on June 26th, 2009.
http://progress-energy.com/shared/stw/index.asp
http://www.efficientwindows.org/toolkits/tk_designer1_4list.cfm
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Window Film is the most effective retrofit solution.
ROI-Commercial Property Managers Compare Window Film USA
Can anyone deny that this has been a very troubling year for commercial property managers across the USA? Budgets are being slashed and tenant occupancy and tenant satisfaction are high profile topics in your management meetings.
It's all about cost savings and going green. Taking advantage of government energy incentives and local power company rebates makes more sense now than at any time since the Oil Embargo of the 1970's.Certainly the window film solution has come up before and many property managers have a distinctly poor perception of this retrofit solution. Why?Many of the older technology window films used dyed films that eventually fade or change colors. The effectiveness in reducing heat gain and lowering the demand on chillers and Hvac was very difficult to quantify. The aesthetics in many cases lent credence to the expression that "The cure was worse than the disease!"The fact that some manufacturers of window film still make dyed films or dyed metal combination films that are installed on commercial glass is appalling! The fact that this happens is evident by the purple glass you can see on many of the retail and commercial buildings throughout the USA.Sun Protection represents the leading manufacturers and brands of window film in the USA. We aren't shy about promoting these fine products and it is our direct experience in installing every one of these films and their performance and durability that separate our knowledge base from any other window film installation company. This is the difference between Sun Protection and that window film company you may have worked with in the past.There are no absolutes in window film. For example a reflective 20 % VLT Silver film is available from many different sources with a price spread that might amaze you. One company might have the temerity to charge twice as much for a film that is in nearly every respect the exact same film as one at half the cost. Some companies will simply re-box a film and sell it under another better known label. No added value just added cost.We won't play that game. . .PERIOD!
· We have committed our portfolio to non dyed films 100%.
· We will only recommend NFRC certified films for commercial buildings. Our commercial division offers 10 and 15 year commercial warranties.
· LEED Points for sustainable buildings.
· We offer highly competitive investment costs that are certainly in line with the ROI our clients demand.
· We are fully insured (2.0 Million) and have earned a long list of third party recommendations.
· We are objective concerning the window film solution that best meets your requirements. We can say this because we offer the best of the best films rather than one brand!
Consulting with your management team and analyzing your requirements is the first step in the process. Window film solutions are not identical. Consider the interior and exterior reflectivity of the window film for example. Many films are highly reflective while other films are less reflective from the interior or exterior.Take the hue of the film. Many films are neutral in appearance while others have a distinct color shift to the blue or green.There are bronze films and highly reflective spectrally select silver films.There are adhesives that are clear and will last for decades and there are pressure sensitive adhesives that are simply not durable enough for the daily wear and tear of a commercial office or retail environment. These films will present a hazy distorted appearance that will raise serious concerns in your building. There are virtually clear nano-ceramic films that won't alter the aesthetics of your building therefore maintaining the curb appeal that your tenants appreciate.
Adding to the market confusion has been a recent influx of non NFRC rated Chinese and South Korean based IR dyed films that are flooding the US Market. These films start with very impressive aesthetics and performance numbers. The problem is their inability to maintain this efficacy during a normal life cycle of 20 years. In a ironic sense these IR dyed films have the potential to follow the same course as the dyed plastic films of the 1960's and 1970's.We prefer that our clients get educated about window film. We want you to call local dealers or home depot then call us for an objective comparison. Certainly the fact that we offer the brands that comprise 95% of the US market share is absolutely no coincidence! We believe that the more knowledgeable you become about window film solutions the better our chances are to meet your goals and bottom line targets with Fact- Credentials and Performance on your buildings' glass now and for the next 25-50 years!
Can anyone deny that this has been a very troubling year for commercial property managers across the USA? Budgets are being slashed and tenant occupancy and tenant satisfaction are high profile topics in your management meetings.
It's all about cost savings and going green. Taking advantage of government energy incentives and local power company rebates makes more sense now than at any time since the Oil Embargo of the 1970's.Certainly the window film solution has come up before and many property managers have a distinctly poor perception of this retrofit solution. Why?Many of the older technology window films used dyed films that eventually fade or change colors. The effectiveness in reducing heat gain and lowering the demand on chillers and Hvac was very difficult to quantify. The aesthetics in many cases lent credence to the expression that "The cure was worse than the disease!"The fact that some manufacturers of window film still make dyed films or dyed metal combination films that are installed on commercial glass is appalling! The fact that this happens is evident by the purple glass you can see on many of the retail and commercial buildings throughout the USA.Sun Protection represents the leading manufacturers and brands of window film in the USA. We aren't shy about promoting these fine products and it is our direct experience in installing every one of these films and their performance and durability that separate our knowledge base from any other window film installation company. This is the difference between Sun Protection and that window film company you may have worked with in the past.There are no absolutes in window film. For example a reflective 20 % VLT Silver film is available from many different sources with a price spread that might amaze you. One company might have the temerity to charge twice as much for a film that is in nearly every respect the exact same film as one at half the cost. Some companies will simply re-box a film and sell it under another better known label. No added value just added cost.We won't play that game. . .PERIOD!
· We have committed our portfolio to non dyed films 100%.
· We will only recommend NFRC certified films for commercial buildings. Our commercial division offers 10 and 15 year commercial warranties.
· LEED Points for sustainable buildings.
· We offer highly competitive investment costs that are certainly in line with the ROI our clients demand.
· We are fully insured (2.0 Million) and have earned a long list of third party recommendations.
· We are objective concerning the window film solution that best meets your requirements. We can say this because we offer the best of the best films rather than one brand!
Consulting with your management team and analyzing your requirements is the first step in the process. Window film solutions are not identical. Consider the interior and exterior reflectivity of the window film for example. Many films are highly reflective while other films are less reflective from the interior or exterior.Take the hue of the film. Many films are neutral in appearance while others have a distinct color shift to the blue or green.There are bronze films and highly reflective spectrally select silver films.There are adhesives that are clear and will last for decades and there are pressure sensitive adhesives that are simply not durable enough for the daily wear and tear of a commercial office or retail environment. These films will present a hazy distorted appearance that will raise serious concerns in your building. There are virtually clear nano-ceramic films that won't alter the aesthetics of your building therefore maintaining the curb appeal that your tenants appreciate.
Adding to the market confusion has been a recent influx of non NFRC rated Chinese and South Korean based IR dyed films that are flooding the US Market. These films start with very impressive aesthetics and performance numbers. The problem is their inability to maintain this efficacy during a normal life cycle of 20 years. In a ironic sense these IR dyed films have the potential to follow the same course as the dyed plastic films of the 1960's and 1970's.We prefer that our clients get educated about window film. We want you to call local dealers or home depot then call us for an objective comparison. Certainly the fact that we offer the brands that comprise 95% of the US market share is absolutely no coincidence! We believe that the more knowledgeable you become about window film solutions the better our chances are to meet your goals and bottom line targets with Fact- Credentials and Performance on your buildings' glass now and for the next 25-50 years!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Window Film Tax Credits *
2009 Tax Credit for Window Film
A provision in the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (ARRA) has significantly changed the existing tax credit opportunity for window films installed in residential structures. Under the new policy, qualifying credit has effectively tripled from 10% to 30% of film cost with a maximum total credit of $1,500, up from the previous cap of $500. The new policy goes into effect retroactively from January 1, 2009 through to December 31st of 2010.The ARRA also makes product compliance standards for the tax credit more stringent. Please review the LLumar and Vista Qualifying Products Certification Statements that outline which films, when installed with different window/frame types, qualify for climate zones defined by the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. These new standards went into effect February 17, 2009.
Money in Your Pocket
A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay. Homeowners can receive a 30% credit on the costs of window film, up to $1500. Installation charges do not apply.
Making it Simple
Complete IRS form 5695 and file 2009 Income Tax Returns by April 15, 2010. Forms are downloadable at http://www.energystar.gov/, along with a list of other available energy efficiency tax credits. Maintain copies of the dealer invoice and the manufacturer's certification statement for your records. Nothing herein, including any content set forth in any documents or websites made accessible hereon, shall be deemed to constitute tax advice. CPFilms Inc. is not a tax advisor. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your eligibility with respect to any tax credit.
A provision in the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (ARRA) has significantly changed the existing tax credit opportunity for window films installed in residential structures. Under the new policy, qualifying credit has effectively tripled from 10% to 30% of film cost with a maximum total credit of $1,500, up from the previous cap of $500. The new policy goes into effect retroactively from January 1, 2009 through to December 31st of 2010.The ARRA also makes product compliance standards for the tax credit more stringent. Please review the LLumar and Vista Qualifying Products Certification Statements that outline which films, when installed with different window/frame types, qualify for climate zones defined by the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. These new standards went into effect February 17, 2009.
Money in Your Pocket
A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay. Homeowners can receive a 30% credit on the costs of window film, up to $1500. Installation charges do not apply.
Making it Simple
Complete IRS form 5695 and file 2009 Income Tax Returns by April 15, 2010. Forms are downloadable at http://www.energystar.gov/, along with a list of other available energy efficiency tax credits. Maintain copies of the dealer invoice and the manufacturer's certification statement for your records. Nothing herein, including any content set forth in any documents or websites made accessible hereon, shall be deemed to constitute tax advice. CPFilms Inc. is not a tax advisor. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your eligibility with respect to any tax credit.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
ICC Evaluation Report Now Available
ICC Evaluation Report Now Available for LLumar SCLSRPS4 Safety Film!
CPFilms is pleased to announce that we recently received an Evaluation Report for SCLSRPS4 from the International Code Council's evaluation services subsidiary, ICC-ES, and we are the first manufacturer in the window film industry to receive it.
To issue the evaluation report, ICC-ES verified that CPFilms’ testing complies with their specified building codes and that our manufacturing facility meets their standards for quality procedures and manufacturing consistency.
The LLumar Advantage
The ICC Evaluation Report is now being requested on a routine basis by building inspectors prior to issuing building permits for safety film projects. While SCLSRPS4 has already passed the proper ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201.4 testing for safety applications, having the Evaluation Report will allow our dealers to gain permit acceptance more quickly and give you a leg up on the competition.
To obtain a copy of the LLumar Evaluation Report (Report Number: ESR-2487), please visit: http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-2487.pdf.
CPFilms is pleased to announce that we recently received an Evaluation Report for SCLSRPS4 from the International Code Council's evaluation services subsidiary, ICC-ES, and we are the first manufacturer in the window film industry to receive it.
To issue the evaluation report, ICC-ES verified that CPFilms’ testing complies with their specified building codes and that our manufacturing facility meets their standards for quality procedures and manufacturing consistency.
The LLumar Advantage
The ICC Evaluation Report is now being requested on a routine basis by building inspectors prior to issuing building permits for safety film projects. While SCLSRPS4 has already passed the proper ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201.4 testing for safety applications, having the Evaluation Report will allow our dealers to gain permit acceptance more quickly and give you a leg up on the competition.
To obtain a copy of the LLumar Evaluation Report (Report Number: ESR-2487), please visit: http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-2487.pdf.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Our most commonly asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Will window film really stop fading of fabrics?
How long will film last?
How should I clean my windows after film is applied?
Will window film kill my house plants?
Can Window Film be used on Low E windows?
Will window films cause glass to break?
Will Window Film Really Stop Fading Of Fabrics?
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1. Ultraviolet Light 2. Visible Light 3. Heat and Humidity 4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone) 5. Age of Fabric 6. Dye Fastness
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.
No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
How Long Will Film Last?
The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life. Our quality solar control window films for residential use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a lifetime for the life of the home. (certain products may have extended coverage). The warranty includes an address to contact the manufacturer directly should any questions arise either before or after the installation of the window film. If you use some of the other products we carry that have a PS adhesive system these films will not last the life of the home.
How Should I Clean My Windows After Film Is Applied?
Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:
1. Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
2. Use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window.
3. Use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials.
The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.
Will Window Film Kill My House Plants?
In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
Can Window Film Be Used On Low E Windows?
Whether window film should be used on low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:
1. Type of low E surface used on glass.
2. Location of low E surface in the window system.
3. The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other film benefits.
There are two basic types of low E surfaces on glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to reduce heat gain into a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers of metals and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat reductions of 30% to 50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Obviously there will be more heat gain reduction using film on the first type. If there is any question about the type you may have, ask your glass company or the window manufacturer to send you the specific information about your glass.
The location of the low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low E glass. The type of window film you choose for low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit -whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.
Will Window Films Cause Glass To Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation. This will be caused more quickly with Multi layer films.
2. Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself.
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind.
4. Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
5. Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling.
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.
The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without caution.
SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET.
DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET.
CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH.
TINTED GLASS THICKER THAN 1/4 INCH.
VISIBLY CHIPPED, CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED GLASS.
REFLECTIVE, WIRED, TEXTURED, OR PATTERNED GLASS.
TRIPLE PANE GLASS.
LAMINATED GLASS WINDOWS.
Will window film really stop fading of fabrics?
How long will film last?
How should I clean my windows after film is applied?
Will window film kill my house plants?
Can Window Film be used on Low E windows?
Will window films cause glass to break?
Will Window Film Really Stop Fading Of Fabrics?
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1. Ultraviolet Light 2. Visible Light 3. Heat and Humidity 4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone) 5. Age of Fabric 6. Dye Fastness
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.
No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
How Long Will Film Last?
The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life. Our quality solar control window films for residential use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a lifetime for the life of the home. (certain products may have extended coverage). The warranty includes an address to contact the manufacturer directly should any questions arise either before or after the installation of the window film. If you use some of the other products we carry that have a PS adhesive system these films will not last the life of the home.
How Should I Clean My Windows After Film Is Applied?
Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:
1. Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
2. Use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window.
3. Use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials.
The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.
Will Window Film Kill My House Plants?
In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
Can Window Film Be Used On Low E Windows?
Whether window film should be used on low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:
1. Type of low E surface used on glass.
2. Location of low E surface in the window system.
3. The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other film benefits.
There are two basic types of low E surfaces on glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to reduce heat gain into a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers of metals and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat reductions of 30% to 50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Obviously there will be more heat gain reduction using film on the first type. If there is any question about the type you may have, ask your glass company or the window manufacturer to send you the specific information about your glass.
The location of the low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low E glass. The type of window film you choose for low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit -whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.
Will Window Films Cause Glass To Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation. This will be caused more quickly with Multi layer films.
2. Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself.
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind.
4. Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
5. Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling.
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.
The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without caution.
SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET.
DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET.
CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH.
TINTED GLASS THICKER THAN 1/4 INCH.
VISIBLY CHIPPED, CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED GLASS.
REFLECTIVE, WIRED, TEXTURED, OR PATTERNED GLASS.
TRIPLE PANE GLASS.
LAMINATED GLASS WINDOWS.
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