• The temperature in your home is greatly impacted by the amount of sunlight that comes in from outside.
• Homeowners typically choose to have their windows tinted for the same reason drivers tint their car windows - it can make the surrounding environment more comfortable.
• But home window tinting actually offers more:  it reduces both glare and heat, reducing your energy costs. And it doesn't have to be a dark tint to do that - it can be clear - so you don't even know it's there.
• Applied to the insides of your windows, home window tinting can reduce heat gain by keeping the sun and its harmful rays from getting into your house.
• You'll also have less fading on your drapes, furniture and carpet because those harmful UV rays are reduced.
• Certain types of window film can even help burglary-proof your home. These types are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken.

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What about costs?

• The cost of window tinting runs about $7 to $12 a square foot for professional installation - $2 to $7 for DIY products.
• For 2009 only, the federal government is giving a 30% off tax credit for purchasing home window film. Consumers who purchase qualifying energy control window film for residential use from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible for 2009 tax credit up to $1,500 per taxpayer.
• When it comes to the tax credit there are specific product specifications you have to meet to qualify so make sure the product you use meets government requirements.

Energy Savings:

• Savings can be more than you think: Most homeowners spend about 60 percent of their total energy bill on heating and cooling, so reducing those costs even by a little can mean a lot overall.
• Energy savings aren't restricted to summer months. In the winter, tinted windows will help retain heat, keeping it from leaking out the windows.

Items to consider:

• Access the need: Do you need the film applied to all windows, or just the windows that get the most glare from the sun? Applying only to the west sides of the home will help keep costs down.
• Costs: Savings and protection vary based on the type of film you install. The cost of professional window film ranges from $3-$15 per square foot, but really depends on the product selected and the size of the windows. DIY window film typically ranges from $1.50-$2.50 per square foot.
• Warranty: Some products are guaranteed up to the lifetime of the window, with replacement service in case the window is broken.
• Protection: There are different levels of UV protection, so check the label of each manufacturer's window film to make sure you are getting the protection you desire.
• DIY or hire? You may wish to contact a professional if you have difficult to reach windows or if you're concerned about causing bubbles in the film.
• Maintenance: Windows films are generally easy to clean with common cleaning solutions. Inquire with your professional contractor about the maintenance needed.

Angie's List is a consumer organization that helps homeowner's nationwide find reliable help in more than 425 categories of service including window tinting for home and auto. For more information, visit http://www.angieslist.com/.

Visit Angie's List to see a list of Columbus contractors and doctors.

Sign up for a yearly Angie's List membership and get a 20 percent discount. To sign up, visit http://www.angieslist.com, click 'Join' and enter 'WBNS' as the promo code. The discount is valid from July 1, 2009 - July 1, 2010.

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