WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced today that a comprehensive analysis of window film found it to be the most cost-effective energy saving choice for Californians when used in retrofit applications on homes and buildings.

“Without a doubt, window film offers an enormous potential for energy savings in the California market in all retrofit remodeling applications,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA.  “When widely installed the resulting reduction of peak demand on utilities and greenhouse gases will further the state’s reputation as an environmental leader,” he added.

California-based ConSol made the independent analysis. Their study compared installing window film on existing structures in the state to other traditional energy saving techniques such as updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, and adding R-38 ceiling insulation, and found that window film came out ahead. The group used many of the same informational processes that the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining energy savings. The report can be found at http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/CAEnergySavingsStudy.aspx

“With over 70 percent of the buildings and homes in the California market having been constructed before 1980, window film has to be high on the list for every building retrofit project across the state,” said Mike Hodgson, president of ConSol.

In existing commercial structures, window film’s energy savings alone can offer a payback of less than two years, or up to a 70 percent return on investment depending on the construction, location and window film used, according to the study. For example, window film offers the opportunity to lower air conditioning costs and save on lighting bills by reducing solar heat gain, while letting in natural light without the negative impact of harsh glare and UV exposure.

About the International Window Film Association The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (http://www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting awareness of window film. The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers’ and distributors’ businesses and provide value to their customers.

Written by: Steve Capoccia Warner Communications

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-report-points-to-window-film-as-the-most-cost-effective-solution-for-energy-savings-and-reducing-carbon-footprint-141439463.html

At each NASCAR race event, 3M will have a booth display displaying 3M Window Film; 3M will have a demonstration car with Crystalline 70 and Color Stable 35 applied. The driver side and passenger side windows will have an interactive QR code sticker applied to the outside to help visitors learn even more about 3M Window Film. Those visitors can also find out where to have 3M Window Film installed in their area. 3M will send the location directly to their inbox with a link to the residential and automotive coupons, helping drive customers directly to those dealers.

Those who attend the booth will obtain a 15% off coupon for automotive window film ($250 minimum order) and residential installations ($1,000 minimum order). 3MM will be giving away hats throughout the day, and one consumer will receive a free window film installation each day (up to a $250 value). To coincide with this, 3M will update content from each race location via their Facebook page so users can follow activity throughout the events at each race.

See below for the races and dates at which we will be promoting 3M Window Film:

• Daytona (2/23, 2/24, 2/25, 2/26)
• Loudon (7/14, 7/15)
• Bristol (8/24, 8/25)
• Chicago (9/15, 9/16)
• Dover (9/29,9/30)
• Kansas (10/20, 10,21)
• Phoenix (11/10, 11/11)

You can find more information at the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show’s Website

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The International Window
Film Association (IWFA) is educating the public about the harmful impact that
strong winter sunlight has in the United States and it is urging consumers to
consider installation of window film on their homes before the energy tax credit
expires.

“People in northern states may not know that because of the low angle of the
winter sun, more ultraviolet rays may come through a window into the living
space than in the summer in Florida,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of
the nonprofit IWFA.

The IWFA is also making the public aware of the expected end of the
government home improvement energy tax credit on December 31st, 2011. Consumers
are eligible for up to a $500 home improvement energy tax credit for the
installation of window film.

“Easily installed window film blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, and
reduces solar heat gain to save consumers on cooling costs in warmer months as
well,” said Smith.

“With unrestricted access to your home’s interior, the winter sun’s in-line
position with windows can literally make a home’s furniture, drapes and artwork
a faded memory,” added Smith. “Now is the time to invest in window film. The
purchase provides returns year-round by protecting furnishings from fading,
creates a consistent home temperature and keeps you and your belongings safe
from UV exposure.”

The IWFA shares facts on UV protection, when comparing window film to
alternatives:

Single-paned normal glass blocks only 25% of UV rays

Double-paned normal glass windows block 40% of UV rays and low-e glass
windows block up to 75% of UV rays

All quality solar control window films for residential use block 99% of UV
rays

About the International Window Film AssociationThe International Window Film
Association ( www.iwfa.com ) is a unified industry body of window film dealers,
distributors, and manufactures that facilitates the growth of the industry by
providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting awareness of
window film. The organization builds alliances with trade associations,
utilities and government agencies to advance dealers and distributors businesses
and provide value to their customers.

SOURCE International Window Film Association

Retrieved from http://www.marketwatch.com/story/winter-sun-is-more-damaging-to-a-northern-homes-interior-than-the-summer-sun-in-florida-but-help-is-available-with-window-film-2011-11-30?mid=5402

MARTINSVILLE, VA - The International Window Film Association (IWFA) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of residential energy efficiency retrofit legislation that provides rebates to consumers who purchase and install specified energy saving measures, including window film products. The House bill (H.R. 5019) creates the Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program which provides two opportunities – the Silver Star path and the Gold Star path – to facilitate energy efficiencies in homes. H.R. 5019 passed the House by a vote of 246-161.

“Congressional passage of Home Star program legislation is a major victory for the window film industry and consumers who wish to lower their home energy bills,” said John Parker, president of IWFA. Darrell Smith, IWFA executive director, added, “This skillfully crafted bill recognizes the importance of highly-efficient window film, while embracing fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly home improvement solutions. I commend Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (CA), Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (MA), and Representatives Rick Boucher (VA) and Tom Perriello (VA) for their dedication to the window film industry and the Home Star program.”

Under H.R. 5019, homeowners would be eligible to receive a rebate totaling up to 50 percent of an energy efficiency project, not to exceed $3,000 per home (Silver Star). The Gold Star path provides homeowners with rebates of $3,000 who reduce home energy consumption by 20 percent, with additional rewards of $1,000 for each 5 percent improvement up to $8,000 or 50 percent of the total retrofit cost. Certain window film qualifies under the Silver Star and Gold Star paths, with Silver Star rebates totaling $500 for window film installed on at least 8 exterior windows, doors or skylights, or 75 percent of the total exterior square footage of glass in the home.

For more information on the International Window Film Association, visit www.iwfa.com.

###

IWFA is an organization consisting of U.S. manufacturers of finished window film products. With locations in Alabama, California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Virginia, its members produce more than 85 percent of the total world’s window film, while supporting approximately 7,000 small business owners and their employees nationwide who sell and install window film.

In general, water-based paint should come off easily but oil-based paint may be a problem. Oil-based paint may react with the tint’s hardcoat and dissolve into it. The only way to eliminate the spot is to remove the hardcoat. Be sure to test the cleaner or spirits on a small corner first. Remember to wash the window immediately afterward with soap and water to remove any excess alcohol, cleaner, or spirits.

Thanks to legislation enacted this year, Cincinnati residents are eligible for up to 15 years of property-tax exemption for LEED-certified new homes or remodeling projects, and local green builders are reaping the rewards.

As of January 2008, new LEED-certified Silver and Gold homes can receive 15 years of city and county tax relief for homes valued up to $500,000; LEED Platinum homes have no maximum-value limit. A 10-year tax abatement period also is offered for residential remodeling projects as small as $2,500 that meet LEED certification standards.  Sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

Area builders are cashing in on the interest in green building that the program has generated with city residents.

“It’s helping business, we’ve picked up a couple of jobs because of it,” said Andy Hueber of John Hueber Homes, which has  four LEED-certified homes in the program so far.

Hueber said the plan has spurred city residents to consider green products and technologies. “A lot of people have heard about it and they come to us and ask about it and then we educate them about what it involves,” he said.

Since becoming involved in the program, Hueber said his company has taken on more green projects, even outside the city limits. “It gives us a nice edge,” he noted. “It was a challenge learning how to build to LEED specifications at first but it’s gotten easier.”

Thanks to the incentives, many other local builders also are finding a niche in eco-friendly construction and remodeling, according to Barb Yankie of Green Building Consulting, a Cincinnati-based energy-rating firm.

“All of our builders are going for LEED,” said Yankie. “It’s raised interest in LEED, and is definitely a marketing tool that builders can use right now to help sell homes–they’re trying anything they can right now.”

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and city council members devised the program to provide an added benefit for owners of new and retrofit sustainable homes, according to Eric Denson, senior community development analyst. All city, county, and school board taxes are waived for qualifying homes.

“The impetus was really to combat energy costs,” he said. “The main concern was dealing with rising costs, at a time when gas prices were through the roof.”

In addition, Denson said, city officials felt it was “an environmentally smart thing to do.”

By: Jennifer Goodman