COPYRIGHT 2017 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - July 2017 - (graphics ref. No. 309u at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2017-jul.htm )

"Apply low-E window film yourself for year-round energy savings, improved comfort"

Dear Jim: I still have a few old single-pane windows. The sun's heat coming in is uncomfortable and my cooling costs are high. Will applying window film myself improve the old windows much? - Rich W.

Dear Rich: If your old single-pane windows are in good condition, applying window film yourself can be effective. It is not as good as new multipane replacement windows, but film is relatively inexpensive. Using one of the new year-round low-E window films can increase the glass by up to one-half an R-value and make it more comfortable by the windows summer and winter 

Unless your windows are huge picture windows, applying film is a simple do-it-yourself project. These permanent films are extremely durable and last for many years. If you ever do want to remove or replace it, film manufacturers offer special solutions to dissolve the film adhesive for easy removal. 

These special year-round films have a microscopically thin low-E layer of metal to block heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. They are barely tinted and not reflective like the mirrored office building windows with film. People will seldom notice the film on the glass from outdoors.

The film color (typically bronze or gray) and depth of the tint also impacts how much heat and glare pass through the window glass. Darkly tinted film with a low-E coating blocks the most heat and glare and is best for a hot climate. This also reduces heat transfer coming in from the sun during winter, so it is not recommended for passive solar heating windows.

For most climates, a lightly tinted, low-E film provides the greatest year-round energy savings and comfort improvement. When looking out from indoors, the tint is not noticeable. It blocks the intense heat from the sun during summer, yet still allows some solar heat in during winter. The typical chilly sensation when sitting near windows at night is also reduced.

Another benefit of low-E window film is it blocks much of the sun's UV (ultraviolet) fading rays to protect furniture and carpets. Applying completely clear film with no tint also reduces fading and the danger of the glass shattering when broken by children playing. Extra-thick safety/security films are also available.

Dark window films reduce much of the sun's heat by absorbing it instead of reflecting it. This can be a problem if installed on double-pane glass because the air gap between the panes may get hot enough to cause the seals to leak. Nearly clear films do not cause as much heat buildup, but still check your replacement window glass warranty before applying film.

Year-round low-E films are available in large rolls or small do-it-yourself kits at most home centers. These kits include the adhesive-backed film, a squeegee and application tools. If you are doing many windows in your house, it is much less expensive to buy a large roll and few tools separately instead of many kits.

To install the film yourself, first clean the indoor glass surface thoroughly. Wet the cleaned glass and the water-activated adhesive on the film using a spray bottle. Place the film against the wet glass. Run the squeegee over the film from the center to the edges to force out air bubbles and cut off the excess film at the edges. It may take several days to dry completely and for bubbles to disappear.

The following companies offer energy-saving window films: 3M, www.3m.com, (866) 499-8857; Gila Films, (800) 528-4481, www.gilafilms.com; Madico, (800) 456-4331, www.madico.com; Plastic-View International, (800) 468-6301, www.pvifilm.com; and Solar Gard, (877) 273-4364, www.solargard.com.

Dear Jim: It seems like my faucets leak often and I have to install new washers. With all the leaks that I have, I imagine it is pushing up my water bills. How can I fix them permanently? - Eddie F.

Dear Eddie: Small continuous leaks can increase your water bills. Check with some neighbors to see if they have similar problems. If they are, you probably have unusually high water pressure in your area. This can make leaks worse and more frequent.

If you have high water pressure, have a pressure-reducing valve installed. Install a small expansion tank in the pumping. This may help reduce pressure spikes and some of your leaks.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.