Check your window warranty to help you with the decision. Sometimes double pane warranties are voided if UV film is installed on the glass. My DH had film on his windows and had to remove it before selling his house. It worked fine for the years he lived there, so I think he was in that house about 5 years.

We did a pick & choose when we had 3M Â Sun Control Window Films put on windows in the office, TV room, living room & dining room.

The TV room & office had a lot of glare so we got tinted films. Now we can see the computer screen & television set even on the sunniest days. The living room & dining room have completely clear films. During the day, people cannot see into the house, however, in the evening when the the lights are on you can see into the house from the street if you don't have draperies. These come with a warranty.

To date I haven't had any cons. I do wish these people hired out as window washers though. My windows have never been so clean!

Possible tax credits

We're in Colorado -- a mile high! The sun is stronger and brighter here, and one of the v. first things we did after moving in was have Vista film applied to all windows on the southern exposure (the front of our house). We were offered a choice, one darker (and with better properties [reflects more, lets fewer UV rays in, etc]) and the other lighter. Because it's the front of our house we chose the lighter, knowing it wouldn't be as good as the darker.

We still felt a real difference and are glad we did it. I'd do it again to help prolong wood floors' / fabrics' lives.

Our installers were wonderful and you truly cannot see the film. We only had it done in March of this year so it's not been that long, but I'm optimistic!

We live in Florida, and had 3M film applied. It works very well - for head and glare reduction. No fading of our furniture or flooring. Also works well for privacy - during the daytime, people outside cannot see it. We went with their premiere line.

I've gotten a quote and plan to us a version of this (not vista) for our west facing window. The problems with window films and cracking tend to come from people applying something very dark, or worse, automotive film, to windows. A reputable dealer of film will match your existing window seal warranty. But around here so many of my neighbors have this that I'm not that worried about it.

Thanks so much for all your comments everyone. I'm going to do some more research but I think some kind of film seems to be the answer. I really appreciate all your help.

demifloyd, I saw your photos before reading your name. As soon as I saw them I knew it had to be your beautiful home.

I agree with Wonbyherwits. I wouldn't just have that Vista or other brand film slapped on ANY TYPE window until you've checked the warranty exclusions on your type glass window - especially now that so many of us have installed "replacement" windows in recent years. My own argon gas-filled, low-E, dual-pane, Atrium brand windows warranty is void if ANY type film is applied to them.

I can appreciate an endorsement by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) when VISTA film (or other quality brand) is applied to single pane, 1/8-inch sheet glass for a residential application, but am skeptical of the ASID being able to warrant much more for a residential application.

The ASID doesn't warranty VISTA film, the VISTA dealer does.

I have a warranty on my doublepane windows. If you have better quality windows they are less likely to be damaged from any window film.

I would be curious to know of anyone whose windows were actually damaged from VISTA film.

We had Llumar window film installed on all doors/windows across the back of our home a few months ago. VISTA is made by the same manufacturer. We really like it and can already tell the difference in the heat in the sunroom. From the inside, it's darker at night than the french doors across the front of the house, but not much different.

Here is a link that might be useful: Llumar

I guess I'm not clear on what the issue is. Why or how could film damage the windows?

It's not clear that window film can cause a seal failure. It's the warranty for your windows that you need to check.

A seal failure will show up as fog between the double panes (sandwich of glass with inert gas inside). Your windows should have a seal failure warranty for up to x number of years (usually 15 or 20 years). Read your warranty to see if there is a clause that says the seal failure warranty is voided if 3rd party window film is installed.

Many of the window film companies offer an optional warranty against seal failure because they know that some of the window companies void their warranties where films are installed.

Thanks for explaining that. Our windows are by Andersen but I don't think I have any literature from them. The builder must have it all. I'll have to check with Andersen I guess.

Failures due to product modifications or glass shading devices
(e.g., glass tinting, security systems, improper painting or staining,
insulated coverings, etc.)

Here is a link that might be useful: warranty info

Vista warranty covers IG units and assumes the existing MFG warranty. This includes Anderson Windows (Cardinal Glass)

We are Vista of Tampa Bay

Here is a link that might be useful: VISTA

Meg, I'm surprised you'd need UV protection since the windows of today are offered with it. I'd think your new windows would already be UV protective. Is there some reason to double-duty them?

Hi Squirrelheaven,

You know, I've never checked with the builder about whether these windows have that UV protection. After researching some of the things in our house (after the fact unfortunately) my hunch is that he didn't go the extra step to get the UV protection.

It's funny but some things are great and were a pleasant surprise (like the air switch, the hot and cold outdoor hosecock) and some were a disappointment (like the 80% efficient non-star rated furnace, the lower level Bosch dishwasher). If I had to do it over again, I would have researched these things more thoroughly when we were still in the negotiation stage. But that's water under the bridge.

Hmmm, I'd be really surprised if those windows didn't have the works. Selections are region-dependent though. Around here, I think it would be pretty standard.

80%, that's terrible. They really should point those things out clearly during the building process and educate the homeowners well about their choices and options along the way. I'm sure they can't be bothered spending the time, though!

Even this rasky little squirrel has a 92% and windows with the works! :)

SH,

I won't bore you with the entire list of "disappointments" but I do blame myself partially for not researching things more thoroughly. Not only do we have an 80% efficient furnace (which is almost the lowest efficiency made), we only have one zone for heat. Sheesh, we had two zones in our old house which was much smaller. I, too, would have thought they would have pointed out these things as prime areas for us to upgrade--and for them to make more money. Oh well.

You know what they say about people who assume!

It is amazing what one can't assume, isn't it. Sometimes a person doesn't even know there are things to research!

FWIW, I installed a remote thermostat in my place. I only got one control but keep it upstairs. I'm thinking of getting vents that can be closed with a switch, too :) Like turning off the lights!

I like the idea of a remote thermostat, but I don't think I could stand trying to keep tabs on one more remote in this house. As it is, our telephones have this funky locate button that causes all the bases to beep, too, so it's almost useless.

Yes, you're right about not even knowing what to research. Our neighbors bought a new construction house right next door to us. It was finished about six months before ours, but built by a different builder. We trade stories about what we have and don't have. Together, we'd have the perfect house.

I think you can actually attach it to the wall. The main hub is located where the therm previously went (actually I think I can flip the darn thing to the inside wall (closet!). The remote has a little stand on the back but it also has a hole through it which looks like it would be used for hanging over a screw. I just keep mine laying on the bedside table. I really should mount it though so one of the cats doesn't knock it to the floor!

Take a walk through SmartHome -- you'll be amazed at what's out there! I put a link to the one I got, which I actually installed myself! To the tune of saving $750 over the cost of the HVAC company replacing the regular (and new) one on the wall -- only $900 after they reduced the cost by the service call charges, which I think was $60 to show up and $60 to run a test -- and only because I was in shock and complained. The guy was so surprised when I sent him along -- that I'd figure something else out.

Well, I guess we're all lucky we're dry and warm, hm :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Wireless Remote Thermostat

Good researching SH. As my DH would say, you win the good shopper award! That's quite a savings.

I wouldn't know the first thing about installing a thermostat. (I don't know the first thing about anything involving our heating system as I recently learned.) You must feel very proud that you did it yourself.

We're very lucky to be dry and warm. We had no rain today here in the Seattle area! Thank goodness!

I still am, so proud!! I'm not mechanical at all and I hate those things, just what I need to know to get by :) The old therm actually wasn't even exactly the same! I went on to a DIY website that has professional moderators. The moderator wasn't around when I was needing help but I was able to piece together enough of an understanding from similar threads to tell what I was dealing with, what was what, and relate it to the slightly different wiring setup. I read and soaked and read and soaked and it eventually clicked and I got up the nerve to give it a go! -- after making sure I couldn't blow the place up or wreck my equipment :) All said and done, it was five wires and a snap!

I don't know what we'd do without the net!

Well you're a lot braver than I am. As I told our heater installer today, I'm afraid of electricity and fire and, because our furnace involves both, I'm waiting for him to come here and show me what to do. After reading all those warning stickers I concluded that I just wasn't up to risking an explosion. Yes, I know they're just CYA stickers drafted by lawyers, but they scared me into submission.

As Bill Vincent would say, you done good!

When we were building our house, we got windows with the low-E (uv protection). Our windows and I would assume most, come either plain or with different degrees of protection. It didn't come automatically, we had to ask for it.

A couple of years ago we glassed in a screened porch and again used the low-e windows. That year we actually got a tax credit for using them! Both windows have worked great and we have no need for film.

tina

tinam61,

I just examined one of my french doors and a couple windows and, unbelievably, the Andersen marking in the lower right corner says Low E!! Could that be true?!?!

Would you mind looking at your windows to see if they're the same?

Thanks so much!

That reminds me! I was going to suggest looking for the label inside the window jams. That will give you the product numbers. I have Owens Corning, but each series # they offer reflects all the options that it includes.

You're so smart SH. So the good news is that I probably have windows that cut down the UV light so I don't need Vista after all.

The bad news is that the heater guy just left and confirmed that, when the house was built, he recommended that they put in a two-zone system, but the builder opted for one zone. I think I'm going to go research attractive-looking space heaters for our chilly rec room. DH is going to love that.

Oh, and I mentioned the remote thermostat but that won't solve our little heating problem. Thanks again for your help!

As always, just when you think you've got it! It seems low-e technology is a thing of the past. Apparently it cuts about 85% of the rays out, but some fading still persists. Here's an article on added protection, although they are selling the stuff!

Here is a link that might be useful: UV Protection for Interiors

This is one of those things that really does take a lot of research and most GCs won't even bring it up (unfortunately for home owners who are then stuck with the energy bills). Since we wanted (and could do on this site) passive solar, we went a step further than most.

For those who might be building a new home, here are just a few of the things we did for energy-efficiency.

We have Low-E squared , which is more advanced than Low-E, having to do with the layers of silver, reflective capabilities, etc.

We have a passive solar design and the Low-E squared is so important for hot summer climates. It may not be as important in cooler zones. There is a slight green tint on our windows which you won't have on Low-E. Energy cost savings in monitored field testing have shown a 30%-50% improvement over regular double pane windows.

In addition to zoned heat (upstairs and downstairs), we have a dual-fuel system. The electric heat pump is used until the outside temperature drops below 38%, then the natural gas kicks in.

We use programmable thermostats so that we have automatically set heat and a/c for "wake up" "leave" "return" "night" temps. We never go above 71 degrees on the heat or below 75 on the a/c and are very comfortable.

We also have insulation that is Guardian, Green Guard Certified, SuperCube II fiberglass. Energy efficient and green certified.

We are currently replacing most incandescents with CFLs. The kitchen and master bath are 100% CFL now.

Our energy bills are half the cost of previous, much smaller homes that we have owned. We happen to have the cheapest electricity provider around here, too. That helps.

I hope this information will help someone. I'm happy to provide more details in an email if needed.

Cameron

Yes, Squirrel, it's always something. But 85% is better than nothing. Since so few of my windows will get direct sunlight, I'm wondering whether I can do only one window in a three-sided room. Will that window with film look different?

wonbyherwits: you should post that on the building a home forum too. It's great info!

btw, DH doesn't like the idea of a space heater. I did find a "garage heater" that can be mounted for extra safety, although it won't be too attractive. But last night DS had five friends over and got the rec room so warm they wanted us to turn off the heat. Uh, sorry, no. That heater works for the entire house. So maybe that room doesn't even need another heat source.