Window Films reduce energy costs and glare throughout your home. Sunlight absorbed into your windows makes up to 40% of your summer energy costs. Solar films reduce heat gain by up to 80%. Which on average, will lower your energy costs by $99 during the summer, and retain more heat throughout your home in the winter.

Protect your investment on the inside of your home.

Window treatment, blinds, awnings, is designed to help keep out the suns rays. UV rays can alter the color of often expensive curtains, furniture, and carpeting. Window films extend the life of your textile fabrics throughout your home, by preventing fading. UV Rays penetrate through windows and can be absorbed through the skin while indoors. Consider shielding your family from UV rays while at home. The Skin Cancer foundation has a seal of recommendation on certain brands of window film. These brands offer 99.9% UV protection, and have been tested to be effective. This can be a preventative action you can take to diminish wrinkles and other signs of aging,

How much credit can I receive?

Window films tax credits awards homeowners up to 10% of the total cost of the film, not including installation up to $500. This is a maximum lifetime credit of $500. This $500 is subtracted from the amount of tax you have to pay. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives everyone the opportunity to receive tax cuts for making certain energy saving changes to their home. In 2006 window films were added to the approved list. Window films purchased January 1,2006 through the December 31, 2007 are eligible to receive the credit.

Where can I purchase window film?

Many retailers offer various types of window films. www.vista-films.com

www.lowes.com Look for the blue and yellow Skin Cancer Foundation seal of recommendation while shopping.

How do I apply?

Visit http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf and download the form. This credit can be applied to all purchase prior to December 31, 2007. Retain all purchasing documents, and manufacturer warranties. Be sure to search for other energy saving home improvement projects that you may qualify for. Make a list of programs you may want to explore.

How can this add to my retirement?

Exploring the numerous tax credits granted for energy efficient home improvements are worthwhile. Finding new ways to save money on expenses you will be paying anyway for years to come is an excellent example of found money. $99 in savings over a single summer season may not seem like much. Annual energy savings should be considered as a bonus over time. For example a 30 year old who invests $99 annually, with an interest rate of 6% will have $11,454 at age 65. This is a low investment amount; this only takes into account savings over the summer. If you added savings throughout the rest of the year, and savings of stretching replacement time of buying new home furnishings, the amount of money earned on interest would be more substantial.

Let's assume that through some research you found a way to save $300 annually on your energy costs, $25 a month, and set it aside to grow in an account with an interest rate of 6%. At age 65 you would have $35,796. This is a great way to create money. Look for other areas in your life to redirect money for your future.