4 Easy Ways To Reduce Home Energy Usage

• Switch to LEDs – LED bulbs require an initial investment that puts some people off, but they’re a far more efficient and inexpensive solution long term. Not only do they last longer (some LEDs work for more than twenty years!), but they reduce the amount of energy you consume by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, rather than burning out in a sudden flash, LEDs experience a more gradual decline that makes them easier to live with when they need replacement. Just by swapping out one bulb for an LED model, you’ll reduce your energy bill for that light source by 30-80 dollars over the course of the bulb’s life.z
• Have Home Window Film Installed – This is where we come in, Did you know that modern window films are retrofitted to your existing windows and come in a variety of energy-conserving styles that reduce your energy usage by putting barriers between your home and the outside world? Professionally installed window films block nearly 80% of the sun’s heat, which can really help lower the interior temperature and the amount of air conditioning you need. In addition, during the winter, some low-e window film options help create an insulating layer on your windows to trap your home’s heat inside the house and reduce your heating bill.As a side benefit, most home window films block 99% or more of the sun’s UV rays which can help reduce the impact of cancer causing rays that damage skin as well as fade furnishings and flooring. Go with a pro who can make sure that the films are installed correctly and get you the best possible return on investment by choosing the right film for your application.
• Switch to Time-Based Electricity Rates – To cut down on peaking power usage, some utility companies encourage customers to use electricity during off-peak hours. The energy company saves money during high-use hours and the customer receives those savings through rebates or lowered electricity rates. By using energy when others aren’t, you reduce consumption needs during busy times and help keep energy usage balanced for everyone.These programs are especially useful for people with electric or hybrid cars that recharge overnight, but it’s just as easy for people who can easily do things like run dishwashers overnight rather than during the day, for example. Also, technology like home window film mentioned above helps reduce energy usage from the sun’s heat during the peak hours you are trying to limit your consumption.
• Kill “Energy Vampires” – Did you know that appliances leech energy even when they’re powered down? Large appliances like fridges, desktop computers, and especially televisions can be draining power even when they’re off, to the extent that as much as 20% of your electric bill can come down to this “vampire power” usage. Turns out that every appliance that stays plugged in is pulling electricity, and most appliances continuously use energy even when “off” to perform updates, connect to servers, and record data. To reduce your energy leaks, be sure to unplug all your devices that you can when you’re not using them. This is easier if you’re using a power strip that allows you to quickly flick off appliances without reaching down and physically unplugging them.

We hope this article helped you with some ways you can reduce home energy usage beginning tomorrow. Our company specializes in helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes utilizing modern window film technology. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at one of our three convenient Kansas City locations. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation assessment and estimate at your home.

4 Fast Facts And Benefits About House Window Tint

• Window Film Retrofits To Existing Windows – Window film is installed as a retrofit to your existing windows allowing you to significantly improve the performance of you windows with minimal disruption to your home.
• Window Film Improves The Comfort In Your Home – Window film can enhance comfort by reducing excessive heat and glare throughout your home or strategically only in areas most impacted by the sun.
• Window Film Extends The Life Of Your Floors & Furnishings – Most window films will reduce 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This along with the reduction of heat and glare mentioned above will significantly reduce the contributors of fading and extend the life of your floors and furnishings.
• Window Film Can Enhance Privacy – By using decorative window films in areas like entryways and bathrooms you can add privacy without resorting to blinds, curtains or shades that obscure the windows.

Quick List of The Pros and Cons of Using House Window Tint

Pros of House Window Tint:

• Energy Savings: Windows treated with a window film can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home in the summer, which can lead to lower energy bills.
• Reduced UV Rays: Most window films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which can protect your furniture and belongings from fading, and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
• Increased Privacy: Some window films can make it more difficult for people to see inside your home, which can be a benefit for privacy and security.
• Improved Curb Appeal: Some window films can give your home a more modern and stylish look.
• Reduced Glare: Tinted windows can reduce glare from the sun, which can make it easier to watch TV, use computers, and read.
• Safety and Security: Windows with film installed can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home, and they can also help to hold shattered glass together in the event of a break-in.

Cons of House Window Tint:

• Cost: The cost of window tinting can vary depending on the type of tint you choose and the size of your windows. However, there are great choices at several price points to fit a variety of budgets.
• Reduced Natural Light: Some types of window tint can reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home, which can make it darker inside. That being said, new technology allows you to get much of the benefit without significantly darkening the view.
• Visibility Issues Looking Out at night: Traditional window tint can make it more difficult to see outside at night, especially if you choose a dark-colored tint. There are newer window film technologies designed to address this issue and allow better visibility out at night.
• May Void Window Warranty: While it is true that some window manufacturers may void their warranty if you have window tint installed, there are substitute warranties to keep you covered in these situations.

We hope that this article shed some light on house window tint and the pros and cons of using it in your home. If you would like more information, call us at (816) 353-2665 for the Independence, Missouri Location, (913) 384-2665 for the Overland Park, Kansas Location, (816) 560-2665 for the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Location and (866) 443-2665 for the Sunrise Beach, Missouri Location. You can also fill out the contact form HERE. We have been serving the greater Kansas City and Lake of the Ozarks area since 1976 and would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular home.

We are excited to announce that after being located on Shawnee Mission Parkway in Overland Park for 38 years, we have officially outgrown the space thanks to our loyal clientele. You trust us to provide you with high quality, and we take that responsibility very seriously. While our location may be changing, the quality of our craftsmanship, products and services will remain.

Our new Overland Park location is at 10600 Metcalf and will give us more room to work, which means that our employees will have plenty of space to continue to provide great services. We believe that happy employees make for happy customers, and we are committed to creating a positive work environment for our team. With a much bigger parking lot and garage room, we expand our capabilities to provide our employees with the best SPACE, tools & materials, to provide excellent quality end results.

In addition, we are committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who chooses us for their tinting & protective services, starting when you walk through the door. Our new lobby is spacious, with plenty of seating, coffee, and Wi-Fi available. If you dont have a ride, but waiting in the lobby isn’t your thing, we are now surrounded by a wide variety of shopping centers and food options in nearby walking distance!

We take pride in the fact that we have been serving our community for 45 years in total. We have built a loyal customer base over the years, and are grateful for your continued support. We hope that you enjoy our new location as much as we do already, and we look forward to your next opportunity to check it out.

Stay tuned for our grand opening! 

Categories of Automotive Window Tint

Dyed Window Film – This is a very popular and value based choice in vehicle window film. This type sandwiches a layer of dyed polyester between an adhesive and scratch resistant top coat for a flat, non-reflective finish. It’s often an entry level option because it’s the least expensive. Although it doesn’t block as much heat as other options, it does have great glare reducing effects and still cuts out 99% of the UV.

Metal Hybrid Window Film – For better performance while still maintaining a relatively value price point, you can have your windows tinted with a metal hybrid film. The advantages here are that the metal layer enables the film to reduce a much greater amount of heat compared to dyed films. However, this comes at the cost of a slightly more reflective appearance and possible interference with electronics.

Carbon Window Film – Carbon window tint has become a very popular option. They often reduce similar amounts of heat as a metal hybrid film while maintaining the great looks of a dyed window film. They also do not interfere with electronic systems. This comes at a cost though. Carbon based window films are usually offered at a mid-tier price point.

Ceramic or IR Rejecting Window Film – These films represent the best tint you can get for your vehicle. These films typically have a great, non-reflective appearance while rejecting industry leading amounts of heat. These films also will not interfere with electronics. However, because they do nearly everything well, be prepared to pay a bit more for this type of tint than some of the others.

Benefits of Automotive Window Tint

Cooler Temperatures Inside Your Car – All window tint will help reduce the heat inside of your vehicle, but some cut more heat than others (We will discuss that below). Keeps that annoying summer heat where it belongs: outside your vehicle!

Reduced Glare – Because vehicle tint reduces the visible light by varying degrees, it can also help you not be getting blinded by dangerous glare on sunny days. Like a high quality pair of sunglasses on a bright day.

Less Eye Fatigue – Like we mentioned above, window tint reduces glare. Reduced glare means your eyes have to work way less hard to maintain focus on the road. Some people even report fewer driving headaches and migraines after they install a window film.

Increased UV Protection – A window film is a bit like giving your car windows a coat of unbelievable sunscreen. Most quality window films block 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, so you’re protected from a primary cause of melanoma, premature aging, and cataracts. See an article by The Skin Cancer Foundation for more information on this by clicking HERE.

Added Security – Window tint may reduce your risk of a break-in from a vandal who sees something valuable in your interior. Crimes of opportunity are a huge type of theft, and if you make your items less visible, you may be less likely to experience a break in.

Reduce Glass Shatter-Risk – Certain window films can actually reduce your risk of being injured by shattered glass. If your car is struck in an impact, a shatter-resistant film’s strong adhesive holds onto the pieces of glass, which can help keep you safer in an accident.

We hope this article was informative as you consider having your vehicle tinted. If you would like more information on the quality automotive window tint products that we offer, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri  or filling out a form at Contact Us. We are locations in Overland Park, Independence, and Lee’s Summit and service the surrounding area and look forward to serving you.

Home Window Film Benefits

• Window Films Can Save Money on Energy Costs – The extra sun that Spring and Summer brings also often brings high utility bills because your air conditioning system is working overtime. Through the use of modern window films, you can dramatically reduce the amount of heat entering your home through the glass and subsequently reduce how hard your AC unit has to work to keep the home cool. If your AC system is working less, you are using less energy and your utility bills will reflect that savings.In addition, although not specifically a utility bill, your AC unit working less throughout the Summer can extend the service life of that unit and reduce maintenance costs. So, window film can actually save both on the energy cost of running the AC and the maintenance costs associated with the usage of your AC.
• Window Films Can Make Your Home More Comfortable – The longer days of Spring and Summer can also bring about things that make your home less comfortable. Specifically, many homeowners deal with excessive glare and hot spots in the home at this time of the year. Whether it is for watching TV, using a computer or just kicking back with your favorite book, glare can make a room an uncomfortable place to be.By using window films strategically in your home, you can reduce the glare in rooms where that is an issue. Additionally, does your home suffer from hot and cold spots at this time of the year because one side is in sun most of the day while the other side is in the shade? You can use window film on the side of the home with excessive sun to reduce the heat entering in that area and equalize temperature throughout the home.
• Window Films Can Preserve Your Furnishings and Your Health – The extra sun that Summer brings can also bring about fading issues with your flooring and furniture. Most windows offer no protection from the UV rays pouring through that account for a full 40% of the factors that cause fading. With modern window films, even the lightest shades block 99+% of the UV rays from entering through the windows. By eliminating this major cause of fading, you have taken a major step to extend the life of your flooring and furnishings.Also, The Skin Cancer Foundation has warned that this UV entering your home can also be detrimental to your health.In an article, they state, “While it’s understood that taking sun safety precautions is important outside, few people realize they can sustain sun damage indoors, too. While both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. However, at least 50 percent of UVA rays can pass through windows. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.” The use of window film can help block these harmful UV rays and preserve your health in this area. You can read the entire article from The Skin Cancer Foundation by clicking HERE.

So, don’t avoid the sun, but welcome its arrival by embracing these home window film benefits. If you would like more information on these innovative products, click HERE. If you have any questions, please contact us today by calling (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about home window films and schedule a free assessment and quotation for your home. We have locations in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence and Lee’s Summit, Missouri and serve the entire surrounding area.

Car Window Tint Tips To Avoid Getting a Bad Tint Job

1. Ask To Stop By The Shop To See Some Installations – A reputable shop will be happy to have a potential customer stop by and see the quality of their work. No matter what someone says, there is no way to fake the quality of installation. Look at the edges of roll down windows and for excessive dirt, bubbles or creases in the window tint. If you are not happy with the samples they show you, chances are you will not be happy with the installation on your vehicle.
2. Ask About The Performance Characteristics of the Window Film Being Used – Reputable tinting companies will be installing quality window films. Most companies offer multiple lines of window film that have differing performance characteristics at a variety of price points. Request the details about the construction and performance of the window films you are considering. Make sure when comparing two different tinting companies that you are comparing apples to apples. One may have a lower price, but it may be for a less expensive, lower performing window film.
3. Ask About The Film Warranty – Make sure you ask about the warranty of the film you’re considering and what exactly is covered by that warranty. Many modern window tint films come with a lifetime warranty on the original purchaser. Again, make sure you are comparing apples to apples when considering two different film options.

As a final note, make sure you understand the window tint laws in your area. A reputable shop will be able to explain the law to you and how the films you are considering relate to that law.

If you would like more information on the quality vehicle window tinting products we offer, we would love to help. We can discuss the various options and assist you in making a great choice for your vehicle.You can contact us directly by calling (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri. We have been serving the Overland Park, Kansas, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Independence, Missouri for over 20 years and would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular vehicle.

If you have any questions about this promotion, call or stop by any one of our three convenient locations for an estimate. You can also receive a fast, hassle-free, no obligation quote sent straight to your phone by filling out a form HERE!

Overland Park, Kansas (913) 384-2665 

Independence, Missouri (816) 353-2665

Lee’s Summit, Missouri (816) 560-2665

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Adding one of these window films to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation….and they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

This results in a number of significant benefits:

• Better Energy Efficiency – Window tend to be a problem area when looking to save energy. A recent article in the MIT News by Mary Beth Gallagher stated, “In the quest to make buildings more energy efficient, windows present a particularly difficult problem. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat that either escapes or enters windows accounts for roughly 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool buildings. Researchers are developing a variety of window technologies that could prevent this massive loss of energy.“ Solar control window films retrofitted to existing glass are one of these technologies that can help.
• Easy Upgrade to Existing Windows – If you’ve ever looked at having your windows replaced, you probably got a headache just looking at the cost estimates. In addition, this process can be very disruptive to an office or commercial space. Adding window film to existing windows can give the energy savings new windows without the cost and expense of having them replaced.
• Less Waste – If you replaced all those windows, not only would it be expensive, but you’d also be putting all that wood, metal, and glass into a landfill. A window film can add many years to the life of existing windows, reducing your cost and the total landfill impact of the waste replacement would produce.
• Potential Rebates and Tax Credits – Because many state governments recognize the benefits of window films, you may be eligible for a rebate or tax credit if you install a film on your facility. You’ll want to check the regulations at the state and local level to see if there are any rebates available. Also, we are not accountants, so please check with your tax professional about any potential benefits on that front.

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling Overland Park, Kansas (913) 384-2665, Independence, Missouri (816) 353-2665, Lee’s Summit, Missouri (816) 560-2665 or fill out a form HERE. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Overland Park area.

Some of the Benefits and Information About Home & Commercial Window Film

• More Energy Efficient Spaces – According to the EPA’s Assessment Of Energy Technologies and Research Opportunities, “Virtually the entire commercial cooling load comes from energy entering through the windows (i.e., solar heat gain). The bulk of residential cooling results from window heat gains although infiltration also has a significant role. Future cooling may be a larger share of total demand since U.S. regions with high population growth are largely in warmer climates.” The positive news is that a solar control film retrofitted to existing glass can significantly reduce the energy entering through the window.
• Improved Comfort by Reducing Heat and Glare – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, architectural window film can reduce glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer. Because these innovative window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.
• Reduce Hot and Cold Spots Throughout the Space – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within spaces. This is done by using film strategically to reduce heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas like the south and west exposures. By reducing the heat in these areas specifically, you can create a more balanced temperature across the space which can reduce the load on cooling system.
• Prevent Premature Fading of Furniture and Furnishings – Fading is caused by three primary factors; Visible light or glare, heat and UV rays. The great thing about architectural window films are that they attack all three of these areas. Window film will help reduce heat and glare as discussed above. In addition, most window films will block 99% of the sun’s UV rays from passing through. The combination of window film reducing heat, visible light and UV helps extend the life of furnishings by protecting them from sun fading.

If you think that 2022 is the year to resolve to have more energy efficient home and commercial spaces, you can contact us by calling (816) 353-2665 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence & Lee’s Summit, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

What Causes Sun Damaged Floors and Furniture

First, let’s discuss what causes this type of fading and sun damage. A common misconception is that the sun’s UV rays are what cause sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings. While UV rays are certainly the largest component that causes fading, as the chart below illustrates, they actually only account for 40% of the total. Solar heat, or the heat you feel passing through your windows and the visible light streaming through are also major contributors. These factors account for an additional 25% each of the causes of fading. The last factor accounts for the remaining 10% and is listed as “other”.  It is comprised of a variety of things that are harder to control like interior lighting, humidity, etc.

One thing this chart might help you realize is that you cannot “stop” fading completely. The facts are that unless the items you want to protect are placed in a dark, climate controlled room, they will typically fade over time. However, most of us plan to have the flooring and furniture in a place that will be exposed to UV, heat and light. This being the case, the most you can do is attack these major contributors of fading. By significantly attacking these contributors, you can slow down this fading process and extend the life of floors and furnishings. With that in mind, one of the best ways to attack these primary causes of sun damage and fading is with window films.

Why Are Window Films a Good Solution?

As mentioned above, you cannot completely stop fading and most people do not want to “close-up” their home in an effort to stop the damage from occurring. So, assuming windows will not be covered, you need to attack these fading factors before they enter the home. Window films are a great option because they attack all 3 major contributors of fading before they pass through the glass and enter your home.

Most professionally installed window films will block 99%+ of the UV rays, so that is nearly 40% of the factors removed. In addition, many window films can significantly reduce heat coming through the window, so that eliminates part of that 25% piece. Finally, it is possible to block up to 60% of the visible light coming through a window without noticeably darkening the window. When you combine the overall reduction in these 3 fade factors, you can take a significant portion of the fading pie shown above. The best part is that this protection can be accomplished while continuing to retain the open feel of your home through the use of window film.

We hope this article has served to shed some light the factors of sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings and how utilizing window film can be one of your best options to address this issue. If you would like more information, click HERE and contact Midwest Tinting today by calling (816) 353-2665 or fill out a form HERE. We can provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and estimate on the work you are considering. We are based in Overland Park, Kansas and proudly service the surrounding area.

3 Home Improvements Possible With Window Film

Increased Home Comfort – Window films work to block excessive heat and glare from entering your home through the glass. Most homes have some windows that get a lot of sun throughout the day. In these areas of the home, there can be hot spots from the heat entering which is often accompanied by irritating glare. Often, in an effort to keep these areas of the home comfortable, your need to adjust your air conditioning. The problem then becomes that the home is often too cool in other areas where the sun is not shining in. By using window films on these specific windows, you can reduce the heat and glare specifically where the problem lies without covering the window with a blind, shade or drapery.

Reduce Energy Costs – Continuing with the point above, if you have windows that are allowing excessive heat to enter the home, your air conditioning is likely having to work overtime to keep your home comfortable. All that extra running is costing you money. When you reduce the heat entering the home, your air conditioning will not need to work as hard to keep the home comfortable and you will save money on utility bills as a result.

Preserve Floors, Furniture and Furnishings – Our guess if that other things on your home improvement list may be things like new flooring, furniture, artwork, etc. If that is true, you want to be sure to protect those things from premature fading and sun damage. The primary sources of sun damage and fading are UV, Heat and Visible Light. Window film works to reduce all three of these primary areas of sun damage. In fact, most films reduce over 99% of the sun’s UV rays which accounts for 40% of the total causes of sun damage. In addition, it also helps block the number 2 and 3 factors of fading which are light and heat. The overall effect is to extend the life of your furnishings.

Hopefully, this article helped open your eyes to the reason you should consider placing window film on your list of home improvements. If you would like more information on home window film, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a free, no obligation assessment of your home and how window film can help, please contact Midwest Tinting today by calling (816) 353-2665 or filling out a form HERE. We service Lee’s Summit, Independence Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri while serving the surrounding communities.

The article mentions that according to the U.S. Department Of Energy, over one third of all sunlight that enters the home is transferred into heat. Therefore, any strategy to help keep your home cooler in the Summer needs to include a way to block this heat. This is where home window films retrofitted to your existing glass come in.

As the USA Today article explains, “A discreet window tint defends you from the sun by absorbing light shining in. Here at Reviewed, we tested window tints in our lab, and we were surprised by how much direct sunlight they block out. As a plus, the tinted film works as another layer of insulation come wintertime.”

The best part about home window film in 2021 is that modern innovation has enabled a tremendous amount of heat to be be blocked without significantly changing the appearance of the window. So, you don’t have to go dark with your windows to achieve substantial heat rejection. Moreover, as mentioned above, these film can be applied directly onto your existing windows to improve their performance at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. Finally, these films can be applied strategically in your home to address the heat issue in the rooms most impacted by the sun.

We hope that this article gave you some ideas on how house window films might be able to improve the comfort of your home this Summer. If you would like more information, call us at (816) 353-2665 for the Independence, Missouri Location, (913) 384-2665 for the Overland Park, Kansas Location, (816) 560-2665 for the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Location and (866) 443-2665 for the Sunrise Beach, Missouri Location. You can also fill out the contact form HERE. We have been serving the greater Kansas City area since 1976 and would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular home.