Finally, there’s some good news for U.S. homeowners! Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), homeowners can receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy efficiency improvements," including solar control window film, made to a primary residence from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

Only window films that meet the geographic and solar performance criteria will be eligible for the credit, so be sure to ask your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant which film qualifies for your area.

To qualify for the tax credit, homeowners will need to submit copies of the invoice, the manufacturer’s qualification statement and IRS form 5695.

As homeowners across the country prepare to make improvements to their homes, many are thinking in two particular shades of green – environmentally friendly and fiscally sound.

The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling accounts for nearly 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense in most households. One of the simplest ways to reduce your heating and cooling needs and costs is by using your window treatments. In some cases, heat gain can be reduced by 45% (US Department of Energy, Consumer’ Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing window treatments:

• All window treatments can help reduce heat gain when they are used.
• Shutters and cellular shades are great insulators 
• Solar fabrics and window film are great choices to cut your A/C requirement.
• Window film has been reported to reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 30-40%.
• All window coverings have insulating properties. Some are better at the job than others.
• Thermal lining used in drapery panels and Roman shades increases heat retention and reduces heat loss, thereby cutting heating requirements.

• Budget Blinds proudly carries roller shades made from Sheerweave #2000 and #2390, which received GREENGUARD certification.  Not only do these products reduce UV exposure, they are also low emitting products.  GREENGUARD Environmental Institute established performance based standards to identify products with low chemical and particle emissions for use in indoor furnishings among other uses.

Your Budget Blinds Style Consultant can help you find the window coverings that perform beautifully and look great doing it.  Schedule your free in-home consultation today!

Did you know that Budget Blinds also carries a wide variety of products made from recycled or renewable resources?  Ask your Budget Blinds Style Consultant about window treatments made from woven woods, cotton, silk or composite wood and beautiful area rugs made from wool, sisal, mountain grass and seagrass.