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NUTS AND BOLTS

Space-Age Cool

From NASA technology come invisible energy-saving window upgrades for home or office.

It's a harsh world out there. And all that stands between you and it is a piece of glass. West- and south-facing windows may offer wonderful views, but they also allow ultraviolet light to wreak havoc on art, furniture, and even the finish on wood floors.

There is also heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Both mean increased energy costs. Until now, awnings, drapes, shades, or replacement windows with built-in ultraviolet filters and double or triple panes for insulation have been the homeowner's most common defense.

A better fix may come from technology first developed for NASA. CHB Industries now offers V-Kool, a product for homes and small businesses. These clear or slightly tinted films are applied directly to the inside of windows. A metallic coating in the film bounces away more than half of the sun's heat and blocks most of the damaging ultraviolet radiation. It also reduces heat loss in winter by more than 15 percent. Even newer windows will show increased energy efficiency, says the manufacturer.

The films come with a 10-year warranty and cost about $8 to $10 a square foot, installed by one of CHB's professionals.

For more information, contact CHB Industries at 800-220-2525.

V-Kool film, applied directly to the inside of windows, blocks ultraviolet light and reduces heat loss. V-Kool film, applied directly to the inside of windows, blocks ultraviolet light and reduces heat loss.
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