Does tinting home windows save energy?

Most people know about tinting for car windows, but did you know you can have home windows tinted too?

Whether you live in a house, apartment, or trailer, window tinting for your home provides style, comfort, safety, privacy and helps you save energy.

This blog post covers a few practical benefits of residential window tint film and explains how tinting your home windows can help you lower energy costs.

The benefits of window tinting for homes

Have you ever thought about what windows do for a home? They let in natural lighting, keep your home ventilated, and give you a nice view outdoors. In a nutshell, windows affect the well-being and comfort of anyone inside.

But your windows may also be behind those high energy bills. Because the heat transits through your windows, 25% to 30% of your energy bill is spent on heating and cooling.

To avoid using up too much energy (and in addition to window sealing), you can invest in window tinting.

Check out the three main benefits of window tint!

Temperature control

Have you noticed that some rooms of your home are hotter or colder than others? A few reasons are more exposure to sunlight because of the number of windows. Large windows can also cause a temperature imbalance inside your home.

Window tint blocks the sun’s heat and helps balance the temperature indoors.

As you won’t need to keep the AC running in certain rooms to keep every part of your home comfortable, you’ll also use less energy.

Get rid of glare

The glare from your computer or TV screen can be annoying and stop you from seeing clearly during your work and downtime.

Window tinting also decreases any other blinding glare that might flash up, making work and relaxation more comfortable.

Protection from UV rays

Even though we don’t think about it too often, windows that let in too much sunlight can expose you to dreaded UV rays.

Melanoma and other skin cancers are generally caused by UV radiation or too much direct sunlight.

Installing window tinting means protecting yourself and your loved ones from UV rays.

Can Window Tint Protect My Furniture?

Yes! Ever notice furniture, photos, paintings, rugs, and even wallpaper fading over time? UV rays are the main culprits.

Furniture and decorative objects exposed to UV rays wear out much faster.

It may seem trivial, but it can be quite a drag to have to buy new furniture or spend money to preserve sentimental items.

That’s one of the main reasons for getting home window tinting. It shields your skin from dreaded UV radiation and protects personal items too. 

• Read more: How does window tinting help to protect vehicle leather?

Window tinting types

There are different kinds of window tint films on the market to meet a variety of needs. Before deciding which to get, it helps to know the main types and consider how well they meet yours.

To help you get familiar, here are the three main types of tint film.

Solar

Solar film is for you if you want a balanced temperature inside your home and privacy and security.

It’s also recommended when the shape of the windows or room makes it tricky to put up curtains. It helps preserve valuable furniture and artwork, too.

Here, silver mirror films will work better than colored or transparent.

Security

Security window films are thicker to prevent forced entry, so they’re not as effective if your goal is saving energy.

Decorative

Decorative films are perfect for clients who want to add some style to their home’s decor.

You can have them installed for privacy or add a pattern or design to glass windows.

How to Tint House Windows?

As we mentioned before, residential window tinting has its benefits. But how is it installed?

Applying window tints isn’t the easiest. Each step should be done carefully to avoid mistakes and ensure the full benefits.

Still not convinced hiring an expert is the way to go? Here’s how to install window tints.

Step 1: Clean your windows

Cleaning your windows is the first thing you need to do. Any dust or streaks trapped under the film will stay.

Step 2: Measure your windows and cut the film

Measure the windows carefully for a perfect fit.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to carefully pre-cut the film. A one-inch margin is usually added all around.

Step 3: Peel off the backing

Here’s where you need to be meticulous! Once the adhesive side is exposed, parts of the film can accidentally stick to each other.

Hiring an expert makes that less of a risk. While one holds the film steady, the other carefully strips away the backing. 

Step 4: applying the film

Once you’ve prepared the windows, apply the film. Keep in mind that different types of film call for different application techniques. That makes it clear why having a team of experts is so necessary.

Step 5: remove the air bubbles

Once you set the film on the window, you may notice a few bubbles or flaws. You can remove those by squeezing the air towards the edges.

Step 6: Trim the edges

Remember step 2, where that inch margin was added? After application, you may notice a little extra sticking out around the edges of the window. Once you’ve removed all the air bubbles, you can carefully trim those areas.

• Read more: How long does it take to tint a car?

So, do home window tints really help save energy?

As we said before, window tinting for your home helps you save energy by providing insulation. During the warmer months, it decreases the amount of sunlight and heat coming through windows.

That’s because regular glass blocks around 35-45% of heat from the sun, where the right film can decrease and block up to 84%.

And the balanced temperature isn’t just for the Summer! Having film during the warmest season means less air conditioning is needed. But it also keeps the heat inside in cold weather.

That means your home will stay warm, and you won’t have to use extra energy to get that. Solar film is a great investment to keep a balanced temperature in your home.

How much can window tinting help you save?

A couple of factors can affect how much you can save with window tinting for your home. Consider your average energy use along with the number of windows, glass sizes, and how many you plan on having tinted.

Here are some more facts to give you an estimate:

• In some homes, utility bills lower a little more than 10% after film application. 
• If you live in a 2.000 square feet house and decide to get medium/high window tinting, you can reduce your annual cooling and heating costs by around 22%. 
• According to the US Department of Energy, you can save as much as US$ 111 annually after having double-pane windows tinted.  
• For single-pane windows, you can save as much as $465. 
• You can save up to $10,000 annually on energy in commercial buildings.

Read more: 8 main benefits of Car Window Tinting

Pelicar window tinting: automotive, residential and commercial window tinting

We’ve been in the window tinting business for cars, homes, and offices for over thirty years. So we have the experience and state-of-the-art technology needed for a quick application and guaranteed client satisfaction.

We’re here to answer any questions, show you our available tint films, and explain the advantages of each to give you the best cost-benefit.

Want to know more about vehicles and window tint? Visit our blog!

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