Window Tinting—A Simple Solution to 
Cut Cooling Cost, Block Sun Glare and Damaging UV Rays

Solar-control window film can reduce heat and glare as well as protect your furniture from harmful UV rays that fade.  Window films allow sun light to enter the room, but reduce the amount of heat that enters the room, saving energy and making your home more comfortable.  Once solar-control window film is applied to the inside of your windows, it can save you up to 10-percent in home energy bills. Some homeowners have seen up to a 15% reduction in heat loss during the winter, and a reduction of 55% of solar heat gain during the summer.  Because solar-control window films reduce a home’s energy consumption, they also reduce CO₂ production.  In addition, some window films also enhance your privacy and security.  However, these are usually only available through distributors. 

It is true that today’s windows have low- emissivity and low-solar heat gain coatings, but many older windows do not.  Window film is a less expensive solution to replacing all of the windows of a home in order to reduce solar heat loss and a low-solar gain control. 

Since the development of window film in the 1970’s, manufactures have developed technology that has produced more effective and more Do-It-Yourself friendly.  Today there are available solar-control window films that save money because they increase a home’s energy efficiency.  According to Gila, a manufacture of window films, window films can even enhance the performance of energy-efficient low-e window.  Solar-control films block as much as 99% of the UV light entering a home, reduces the amount of glare, thus protecting your furniture from fading.  

Safety window film increases the window’s shatter resistance.  This can also protect against severe weather, earthquakes, and break-ins.  If the window film is frosted or reflective, then it will also increase your privacy, protecting you from strangers looking into to your home from the outside. 

The next type of window film is decorative window film that can enhance the look of any window while providing privacy. 

All forms of window films are available for both residential and commercial use, with several types available for Do-it-yourself installation.  The average cost of solar-film is $10.00 to $15.00 per sq ft, this price is just for the window film a lone and does not include application.  By applying window film yourself, you can save approximately $3.00 per sq ft on labor.  Most professorial window film installers charge a minimum fee ranging from approximately $200.00 to $300.00, with the cost for small project being even higher. 

Installing window film yourself can save you a lot of money however; doing it yourself will take a lot of time especially if you’ve never applied window film.  If the windows in your home are exotic shapes, such as hexagons, half-rounds, extremely large or over sized, then you should leave these windows to a professional.  You can find a list of certified installers as well as manufactures and distributors through the IWFA (International Window Film Association).  Visit their website at: http://www.iwfa.com/

Before you apply window film, you have to check the windows ability to withstand heat stress.  If your windows show an of the follow signs, you should not apply window film.

•       If the glass has cracks do not apply window film.
  
  

•       If the window seal is broken, or if the window fogs or condensation forms between the panes of glass do not apply window film.
  
  

•       Do not apply window film if your windows are older than 40 years.