Is It Worth It to Get Home Windows Tinted? A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Is it worth it to get home windows tinted? Yes, it is, but of course we are slightly biased. In today’s blog, we are going to talk about the benefits of getting your home windows tinted. We will cover everything from upgrading your privacy, energy savings, and even protecting your furniture or prized artwork. We will also discuss the types of tint available and how to decide if this is the right investment to make your home more comfortable.
1. Energy Savings: Reduce Cooling Costs
This is the best financial reason for investing into getting your home windows tinted. There is a logically sound argument for spending the upfront money to get window tinting treatments to reduce or control your heating/cooling costs. High-quality window films can block nearly 80% of solar heat. This makes it easier for your air conditioner to manage the temperature at your home. Would you tint the windows in your house if you could save up to 30% on your energy bills every month and extend the life of your HVAC unit?
Pro Tip: Look for window tints with a high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating for peak energy efficiency.
2. UV Protection: Safeguard Your Furniture and Flooring
With standard windows, you allow harmful UV rays to pass through, which can cause fading to your flooring, your furniture, and your favorite painting/photos. Most window tints block up to 99% of UV rays which helps you preserve your decor for longer.
Why It Matters:
UV rays don’t just affect the awesome things in your home—they can also pose risks to your skin. Window tinting adds an extra layer of protection for you and your family.
3. Enhanced Privacy Without Sacrificing Natural Light
Many homeowners are concerned with privacy, especially when their windows face the street or directly overlook their neighbor’s homes. Window Tinting gives you one-way privacy, allowing you to see out without letting others see in. With any quality film you can get this benefit without reducing the amount of natural light into your home. Want a bit more privacy for your bathroom or home entryways? Try frosted or decorative window tints!
Pro Tip: Consider different tint levels based on the room’s purpose. For instance, a darker tint may be ideal for bedrooms, while a lighter tint works well in living areas.
4. Glare Reduction for Comfort and Productivity
Everyone knows that it doesn’t matter where you put the TV in your house, that pesky glare is sure to show up. This is more than an inconvenience for those who work from home everyday. Want to complete your daily tasks, enjoy your meals at night, or watch the game in peace? Window tinting can reduce your glare by up to 90% and make your space more comfortable without having to buy shades or curtains.
Perfect for:
- Home offices
- Entertainment rooms
- Kitchens and dining areas
5. Increased Safety and Security
What’s the weakest point for burglars to target your home? Unfortunately, the answer is windows. But what if a bad actor decided to throw a brick through your window, the window held together? While it will likely still break in the spot the brick was thrown, security tint films help prevent the rest of the window from tumbling down altogether. While we are talking about serious situations like break-ins, security tint also has benefits for when accidents happen by reducing the amount of glass on the ground when Uncle Rico throws a bad pass into your living room window.
Benefits of Safety Films:
- Impact resistance: Helps deter break-ins.
- Shatter protection: Reduces the risk of injury from broken glass.
Pro Tip: Look for security window films with a thicker construction for enhanced protection.
6. Curb Appeal and Aesthetic Value
Want to make your home cooler than your neighbors? I know, we all do. Tinting is a great option due to its relatively low cost and dramatic impact potential. Pick a tint that’s neutral if your HOA likes to cause problems, and a more reflective option if you want John the neighbor to think about what he’s doing with the leafblower on Saturday morning. Jokes aside, you can really compliment your home and stand out against the crowd with modern home window tinting options.
Why It’s Worth It:
Tinted windows can give your home a modern and polished look, potentially increasing its resale value.
How Much Does It Cost to Tint Home Windows?
Average Cost:
- $5 to $8 per square foot for standard window films.
- $8 to $12 per square foot for premium or security films.
For a home with 10 windows, you can spend somewhere between $500 and $1200 depending on the type of tint and installation. Complex installs like 3 stories up in a foyer will cost more than your average 1st floor window.
Is It Worth the Cost?
When you factor in the energy savings, UV protection, and enhanced comfort, window tinting can pay for itself in 2 to 3 years
Types of Window Tint for Homes
Here’s a quick guide for the different types of window tint to help you make the best decision for your home’s window tint:
1. Dyed Window Film:
- Benefits: Reduces glare and adds privacy.
- Drawbacks: Less effective at blocking heat.
- Ideal For: Rooms that don’t get direct sunlight.
2. Metalized Window Film:
- Benefits: Blocks heat effectively and strengthens glass.
- Drawbacks: Can interfere with phone and Wi-Fi signals.
- Ideal For: South-facing windows.
3. Ceramic Window Film:
- Benefits: Best for blocking UV rays without interfering with signals.
- Drawbacks: More expensive.
- Ideal For: Homes with many electronic devices.
4. Security Window Film:
- Benefits: Holds glass together during impacts.
- Drawbacks: Typically clear, so doesn’t reduce glare.
Ideal For: Ground-floor windows and entry points.
Preparing Your Windows for Tinting
If you want a flawless finish on your window tints, you better get them installed by a professional. If you are still planning on doing them yourself, follow these steps:
- Clean Windows Thoroughly:
Remove dust, grease, and dirt using a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. - Inspect for Damage:
Repair any cracks or chips in the glass beforehand. - Choose the Right Time:
Install window tint in mild weather (60°F to 80°F) to ensure proper curing.
Consult a Professional:
DIY kits are available, but professional installation offers better results and a warranty.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It to Get Home Windows Tinted?
100% yes. From the benefits of energy savings, to UV protection and privacy/security upgrades, home window tinting is a great investment for anyone to make. The initial costs are among the most reasonable for home improvement projects and you can easily see a profit from your investment in 2-3 years of lower energy bills.
If you are interested in exploring options with Preston’s Sun Control, CLICK HERE and complete the form to begin scheduling your estimate!