When you think of window film, you may wonder if it’s just a fad or if it really is that helpful. After all, most people don’t think about their windows very much. But those who have them know how beneficial they can be at bringing natural light into your home and keeping the temperature regulated. Reducing the cost of heating and cooling your home in the summer and winter is important for any homeowner. After all, energy costs are going up, so anything you can do to save money is definitely worth considering. That’s where window film comes in handy! With it, you can help reduce heat gain during the summer and block unwanted UV rays during peak sunlight hours to protect your carpets, furnishings, floors, and even artwork from fading and yellowing. Window film also helps keep things private by blocking prying eyes from seeing what’s on the other side of your windows — whether that be people or objects.

What Is Window Film?

First, let’s clear up any misconceptions about what window tinting actually consists of. It’s not about blocking any or all light coming into your home — it’s about controlling how much does come in. Window film is a pattern of specially-coated films that are cut to fit your windows. They’re applied directly to the glass with a sticky adhesive that allows you to peel and reapply them as necessary. One of the most important factors to keep in mind when purchasing window film is the level of ultraviolet protection it offers. UV rays can be damaging to your furniture and artwork, but many films are tinted to help shield your home from these harmful rays.

What Are the Benefits of Window Tinting?

As previously mentioned, window tinting can help you save money on energy costs. It can also enhance your home’s curb appeal by making the windows look darker and more attractive. When you apply window tinting, it helps to cut down on the amount of heat that gets into your home by blocking more UV rays. It can also help to block glare from the sun. With these added benefits, you can make your windows look better and more attractive while also saving money on energy costs. And when you make your windows darker, it gives the illusion of increased privacy.

Types of Window Film

There are two basic types of window film — solar control or glare control. Solar Control Window Film – This type of window film will help regulate the temperature of your home by blocking out UV rays that can cause your home to heat up significantly during the summer months. Glare Control Window Film – This type of window film can help you maintain privacy while still letting in the right amount of light to your home. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider mixing and matching the two types of film for the best results. No matter which type of film you ultimately decide to go with, it’s important to make sure it’s been designed and manufactured to be suitable for indoor use.

Coinciding Materials for Best Results

When choosing the best window film for the windows in your home, it’s important to keep the surrounding materials in mind. For example, if you have a lot of natural light filtering in through your windows, but you’re looking to make them darker, you may want to consider a tint that’s especially designed to absorb light. This will help keep the light out while also making your windows look darker. For windows that are primarily used for privacy, it’s best to use a tint that blocks out light without being too heavy or dark. In these instances, a neutral-density (ND) tint will work best. This type of tint is designed to let the right amount of light in while keeping prying eyes out.

Costs Involved with Installing Window Film

Window tinting can cost between $250 and $450 per home, and the price will depend on the type of film, the size of your home, the difficulty of installing it, and whether you need a permit. While the upfront cost of installing window tinting may seem like a lot, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Over the lifetime of the installation, you’ll save a significant amount of money on utility bills by keeping the sun out. If you’re looking to install window film but aren’t sure where to start, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you’re using the right tint for the windows in your home. While some types of tint are good for all windows, others are better for specific types of windows.

Wrapping Up

When you think about it, window film can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your home. It can also help regulate the temperature so you don’t spend as much on energy bills. While it’s important to consider the aesthetics, it’s also crucial to remember how window film can help you save money on energy costs. With all of these benefits in mind, it’s clear to see why window film is worth the investment.

References:

1: Review of sunscreen and the emergence of non-conventional absorbers and their applications in ultraviolet protection

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00654.x

2: Real-time daylight glare control using a low-cost, window-mounted HDRI sensor

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106912