7 Tips to Know Before Going Tinted

With the bright sun and warmer weather, living in Oklahoma City might be costly as you tend to use and use your air conditioning. Well, in the United States in general since we undergo the summer season. One of the problems we face is the cost of our ventilation and air conditioning appliances. To help aid this, did you know that tinting your house is a good idea to lessen electrical bills? Yes, having home window privacy film would lessen the amount of sunlight that passes through your window and thus lessen the warm effect around your house. Here are some tips you should know before getting a privacy tint for home windows.

1. Window Films and Factory Coated Windows

Before deciding on going to fully tinted house windows, you may opt to retain your glass and put the film into your windows or you change the window by buying a pre-tinted glass window. Of the two, having home window privacy film might be more practical but take note that pre-tinted window glass has very good performance in terms of reducing UV and infrared.

2. Warranty

Always check for warranty options and find out which is best suited for you. Sometimes it depends on the brand of the film and some manufacturers give a 10 to 15-year warranty. 

3. Solar Heat

Know your purpose. If your primary reason is to reduce the electricity bill, go for tints with a low coefficient for solar heat gain. The lower it is, the better the tint is blocking out heat emitted by the sun. There is also a home window privacy film that protects you from UV rays so it is better to ask your manufacturer regarding that. Bonus points if you went to a company that offers a low price for good quality.

4. Durability

An average film can last up to 15 years but if you want to make it last longer, you may ask trained professionals to install the film for you. They use unique adhesive to stick the film into the window.

5. Blocking Colors

Some window films block both heat and light from entering and this will make your room much darker. They also usually block out a specific spectrum of light to allow as much as light through while reducing heat in your house. Look for a film that has a higher visible transmittance value than it does solar heat gain coefficient. This will make your space cool down but still allow light to enter.

6. Reflection

The other to block heat while allowing light to pass is to use a reflective film or coating. These are the films that are non-visible light such as infrared, and can even make your window look like a mirror from the outside during the day and inside during the night. 

7. Overall Tint

Deciding whether to finally opt for window film should also fit your style. There are more decorative films that are being offered. You should also consider this as some films can make your window look etched or stained and will not help you save energy. But if you want a film that helps improve your privacy, look for tints that are darker and also limit heat entering your space.

It all boils down to your problem and a specific solution to it but the best option is to ask the experts. At Edmond Window Film, we have been one of the state’s leaders in automotive, residential and commercial window film installation for over 25 years. If you have questions, call us at (405) 730-6505.