Commercial window tinting offers many benefits for both homes and offices. With worldwide interest in green building that provides ways to conserve energy and reduce energy costs, builders and homeowners are looking closely at solar window tinting as a cost-effective solution. Take a look at the pros and cons of solar window tinting for your home or business.
Homeowners, as well as office workers, love the natural light that large windows provide. However, these large windows and walls of glass quickly heat up the interior of a space resulting in high cooling costs during the summer months. Solar window tinting offers a viable option for controlling the heat from the sun while allowing natural light into an interior space.
Pros of Window Tinting
Reduces Energy Costs. Solar window tinting can reduce energy cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. It offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient option to replacing the windows in a home or office building.
Blocks UV Rays. Solar window tinting blocks up to 99 percent of the ultra-violet light that comes through a window. UV rays can quickly fade interior furnishings like carpets, drapery, upholstery, and artwork, as well as office equipment, computers, and monitors.
Increased Comfort. By eliminating harsh sun and heat, solar window film quickly adds increased comfort to a home or office environment. Keeping intense sun and heat out softens light and glare and creates more even temperatures year-round.
Added Security. Window films increase security in homes and businesses by holding the glass together if the window shatters. Whether from a burglary or an accident, window tinting increases protection and security for homeowners and office workers.
Tax Credit and Rebates. Many states offer tax credits and rebates for installing commercial window tinting. In homes with lots of glass and in high-rise office buildings, these tax incentives and rebates can add up to significant savings.
Return on Investment. Even without tax credits and state rebates, solar window film offers a quick payback period compared to energy upgrades by replacing lighting fixtures, older windows and HVAC equipment. The typical return on investment is about three years.
Cons of Window Tinting
Voided Warranties. If you have new windows, some manufacturers’ warranties may be voided by applying any type of window tinting or film. It’s best to check your warranty to make sure you can add window tinting without voiding your warranty.
Application Problems. With certain types of windows and doors, commercial window tinting may be more difficult to install. French doors and windows with many individual panes and mullions are harder to treat with a smooth application. This could result in a bubbly-looking finished appearance.
Quality Products. Commercial window tinting and films can vary in quality based on the manufacturing process. Before you invest in the application for your home or office, look for films that are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). They are a third-party, non-profit organization that sponsors certified ratings and labeling on consumer products like windows, doors, and skylights.
Using the Wrong Product. Newer, shiny window films are invisible from inside. They reflect UV light away from the window but allow natural light to come through to brighten the space. Dark window films not only block UV light, but also absorb heat that gets transferred into the interior space. They block a lot of natural light making the interior feel much darker. This results in the need for more interior lighting which increases energy costs.
