The Pros & Cons of Home Window Tinting

No matter how long you’ve owned your home, you’ll always notice things you can do to make it more comfortable. If you’re like most homeowners, those improvement tasks will almost always involve making your home more efficient so you can save money in the long run. Home window tinting is quickly becoming one of the most popular home improvement projects across the country. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Before you install home window tint film, get to know the pros and cons of having the film on your windows.

The Pros of Home Window Tinting

When installed by an experienced professional, tinting your home’s windows can easily make your house feel more like a true home. Though every installation is different, they all share similar benefits.

Lowers Your Energy Bills

Home window tint film blocks up to 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays. These are what’s responsible for making your home warm when the blinds are up. With window tint film installed, you’ll still be able to enjoy the natural light you love without the added heat indoors. The cooler your home stays in direct sunlight, the less your HVAC system has to work. This can save you hundreds on your energy costs over the course of the year.

Improves Property Value

Energy efficiency is one of the most prominent features prospective homebuyers look for when touring homes. The more efficient your home is, the more likely they are to want to buy it. Home window tint film allows you to ask a higher price should you decide to put your home on the market.

Prevents Damage to Furnishings

Those same UV rays that increase the heat inside your home also cause premature fading and sun damage to your furnishings. Leaving your curtains and blinds open puts your artwork, wood furniture, and upholstery at risk, increasing the amount of money you’ll have to spend on repairs or replacement items. Since home window tint film blocks those rays, your furnishings will stay safe.

Increased Privacy

There are dozens of types of home window tinting film to choose from. Some are virtually clear while others make it almost impossible for people to see inside your home. If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your privacy at home without having to cut back on the natural light you rely on, window tinting is the best option.

Boosts Your Home Security

Glass shatters when it breaks. Not only does this make it tough to clean up, but it also increases your risk of injury. Tiny shards and fragments can spread across the entire room if the window is hit with enough force. With window film in place, the glass won’t shatter. The film will hold the shards in place, keeping vandals outside where they belong while also making it easier to clean up after something happens.

The Disadvantages of Home Window Tinting

For all the benefits, there are some serious disadvantages of home window tinting that you need to be aware of before you commit to an installation.

It’s Expensive

There’s no way around it—home window tinting is expensive. You’re not just paying for the film itself. You’re also paying for an experienced installation team to put the film up for you. And the more windows you have, the more expensive it will be. Though you can do it yourself to save some money up front, you’ll likely end up paying more to fix that DIY installation in the future.

Some Films Aren’t Approved by HOAs

It’s always a good idea to check with your homeowners association before starting any exterior home improvement project. Believe it or not, some window tints aren’t accepted by some HOAs. If you install the film without getting approval, you could end up getting fined or forced to remove the film entirely.

It May Hurt Your Warranty

Different window manufacturers look at window tint film in different ways. Some see it as a retrofit to the window itself, voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Others don’t. If the warranty is voided by tint installation, you’ll have to pay for the cost of any repairs to the window itself. Before you install the window tint, check the details of your warranty.

It Will Change Your View

Even clear window tint films aren’t completely invisible. You’ll notice them on your windows when the sun hits the glass. This can change the view you get out of each window. For some homeowners, this slight change can become an eyesore.

Is Home Window Tinting Film Right for You?

Home window tinting film isn’t right for every home. You need to examine the pros and cons of installing it before you make a decision. If the pros outweigh the cons, schedule a consultation. But if you think you’ll regret your choice, hold off.

SmartFilm is proud to serve the cities of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.