Window tinting to save money?

By KATU.com Staff Published: Sep 15, 2009 at 9:45 AM PST
Tinted residential window
Photo of a "before" (left) and "after" (right) tinted residential window, this one covered with Vista-brand film from CP Films. This photo is courtesy of Metro Tint in Portland.

This article caught our fancy. It's a trippy money topic, with an even trippier money-saving ending.

HOME WINDOW TINTING

Home window film/tint – what is it?
Home window tinting reduces both glare and heat, reducing your energy costs. It doesn’t have to be a dark tint to do that – it can be clear – so you don’t even know it’s there. Applied to the insides of your windows, home window tinting can reduce heat gain by keeping the sun and its harmful rays from getting into your house. You’ll also have less fading on your drapes, furniture and carpet because those harmful UV rays are reduced. Certain types of window film can even help burglary-proof your home. These types are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken. 

What about costs?
The cost of window tinting runs about $7 to $12 a square foot for professional installation. For 2009 only, the federal government is giving a 30% off tax credit for purchasing home window film. Consumers who purchase qualifying energy control window film for residential use from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible for 2009 tax credit up to $1,500 per taxpayer. When it comes to the tax credit there are specific product specifications you have to meet to qualify so make sure the product you use meets government requirements. (Here's more, from the I.R.S., about this federal energy incentives tax credit.)

Energy Savings:
Most homeowners spend about 60 percent of their total energy bill on heating and cooling, so reducing those costs even by a little can mean a lot overall. Energy savings aren’t restricted to summer months. In the winter, tinted windows will help retain heat, keeping it from leaking out the windows. 

Items to consider:

  • Assess the need: Do you need the film applied to all windows, or just the windows that get the most glare from the sun? Applying only to the west sides of the home will help keep costs down.
     
  • Costs: Savings and protection vary based on the type of film you install. The cost of professional window film ranges from $3-$15 per square foot, but really depends on the product selected and the size of the windows..
     
  • Warranty: Some products are guaranteed up to the lifetime of the window, with replacement service in case the window is broken.
     
  • Protection: There are different levels of UV protection, so check the label of each manufacturer’s window film to make sure you are getting the protection you desire.
     
  • DIY or hire? You may wish to contact a professional if you have difficult to reach windows or if you’re concerned about causing bubbles in the film.
     
  • Maintenance: Windows films are generally easy to clean with common cleaning solutions. Inquire with your professional contractor about the maintenance needed. 

 - A press release from Angie’s List contributed to this report.