Summer is here, which means days at the pool, backyard barbeques, and no school for the kids. Unfortunately, it also means a spike in your energy bill.
You shouldn’t have to spend your hard-earned money on cooling your home when you should be spending it on your next family vacation instead. How do you avoid the spike?
One option is to install window privacy film on all the windows in your home. In this guide, we’re going to break down how it works and if it can actually help you save money on your energy bill. We’ll also go over other clever ways to reduce energy bills this summer. Let’s dive in.
Does Window Privacy Film Actually Reduce Energy Bills?
First things first, how does this work? We know it almost sounds too easy, but we promise you that residential window tinting can make a difference when it comes to your energy bill.
Window tinting works by reducing the glare and UV rays that hit your windows throughout the day, which also reduces the heat coming into your home. In fact, proper window tinting can block up to 80% of the heat from the sun.
With less heat coming in, your air conditioning system does not have to work as hard to cool your home. As a result, you will see your energy bills go down and your home will stay cool all summer.
Installing Window Tint Film
It’s best to have your windows tinted by a professional technician. They will get the size of the window tint film exactly right so it is as effective as possible. It’s a detailed process that takes training and experience, and you want it to be done right.
There are a few options when it comes to the look of your window tint. You can choose a decorative tint that looks like it’s part of the design of the house, or you can choose a clear window film that is hardly noticeable.
Whichever choice you go with, they both offer the same UV ray blocking benefits, and both options maintain your view of the outside from your home.
With the right maintenance, your window privacy film will last for over a decade, making it an extremely affordable and durable way to keep your home cool.
Other Benefits of Window Tinting
Window tinting isn’t just beneficial in the summer. During the window, tinted windows can help retain heat in your home. That means your heater doesn’t have to work as hard, so you can save money on your energy bill during the cold months too.
Another added benefit of window tinting is the privacy it provides. However, it doesn’t block your view of the outside from your home.
Tinting your windows can also protect your furniture from getting damaged by the harsh UV rays coming in from your windows. The sun’s rays can fade the color and quality of your furniture when they hit it directly, so tinting adds a layer of protection.
Along with your furniture, it will also protect your hardwood floors, upholstery, artwork, and carpet.
Window tinting can even protect your skin. In fact, it is recommended for people who are sensitive to the sun and want to reduce their risk of sun damage.
Finally, window tinting also adds a layer of protection to your windows. If there is ever a bad storm, you don’t have to worry about your windows shattering from the wind. If it does shatter, the window tinting will hold the broken glass instead of it getting all over your home.
As you can see, the benefits of residential tinting go beyond just reducing energy bills. However, since high energy bills are a major concern during the summertime, let’s look at other clever ways to keep your bill down in the coming months.
More Ways to Reduce Energy Bills in the Summer
In our opinion, window tinting is the most effective option when it comes to preventing a spike in your energy bills over the summertime. However, if you want to guarantee a manageable bill, there are other tactics you can try as well.
First, you can try turning off your air conditioning system when you don’t need it. For instance, if it is still cool enough in the morning not to use it, keep it off for as long as you can. You can also flip it off when you aren’t going to be home.
If you don’t want to completely turn your system off, you can use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature for you. You can program it to adjust when you are sleeping or during the cooler parts of the day so it isn’t running on high unnecessarily.
Before the summer really hits, check your home for any holes or cracks where cool air can escape. Air escaping is money down the drain, so make sure you get those fixed so you can keep all the cool air in your home.
You should also routinely clean your air vents and replace your filters. A clogged or dirty system will make your air conditioning unit work harder, which hikes up your bill.
Lastly, if you have a ceiling fan, running it during the hottest parts of the day will prevent you from needing to overwork your air conditioning system.
Stay Cool All Summer
With these tips, you can keep your energy bill down and enjoy the summertime to the fullest. As we said, installing window privacy film is the most effective option for keeping your home cool, and it has several other benefits that you will love all year round.
For more home tips and guides, check out our other blogs.
