For many homeowners, energy savings is very important. You may go to great lengths to weatherproof your home, yet ignore one of the biggest energy saving features: window film. Tinted windows can indeed save you a great deal of money, and here are just a few ways we thought were worth mentioning.

Saves on Cooling Costs

The biggest savings come in the way of reduced cooling costs during the summer months. Some estimates show that adding window film can shave your cooling expenses by as much as half. For best results, choose an efficient window film that blocks between 80% and 99% of the sun’s UV rays.

Tinted windows save you energy dollars in two ways. First, they reduce your need for air conditioning, allowing you to set your thermostat a little higher than usual. This leads to the second benefit, which is the fact that your HVAC unit can operate more efficiently because it does not need to work quite as hard.

Keeps Warm Air In

You may be thinking that since tinted windows keep sunlight out that your home would actually be colder during the winter. That’s not at all the case, as window film can also prevent heat loss through your windows. In fact, it can eliminate up to 30 percent of all heat loss.

Certain “low-e” films are especially designed to reduce heat loss and help your home become more efficient. This type of film is often more effective than heavy, foam-backed drapery panels or covering your panes with plastic. It is also more aesthetically pleasing, and allows you to enjoy a greater view of the outdoors.

Eliminates Hot and Cold Spots

Another way you can save is by eliminating hot and cold spots inside your home. Many times, these hot and cold spots directly result from too much or too little sunlight entering a structure. By maintaining and even, consistent temperature throughout your home, you can avoid having to use supplemental heating or cooling appliances to regulate your environment.

How Much Can I Save?

Window film is one of the most affordable energy-saving products on the market. In fact, it is so affordable that most homeowners can expect to recoup their savings in as little as two years. After that time, any energy savings you do realize is then pure profit.

You will generally save more money if your home has single rather than double pane windows. Homeowners who apply them to single pane windows typically notice energy savings of around 37%, as compared to only 20% on double panes. Studies also show the savings are more profound on older homes, which tend to have very thin or poorly-insulated windows.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of the average household’s energy costs. As such, you stand to save a great deal of money by installing window film, not to mention the fact that you will also be making your home a more comfortable place in which to live.