Solar Tinting of Windows

I posted earlier about window treatments for upper windows but feedback from some vendors said we should seriously consider window tinting. I assume this is allowed by HOA, I will check the guidelines but can anyone suggest vendors for this service? I don't know even know what the service costs?

 

We tinted our entire upstairs, as we had some real problems keeping cool in the summer and could not get our upstairs temp below 80 degrees no matter what the thermostat was set on. The tinting was extremely helpful - especially with our big window in the foyer.

We used East Coast Window Tinting as was happy with their service. They are an authorized 3M dealer - which is a highly rated window film. The cost to tint all of our upstairs windows was around $900, and we used a higher quality privacy film (not the mirror kind) and that may have been more expensive.

They accomplished the job in just a few hours. By the way - after one summer, we saw a dramatic drop in our utility bills. I imagine the window tinting will pay for itself in just about 2-3 years!!!

If you have troubles with temperature control in the summer, I would recommend window tinting!

 

We had Atlantic Sun Control do our window tinting for heat and fade reduction. They use a product called Vista window tint, not a 3M product. It has worked well, held up well. Our large foyer window cost $170, an average 32x72 window cost $87.

 

Atlantic did ours as well.

 

Dont know if it is helpful, but 3M is a partner with Energy Star. I Snagged the following from a website so you may want to discuss with your Tax Advisor to see if true/applicable...

"The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created federal tax credits for
homeowners who make certain energy efficient improvements. On October
3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008", which extended tax credits for energy
efficient home improvements made in 2009. Homeowners can receive a 10 percent credit on the costs of qualified window film products, up to a maximum of $500."

 

Yes, the tax credit was mentioned by the sales rep for Atlantic Sun. It applies to all/most window tinting, not just the 3M product.

On these past few warm days I've already noticed a difference in our foyer which used to get very hot prior to the tinting. Plus the film eliminates most UV light, which fades furniture, carpets, and floors - and causes wrinkles!

 

Interesting, the southern side of my house is always warm in the summer. Maybe I'll consider tinting too and see if that helps.
Thanks for the idea!

 

There are HOA restrictions regarding window tinting. Per the Design Guidelines, "Highly reflective glass tinting is not permitted". That said, these guidelines were originally written prior to the development of current technology when black-out film was the "standard" window tinting. I suggest that an application be filed - better to have it and not need it - along with a manufacturer's information brochure.

 

Has the credit been upped to $1500 (30% of up to $5000) via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (http://ase.org/content/article/detail/2654#home_improvement )? I can see that it applies to insulation (caulk, weather stripping, and foam) but I'm not sure about window film.

 

Does the coating just tint the window or does it keep our UV rays that can bleach our hardwood floors?

 

We had Atlantic Sun (I think) put a 3M product on ALL the windows in our house within the first year. I think it cost us $1000 for the entire house.

It has done a GREAT job on glare, heat, and UV protection.

However, now that it's been 10 years, we're beginning to think it has very slightly fogged. Could be just the aging of the film - and this is on the south side of the house - LOTS of sun.

I recall Atlantic Sun saying something about a lifetime guarantee, so we'll call them.