What Is the Best Window Tint Percentage for Your Home?: A Complete Guide

What is Window Tint?

Window tint is a film placed on a window that prevents a certain amount of light and ultraviolet rays to pass through it. This is displayed in the form of a percentage. For example, if your window tint percentage is 40% then only 40% of visible light will get through.



This causes your window to give the appearance of it being darker outside. Window tint comes in a bunch of different shades and percentages, so it is important to find the right tint for you.

The Purposes of Window Tint

There are multiple reasons why people have window tint installed on the windows of their home. Finding the best window tint percentage for your home depends on what purpose you are looking to fulfill.



Below are some of the common reasons for purchasing home window tint.

Security

Similar to automobile window tint, home window tint provides an extra layer of security. For the best security, your home window tint percentage should be 50% or lower.

Some security benefits are that it can prevent potential burglars from being able to see into your home. It can also keep you safe if something or someone were to break your window because it will prevent shattering.



Unfortunately, it also has some drawbacks. A tint that is chosen for security reasons is thicker and not as effective at blocking or absorbing heat. This can put a damper on your energy bills depending on the weather where your home is.

Privacy

If you are wanting to get your home window tint done for privacy reasons you will be needing a darker tint. Similar to automotive window tint, darker windows make it more difficult for seeing inside your home, helping you avoid that feeling of being watched.

Privacy home window tint is best for homes that have large first-floor windows that people on ground level would be able to see into with ease. Window tint combined with curtains or blinds works great together at keeping your home private and comfortable.



The recommended level of tint for privacy purposes is 20% tint or less. This percentage of tint allows less light in and will prevent people from seeing into your home when you have lights on at night.

Aesthetic Purposes

As with cars, tint can give a house a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing look. With a wide variety of shades, patterns, and percentages to choose from you can find the perfect fit for your home. 

Using a darker tint can hide the inside of your home and give it a much cleaner appearance to anyone walking or driving by. 



You can also choose tints with certain patterns or designs such as flowers, stained glass, or frosted. Choice window tint can improve the look of your home and increase the curb appeal and value.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

There are two ways that home window tint can affect your home and your savings when it comes to energy. Depending on the weather at your home, one may fit your needs better than the other.

In areas that have colder weather, tint can hold heat inside of the house rather than letting it escape. This can save you money when it comes to keeping your home heated during the cold weather months. 

There are window tints for cold weather areas that use the sunlight to heat cold areas of the room, while also preventing the cold temperatures from making it through the glass.

The second way that window tint can have an effect on your energy efficiency and savings is keeping heat out if your home is in a place with hot weather. Studies have shown up to 84% decreases in heat load in homes with residential window tint.



According to the EPA, residential window tinting can save you up to 50% on your cooling costs. Depending on where you live and the weather there, that window tint can lead to big savings over an extended period of time.

Reducing Glares

If you've ever tried to watch TV in a room with a lot of windows, you've probably experienced a glare on the screen at some point or another. It can be frustrating, but it's another issue that residential window tinting can help to fix.



Using a window tint of roughly 49% can reduce the glare in your home and allow you to watch TV without the frustration that the glare can produce. It is for this reason that commercial buildings install window tint so that glare is decreased on employees' computer screens.

Choosing the Best Window Tint Percentage

With so many factors, it is important to know what you are trying to achieve with your residential window tint. Luckily there is a tint and percentage for every need that you could have, and you now have the knowledge that you need in order to make an informed decision.

If you live in a home in a sunny part of the country with large windows and you're trying to save money on cooling bills, a tint that reduces glare and keeps out heat while keeping cool temperatures in is your best bet.

Similarly, if you live in a cold part of the country then a tint that will hold in the heat while allowing heat from the sun to pass through might be your best bet.



Regardless of temperature, if you live in a densely populated area then darker tint may be best for the security and privacy of your family and your home.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Now that you have all of this knowledge on your options for the best window tint percentage for your home, you are ready to take the next step.

Get started with savings and more secure and efficient home. Get a free estimate for your residential window tint today from Film Systems Of Florida.