What's the Best Window Tint Percentage for Your Home?

Window tint can have plenty of benefits for your home, but what's the right window tint percentage? Learn about choosing the right percentage for your home.

With most Americans spending over $5,500 each month to maintain their home, you might be looking for places to save money. If your cooling costs are on the rise, consider addressing your windows as a cost-saving measure. After all, inefficient windows can drain your HVAC system's efforts quickly.



You'll be pleased to know that you don't have to replace all of your windows to see improved utility bills. Applying a residential tint film to your windows can make a huge difference. Read on to learn what window tint percentage you should choose for your home!

Understand Tint Levels

What are tint levels? Tint levels refer to how much light is allowed - or not allowed - to enter your home. You may be familiar with tints as they apply to car windshields and windows.

Tint levels also can make a big difference on the windows in your home. You can get a security windows tint or a window tint for privacy. Or you can get tints purely for cosmetic reasons, too. 

Visible light transmission (VLT) is the percentage industry experts use to guide your window tint choices. Suppose you have a tint film with a VLT of 50%. This tells you that the window tint film will allow 50% of light to enter a room. 

Knowing how the percentages work is critical when you're trying to choose tinted windows. Keep in mind, for instance, that a low VLT doesn't mean that the window itself is darker. It just means that less light will be permitted into a space. 

Look at Energy Efficiency Preferences

When you live in a warm climate, your windows can become a magnet for heat. Untreated windows can let in a lot of heat and UV rays, causing the temperatures of your rooms to go up. As a result, you can pay the price with higher monthly utility bills and sweltering spaces. 

In response, tinted windows can reduce heat transmission so your air conditioning bills can cool off in the summer months. And investing in a film is much more cost-effective than replacing all of your windows! Plus it's a much faster solution. 

Insulation film can block over 99% of all UV rays from entering your home. Not only does that keep your room temperatures more comfortable, but it also protects your furniture and belongings from fading. You won't have to worry about anything experiencing discoloration from prolonged sun exposure. 

How much of a tint do you need for better energy efficiency? For the most effective solution, seek out a tint of around 50% to maximize your comfort. You could choose a lower percentage, too, if you live in an area with lots of sunshine and minimal shade. 

Consider How Much Privacy You Want

Do you want a window tint for privacy purposes? Then you'll want to choose a tint percentage that is on the lower side. Lower tint percentages translate to less visibility for anyone who may be trying to look into your home. 

A tint of around 20%, for instance, lets in a small amount of light. For an even greater sense of privacy, you can go lower than that number.

Residential window films are an excellent way to provide peace of mind when you don't want your home life on display. Lower VLT percentages are especially helpful when you're out of town, or if you have children at home. Potential burglars won't be able to gauge what is happening in your home. 

Consider which rooms will need a window tint for privacy. You may want to start with spaces where privacy is most essential. Bathrooms or bedrooms with windows are good candidates for window tint film. 

Use Window Tint to Reduce Glare

While big windows can be an asset to a room, they also can be a source of glare. Trying to watch television when there's a glare hitting it can make the experience unenjoyable. Glare can be a nuisance in any space where you have reflective surfaces.

Even at night, glare from headlights on cars driving down the road can interfere when you have large windows. Fortunately, a window tint can help reduce this issue. And you'll still be able to enjoy plenty of light entering your windows.

A lower tint, such as 50% or under, can make the most difference when it comes to glare. A glare-free room will make your next movie night more successful. Or, if you work from home, it will be easier to see your computer screen without distractions. 

Explore Decorative Types of Residential Window Tint

If you're not seeking tinted windows for security or insulation purposes, consider decorative options. Decorative films won't be as robust as other forms of residential window tint. But they can add visual interest to a room. 

For example, a frosted window film can add soft textures to your window. This type of film also can add a degree of security by muffling any views into your home. Other similar options include gradients, motifs, and fabric-like textures. 

Darker window films can add a dramatic flair to a home. On a modern house, a darker window tint film adds clarity and contrast. This kind of cosmetic upgrade can make that home the star of the block!

Choose the Right Window Tint Percentage

The right window tint percentage can make a difference in how effective your windows are. Choose lower percentages of around 20% to ensure more privacy. Similarly, a percentage of under 50% is wise if you want to reduce glare and keep out the heat.

Ready to improve your windows? Contact us so Film Systems of Florida can help!