While clear windows give you a great view, they are one of the most thermally inefficient areas of your home. Of course, in a hot state such as Arizona, energy from the sun heats your roof and walls, not just your windows. While there are many ways to address heat gain through the roof and walls such as reflective paint, windows present a unique challenge. Here are five benefits of using tinted window film on the windows of your Arizona home.

#1. Window Film Helps Block Summer Heat Gain

Window film is an ideal way to reduce heat gain in climates such as Arizona with long cooling seasons. Film rejects solar heat while letting most visible light pass through. One key point to consider is that film only blocks heat from direct sunshine. If you have window that aren’t in the sun’s path during the day, such as north-facing windows, film will not be beneficial.

#2. Film Gives Windows Added Security

Although you can buy clear window film specifically to strengthen glass panes, called security film, all tinted window film will make panes of glass tougher to break. You can install window film yourself or get a professional firm to do it. Film is applied to the interior surface of glass and will stop the pane from shattering when struck. This is particularly useful is you are worried about damage caused by storms or high winds.

#3. Film Gives Your Home Added Privacy

Darker or reflective tinted film prevents people from looking into your home. If you have the room lights on at night, people can see into your home from outside. One common myth is that the effectiveness of window film depends on the color. Some people think that films need to be dark or mirrored to be effective. This isn’t true. There are three types of film:

• Dyed Film

This is the cheapest option available in a variety of different colors and degree of tint. It contains special absorbing chemicals that help it block UVA. Ever dark dyed film doesn’t block much solar heat and could make your room dark and gloomy without saving you electricity.

• Metallised Film

This film is ‘spectrally-selective’ meaning that it will block heat while letting in visible light. It is more expensive than dyed film and is available in a wide range of colors and tints. With this film, you can have a light tint yet a high degree of heat rejection. By letting in more visible light than dyed films, your rooms will be brighter.

• Nano-Ceramic Film

This is the most expensive film but has a wide range of benefits. Such is its effectiveness at rejecting heat, it qualifies for US energy rebates. Unlike other films, it contains no dyes or metal and is non-reflective so it gives you very clear views out of your windows without the distortion and ‘haze’ effect that you get with dyed and multi-layer metallised film.

#4. Window Film Can Make Existing Windows More Energy Efficient

According to the Database of State Incentive for Renewables and Efficiency (DESIRE) residents of Arizona can qualify for a $200 rebate if they upgrade their windows. If you have old windows, consider having them weatherproofed and caulked by a qualified contractor to minimize draughts. In conjunction with window film, this will reduce the amount of cool air lost through the windows and reduce your home’s electricity consumption by the AC units. According to one firm specializing in window tint for homes in Scottsdale, homeowners who have their windows tinted save money on their electricity bills.