Austin Window Film Answers: Window Tinting vs Low E Windows

Are you looking for a solution to your high home energy costs? Whether you’ve been dealing with high energy costs for a long time or your expenses have just recently started to creep upward, it can be a troubling and stressful situation. To remedy the issue, you’ll likely have to make some change to your windows. 90% of the time, windows are the culprit behind energy problems, causing homeowners to spend far more than necessary on heating and cooling expenses. If this is the case, you have two options: either invest in low-e windows or try window tinting for your Austin home. But which is best? Below, we’ve discussed the matter in detail.

Are Your Windows Costing You Money?

If you have single pane windows in your home, then most likely the answer to this question is “yes.” Single pane windows are quite terrible for energy efficiency. They lack insulation and therefore cannot keep heat in place. During the summer, heat builds up on the glass and transfer indoors. And during the winter, heat leaves to the cold air outside. Your HVAC system, no matter how good or new it may be, cannot compete with this constant change of temperature.

Window Tinting vs. Low-E Windows

You basically have two options for resolving your window issue. You can either get rid of your old windows and replace them with low-e windows. Or you can install window tinting for your Austin home. Here are some of the main differences between these two options:

• Cost: Window film is the cheaper option between the two. Installing new windows can be very expenses, especially if you have to replace multiple windows.
• ROI: Window film has a much quicker ROI. It only takes 3-5 years to get a full payback on the money you spend. Because of the cost of low-e windows, getting a full return can take decades.
• Energy efficiency: In terms of energy efficiency, both options are about equal.
• Longevity: Window films don’t last as long as new windows. A good quality window will last as long as 30 years, though you may have to have the coating or sealant replaced. Window films only last 7-10 years, but the ROI is much faster.
• Installation: Installing new windows takes longer and requires more effort. It may take several days to get the job done if multiple windows are involved. Window tints, on the other hand, can be installed in a matter of hours.

When you compare the two, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners in Austin opt for window tinting instead. For more details on the benefits, check out this brochure: 3m-thinsulate-window-film-austin

Upgrade Your Windows and See the Difference!

Call Window Film Austin today to get a quote on window tinting for your home!

Mike Kinsey

Mike Kinsey is a window film expert. For the past 10 years, he has been working as the Operations Manager at Window Film Austin and overseeing commercial and residential window film installs of all types throughout the Austin area and the state of Texas. His extensive background in construction and project management gives him an in-depth understanding of architecture and the structural composition of buildings. Over the years, he and his team have installed over 250,000 square feet of window film ranging from robust security films to progressive energy efficient and decorative options. Mike engages in professional development courses and seminars on a regular basis, allowing him to stay up to date on industry trends and innovations. He is one of the top experts in his field and is certified by 3M, EnerLogic, and AIA for continuing education.