Are solar window screens better for the money than solar window tinting?

would like to make my house more energy efficient and at the same time keep my cost down. solar screens will run me 50 to 80 dollars a window and with 25 windows that aint cheep. With tinting I can do the job myself but dont know if it would look cheap or if the stuff really works that well .|||I'd choose the window film.


1. A quality film like Vista http://www.vista-films.com will cover your glass warranty and IS IG Dual Pane Safe!!


2. You will factor out 99.9% of the UVA and UVB unlike a screen


3. Maintenance is a breeze.


4. You choose the light transmission


5. Lifetime warranty


6. Low reflectivity or no reflectivity depending upon your selection


7. Saves utility costs





No brainer go with the film!|||I worked for a window distributer for many years and was involved in determining warranty issues. Window tinting applied to the glass will void your warranty on the glass. There is a reason that is the case, tinting can be very detrimental to the glass. I saw many cases of broken glass and failed seals.





Go with the screens.|||Solar tint is usually applied to the interior side of window glass and reduces interior heat gain by reflecting a percentage of the sun's UV rays back to the exterior thru the window glass.


While this is desirable during the cooling seasons, it is not during the heating ones.


Solar tint can be applied to removable single pane storm windows - but what's the use of having storm windows if they're to be removed during the heating seasons?





Solar tint is designed to be used on single pane glass windows NOT insulated glass (sealed, insulating air space(s) between 2 or more panes of glass) windows because of glass heating/failure issues. These heating issues have not been observed to be a problem w/decent quality single pane windows.





Solar tint may also cause a window to act as 'one way' glass at night. With the interior lights on, it's near impossible to see outside when inside, yet it only provides a bit darker view for those outside looking in... *L*





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Solar screens are usually installed outside of windows and reduce interior heat gain by blocking (by providing shade) a percentage of the sunlight itself before it has the opportunity to pass thru windows glass. Screens can usually be removed for the heating months when all heat gains are welcomed.








Hope this helps in your decision...|||Solar screens are designed keep summer sun out and to let winter sun in, thus you are not losing that energy. Over time that will pay you back unlike window tinting that does not discriminate.