The Complete Guide to Selecting Window Tints for Offices

Finding the right tinting for your office's windows requires knowing your options. Here is the complete guide to selecting window tints for offices.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects electricity use to rise in the U.S. by 2% this 2022. However, that's the average for all sectors. It's higher for the commercial sector; the EIA forecasts its consumption to increase by 3%.

Unfortunately, along with that increase comes potential price hikes. Thus, you might want to prepare for an increase in your business' electricity bills. Or better yet, consider investing in energy-saving updates, such as commercial window tinting.

Before you do, though, know that selecting window tints involves several factors. It's vital to consider them all, as they can affect your windows' performance and longevity.

But don't worry; we're here to help you make the right choice. So, read on to discover your options and what to consider when shopping for window tinting films.

Factor in Insulating Properties

Windows contribute to energy costs because they allow heat to escape or enter. For example, during the summer season, the sun's heat permeates untreated window glass. Then, in the winter, heat from conditioned indoor air can leak outdoors via the window panes.

Therefore, you should factor in how insulating a window tint is. One way is to determine its heat rejection rate.

The higher the heat rejection rate of a film, the more heat it can block. Hence, it allows less warmth from outside (specifically the sun) to enter the building.

Vista window films, in turn, have some of the industry's highest heat rejection rates. For instance, they can block as much as 75% of solar heat. In that way, they can reduce the workload of your commercial air conditioner.

Reducing your AC's workload can then translate to lower energy consumption. Ultimately, that leads to a decrease in your electricity bills.

EnerLogic is another example of an insulating window tint. For starters, it boasts a new Low-E (emissivity) technology. That feature helps boost a window's energy efficiency.

For instance, EnerLogic films can add up to 92% of insulating power to untreated glass panes. That translates to a 5% to 15% yearly electricity savings in commercial buildings.

Take Into Account UV Protection

One of the chief benefits of window tints is their ability to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The primary reason you want to block UV rays, in turn, is because they can cause health woes such as cancer. Chronic UV exposure can also lead to blinding eye diseases and many other skin disorders.

However, note that even short-term exposure to a high UV index can already cause sunburns. Unfortunately, that's common in Georgia, including Atlanta, considering its proximity to the equator. For instance, in the summer, the UV index throughout the state can go as high as 9 to 11.

So, before tinting office windows, consider how much sunlight enters them. That can help you determine if you need to install ultraviolet-blocking tints.

You most likely do if your windows allow direct sunlight all day (i.e., south-facing ones). In this case, consider getting Vista or EnerLogic window films, as they block more than 99% of UV rays.

Mind the Visibility

Contrary to popular belief, not all window tint film types are dark; they can be light or transparent. Best of all, even the lightly shaded or clear ones can still deliver UV and solar heat control.

That means you can get window tints that reject UV and solar heat but still allow some sunlight to enter. Doing so can help you save even more energy, as the light they let in may be enough to illuminate your office. As a result, you might find the rooms bright enough without the need to turn on artificial lights.

The fewer lights you use in your commercial building, the lower your energy use. That can ultimately result in reduced energy bills.

Lighter tints are also excellent choices for product display windows. They allow for interior and exterior visibility while protecting displays from UV rays.

Remember: UV radiation is a leading cause of fading, accounting for up to 40% of such damage. So, it's best to tint your windows with anti-UV films before you display any more of your business' products.

Alternatively, you can get tints that let you see the outside from the inside but not the other way around. They can be helpful if you want to improve the privacy in specific rooms in your commercial facility.

Don't Forget Safety and Security

In Atlanta, GA, the rates for some types of crimes have gone up from 2020 to 2021. For instance, burglaries increased by 18% and homicides by 43%.

Those stats should be enough to prompt you to up your commercial building's security ante. One way to do that is to install LLumar Safety and Security Films on your windows.

Such window films act as a protective barrier over fragile glass panes. That helps reinforce the glass, enhancing its impact resistance.

As a result, the glass may take more time to break. That can make it more challenging for intruders to enter your facility.

On the other hand, that slowed entry can give you enough time to call the police or emergency services.

Also, even if the glass panes break, they won't just shatter and shower all over the place. Instead, most of the shards will remain glued to the film attached to the glass. That can help reduce the risks of lacerations and other injuries from broken glass.

To top things off, LLumar Safety and Security Films also reflect solar heat. You can also get them in darker shades to increase privacy. So, with these on your windows, you can make your place of business safer, more secure, and energy efficient.

Mind These Factors When Selecting Window Tints

And there you have it, the top factors to consider when selecting window tints for your office. Now you know that they include insulation, UV protection, visibility, safety, and security. You've also learned that Vista, EnerLogic, and LLumar are among your top options.

So, why not invest in these energy-saving, security-boosting films? The sooner you do, the sooner you can reap their benefits.

Are you ready to get your Atlanta office windows tinted? If so, SOLARWORKS Glass Tinting can help. Contact us now to learn about our products and get your free estimate!