How to Choose the Right Window Tint for Your Climate

Windows let in light, but with it heat in the summer and cold in the winter. The right film can solve this problem if it is suitable for your climate. In the heat, it is better to choose options that solar heat rejection and reduce glare. In the cold, you need films that retain heat but do not “steal” daylight.

In this article, we will explain in simple terms what indicators to look for, how they work in practice, and how to save on air conditioning and heating. We will also touch on UV protection, clarity of vision, and compatibility with glass - so that the choice is safe and without surprises. Suitable for apartments, offices, and storefronts.

Understand key specs: VLT, SHGC, TSER, UV protection

To make sure the film works for your weather, look at four metrics.

• VLT (%) - how much daylight gets through. Higher VLT - brighter; lower - darker and more privacy.
• SHGC (0-1) - how much heat gets into the house. Lower SHGC - cooler in the summer.
• TSER (%) - how much solar energy the film reflects. Higher TSER - less heating and less air conditioning.
• UV protection (%) - protection from ultraviolet rays. Look for 99%+ - will save skin, furniture and floors from burning out.

Tip: dark film is not always better. There are light films with high TSER - they keep heat out, but let in a lot of daylight.

Hot climates: selecting high-TSER, spectrally selective solutions

In the heat, the main thing is to reduce solar heat. Choose a film with a high TSER (the higher the %, the better it reflects heat) and a low SHGC (up to 0.35 - cooler in the room). The most convenient are spectrally selective films: they are light in appearance, let in daylight, but cut off infrared heat.

For windows facing south and west, choose a darker version from glare - VLT 20-35%. For rooms where you want more light, VLT 40-60 will be suitable. Be sure to look for 99%+ UV protection. Don’t focus only on “darkness”: without a high TSER, it doesn’t cool much.

Cold climates: low-e films for heat retention and winter sun

In cold climates, the task is simple: keep the heat in the room and let in the useful winter sun. Choose low-e films - they reflect the room heat back, so the batteries work more efficiently, and the windowsill does not "pull" cold. Take a light option: VLT 50-70% gives a lot of daylight without cloudiness.

SHGC is better medium or higher (about 0.45-0.60) to get free solar heating. UV protection 99%+ will save the floor and fabrics from fading. Very dark films are not needed here - they take away winter light. Check compatibility with double/triple packages and warranty terms.

Mixed climates: seasonal balance and dual-reflectance options

In a mixed climate, a simple balance is needed: less heat in the summer, more useful sun in the winter. Choose average values. VLT 35-50% gives a lot of daylight. SHGC around 0.35-0.45 helps keep cool in the heat. TSER 45-60% reduces heating from the sun.

Dual-reflectance films work well: they reflect heat more strongly from the street, and from the room they almost do not “mirror”, so you can see better at night. You can go a little darker to the south and west, and lighter to the north. Be sure to get UV protection 99%+ and check compatibility with the double-glazed window and the warranty.

Local codes, warranties, and glass-compatibility essentials

Before installation, check local regulations: the city may limit the mirroring, color, and appearance of facades. In houses with an HOA or management company, written approval is often required. Next, there is a warranty: what exactly is covered, for how many years, and who is responsible - the manufacturer or the craftsman.

Choose the film for your glass: regular/tempered/laminated/low-e, number of cameras, size and side of the window. For large or very sunny windows, sometimes external films are better. Post-installation care: do not wash for 7-30 days, then only a soft cloth, no abrasives.