Commercial Window Tinting 101: Why You Should Tint Your Business
Tinting the windows for your business is a good move for several reasons. Learn why commercial window tinting is the way forward.
The majority of the State of Virginia has warmed by at least one degree Fahrenheit in the last century. While that doesn't seem like a lot, it still contributes to hotter summers and warmer winters. It also led to an increase in the number of scorching hot days in the Old Dominion State.
These rising temperatures have made Virginians more reliant on air conditioners. This increased use of ACs, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills.
The great news is that commercial window tinting can help you ease up on your business' AC reliance. With these films on your windows, you can keep things cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
That's only one reason to get your company windows tinted, though. We'll give you a more comprehensive look into its many other advantages, so be sure to read on.
Helps Keep Your Business Cool and Energy Efficient
Almost a third of heating energy in a building exits through windows. In the summer, this means that a huge chunk of cooled air from your business' air conditioning unit goes to waste. In the winter, this means that your windows allow a lot of warm air to leave the building.
Commercial window tinting helps trim such waste by acting as a barrier for heat gains and losses. They reject heat from the outside, so less outdoor heat penetrates the window. They also "block" conditioned air from the interior side, so more of it stays inside the building.
In this way, commercial window films help your business become more energy-efficient. Installing these on your windows is a great step to becoming a greener business.
Reduced Heat Gains and Losses Equate to Lower Utility Bills
In 2019, the average monthly commercial electricity bill in the US amounted to $647.61. Not so bad, right? Not really, unless your business is in one of the top 10 states with exorbitant electricity bills.
The thing is, Virginia is one such state. So, it’s no wonder that commercial users had an average monthly electricity bill of almost $850 back in 2019.
Solar window films for your business property can help you curb such high bills. One way they do so is again by rejecting external heat or cold. There's also their ability to keep conditioned air inside, where it belongs.
At the same time, commercial window tinting helps ease the load placed on HVAC systems. By reducing heat or cold gains, they make it easier for your HVAC unit to cool or heat the premises. In addition, their ability to "bounce" back the conditioned air means less work for your HVAC unit.
Minimized HVAC Loads Help Lengthen Equipment Lifespan
The higher the room temperature is, the longer it takes for an air conditioner to complete its cycle. The same concept applies in the winter, except that the heater works harder to warm up the frigid air. This higher workload can hasten the wear and tear of your commercial HVAC unit.
That's why you'd want to reduce unwanted heat gains and losses in your Virginia Beach business. As discussed above, window films provide this benefit. So, in this way, tinted company windows can also help your HVAC system last longer.
Combats Glare and Helps Fight Off Digital Eye Strain
Did you know that as many as nine in 10 users of digital devices experience digital eye strain (DES)? Blurred vision, glare, headaches, and sore eyes are some of the most common symptoms of DES.
The use itself of digital devices can cause DES, but the signs can get much worse if there's too much light. Extreme brightness, for instance, can cause distracting to even blinding glare. Excessive sunlight that pours through untreated windows is a common culprit.
Aside from solar heat, window films can also filter and block sunlight. They can do so through anti-reflective or light-dampening technology. You can think of these as humongous sunglasses, except that they're for your windows.
The filtering feature of commercial window tint is also "selective." This means that they don't block 100% of light, just the excessive amount that can cause glare.
Can Contribute to Heightened Productivity
Researchers found that as many as two-thirds of workers complain about office lighting. Some said that the lights in their workplace were too dim. Others complained about them being too bright.
In both situations, the lack of or excessive illumination affected their productivity.
Glare, once again, enters the picture, as it can result in eye pain. However, dim workplaces can also cause unpleasant symptoms, as the lack of light can dry out the eyes.
What's more, a study found that inadequate lighting can make a person feel fatigued. Half of the participants said they felt tired or even very tired at work due to insufficient light. Two in five workers also said their workplace made them feel gloomy due to a lack of natural lighting.
As you can see, inadequate or excessive lighting can contribute to health issues. These health concerns can then cause a drop in employee productivity.
More than that, the symptoms can be quite severe that your staff may call in sick. Also, note that chronic DES can cause long-term eye maladies.
Commercial window tint provides a solution for both workplace woes. They allow enough sunlight to permeate your business's interiors. At the same time, they filter out excess light, which, in turn, helps prevent glare.
UV Protection for the Skin and the Eyes
Commercial window films also boast the same UV protective benefits of automobile tinting. Both high-quality office and car window tint provide 99.99% UVA and UVB protection. These are the ultraviolet rays associated with skin cancer and eye damage.
Longer-Lasting Office Furniture and Carpeting
According to experts, as much as 40% of fading in fabrics is due to ultraviolet exposure. Harder materials, like wood, can also weather faster under direct UV exposure. Leather also suffers from premature dryness and cracking when exposed to sunlight.
As window films block UV rays, they can then protect products like furniture and carpets. You can prevent upholstery damage and discoloration and enjoy your lush carpets longer.
Commercial Window Tinting for a Greener, Healthier Business
As you can see, commercial window tinting brings a lot of health and financial benefits. Moreover, it helps your commercial property in Virginia Beach become more energy-efficient. This, in turn, is a great way to transform your premises into a greener, more eco-conscious space.
If you'd like to know more about window films, Applied Film Technology is here to help. Please get in touch with us now so you can get your free window tinting estimates. You can ring us up, too, if you have more questions about auto, office, or residential window tinting!
