Solar Screens vs. Tinted Windows: personal conclusions (insurance, buy)

[behtypa]

Originally Posted by allappliance

thanks for the great illustration and insight about solar screening. that is a great solution to minimize energy bills and health issues as well.

Actually, I have changed my mind since then. I think Solar Screens are MORE COST EFFICIENT than solar/ tinted film. I can say it based on my experience. Screens are cheaper and protect from heating better than the film, since they also have an air cushion.

If I did it again, I would go just with the screens. Film cost was around $1200 for a house. The screen cost was around $700 for the same (I can check receipts)

[StingRay123]

Hands down solar screens are a better product (SunTex). I've paid alot of money on tint and it did not do the job. We place solar screens with grids and my bill during the summer went down $80.00. ($300 to 220 average) Not only did my bill go down it cover old windows making them look new. I used a company called TX Energy Savers. Good Luck All

[Layitdown33]

I am just picking up on this post as I just moved to Spring Area and am leasing a house. It may have been mentioned in the pages upon pages of post, but I will just ask and maybe someone who is familiar with the post can re-post it.

I like the look of the Tint, but I dont know how effective it is. My concern and what I have notice is that most of these houses do not have screens. I am interested in the screens so I can open my windows and not worry about bugs and lizards crawling in the house. What do you all do in that case, opt for screens over tint?

Do any of you do a combination of both, tint in the front of the house and screens in the rear?

Thanks in advance.

[texas7]

Are you planning to buy a home, If you are leasing, the owner would have to do that, if they wanted it.

[trbstang]

Originally Posted by Layitdown33

I am just picking up on this post as I just moved to Spring Area and am leasing a house. It may have been mentioned in the pages upon pages of post, but I will just ask and maybe someone who is familiar with the post can re-post it.

I like the look of the Tint, but I dont know how effective it is. My concern and what I have notice is that most of these houses do not have screens. I am interested in the screens so I can open my windows and not worry about bugs and lizards crawling in the house. What do you all do in that case, opt for screens over tint?

Do any of you do a combination of both, tint in the front of the house and screens in the rear?

Thanks in advance.

Most homes have insect screens on the part of the window that opens. I suspect that your house had them, but since a prior renter probably damaged them, the landlord may have removed them all since very few people in Houston ever open their windows and need the screens.

The solar screens cover the whole window, not just the part that opens, and are usually screwed into the window frame while the insect screens fit in the window recess of the part that opens. They are two different things.

If you wanted insect screens, ask your landlord about it. If they don't have them stored somewhere, you can make your own with parts from Home Depot if you are handy. It is not too hard to do.

As for solar screens, most people get them on the windows that face the sun, not all windows unless they want them just for the appearance.

[Layitdown33]

Originally Posted by trbstang

Most homes have insect screens on the part of the window that opens. I suspect that your house had them, but since a prior renter probably damaged them, the landlord may have removed them all since very few people in Houston ever open their windows and need the screens.

The solar screens cover the whole window, not just the part that opens, and are usually screwed into the window frame while the insect screens fit in the window recess of the part that opens. They are two different things.

If you wanted insect screens, ask your landlord about it. If they don't have them stored somewhere, you can make your own with parts from Home Depot if you are handy. It is not too hard to do.

As for solar screens, most people get them on the windows that face the sun, not all windows unless they want them just for the appearance.

Thanks for the info. I'm from the Mid-West. Most homes have insect screens on the houses. Some of the older homes and buildings don't.

I appreciate the idea of creating my own insect screens, (will youtube this). I have noticed that many of the homes here don't have the insect screens. I figured people don't get them because it may distract from the appearance of the window features. That would be my concern. I do plan to buy a home in the near future, so finding out about this is helpful. I would want some natural fresh air to flow through the house. I don't want to run the A/C all the time. Its kind of strange running it in October when it is cool enough to allow the outside air in.

If appearance becomes a concern, I would just get the insect screens on the windows towards the rear of the house. IMO - the solar screens; while they are the least expensive option, they seem to draw more attention to them opposed to the whole house itself. I think they are more noticeable on lighter colored houses.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by Layitdown33

Thanks for the info. I'm from the Mid-West. Most homes have insect screens on the houses. Some of the older homes and buildings don't.

I appreciate the idea of creating my own insect screens, (will youtube this). I have noticed that many of the homes here don't have the insect screens. I figured people don't get them because it may distract from the appearance of the window features. That would be my concern. I do plan to buy a home in the near future, so finding out about this is helpful. I would want some natural fresh air to flow through the house. I don't want to run the A/C all the time. Its kind of strange running it in October when it is cool enough to allow the outside air in.

If appearance becomes a concern, I would just get the insect screens on the windows towards the rear of the house. IMO - the solar screens; while they are the least expensive option, they seem to draw more attention to them opposed to the whole house itself. I think they are more noticeable on lighter colored houses.

You don't always have the AC on for the temperature. It's for the humidity. Which is why people generally don't open their windows here.

[Layitdown33]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

You don't always have the AC on for the temperature. It's for the humidity. Which is why people generally don't open their windows here.

Got cha, was more or less referencing the cooler nights in late Sept. & Oct. to where its not humid and its a nice breeze.

I surly appreciate your response.

[NY to LA]

I'm looking for recommendations for solar screens installation. Want to call different places to get estimates. Thank you guys.

[avTronic]

I know this is an old post but just wanted to advise everyone of one thing. A lot of window manufactures are only fabricating insulated glass now for their windows (dual pane glass with gap between them). Most of these same manufacturers (like the one I work for) state that any tint (inside or out) voids the warranty on the glass. Please check your warranties before considering tint for your windows.