An new report about legal window tint in Texas inspired some words of advice and thoughts.

The new law ,which goes into effect in September, says front window tint can be no lower then 35. “The lower the number the darker the tint,” explains Smith.

Often times, buyers of tint assumes that since the law requires 35 or above, they purchase 35 or above window tint.  Unfortunately, this is not exactly the case.  The glass itself also naturally reduces the amount of sunlight coming through, so it would be safest to go with 40% or above window tint.  More state tint laws from various states are available at TintCenter.com

The new law doesn’t apply to the back windows and Smith says don’t be fooled by the color of a tint. “Some folks think darker tint is better at rejecting the sun.” Smith says that’s not always true. Thicker film cost more but can do a better job of keeping your car cool, and keeping it within the law.

This comment is correct; however, to be more specific.  You should ask for multi-layer hybrid or metallic window film.  Stay away from dyed film, and especially single-layer dyed film.  The window tint shop should be happy to tell you what type of window film they use.   If there is any hesitation, you should take caution.

Those of you with homes that belong to Home Owners Associations (HOA) already know what HOA’s are for.  On the positive side, HOA rules and regulations help a community like uniformly clean and well-maintained; however, some HOA may be too restrictive and prevent homeowners from even re-painting their home to a different color.

In many communities, the installation of energy-efficient add-ons to a home like solar panels or window tint have been rejected on aesthetic grounds.  This means that the HOA thinks that these add-ons are unsightly and may hurt the value of the homes in the community.  It seems that this cold attitude towards energy efficiency may be shifting at last.

Here is a quote from an article regarding HOA’s in Colorado:

Highlands Ranch, where nearly 30,000 single-family homes come under the eyes of the development’s community associations, has seen about a 30 percent increase in applications for renewable-energy systems since HB 1270 became law, according to Mike Bailey, the supervisor of covenant compliance and assistance.

“We did very minor tune-ups once (the law) passed,” Bailey said, noting changes to policies on shading structures and window tinting. “We anticipated the solar aspect of things to really grow. You could tell this was the wave of the future, the next chapter.”

Homeowners who want to pursue energy-efficiency measures still must submit to architectural review. But Bailey said that while the committee might offer suggestions, the reinforced law has “made us cautious about where we’re restrictive” — and so far the association hasn’t denied an application.

If your HOA has kept you from installing window tint on your home, it may be time to revisit the subject with them.  The tide is turning, and national sentiment is growing more and more positive regarding energy-efficiency measure.

Ever had the problem of laser mice on a glass desktop?  The mouse just does not seem to track correctly with your hand movements.  Lifehacker presents a fun solution by applying just a little window film.  You can also cut the window film to any shape and size you wish.

An article with excellent energy-saving tips on how a woman in Jacksonville Florida cut her energy bills by half, even during the summer.  Some of the tips mentioned in the article include:

• Replacing light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs
• Making doors and windows airtight
• Raising the AC temperature to 74 degrees
• Use more ceiling and floor fans

Additional tips suggested included:

• Use a programmable thermometer so your AC is not running when nobody is at  home
• Install window tint on your windows to reject heat even before it enters your home
• Improve Insulation and Check AC Filters

One tip I have to object to is that the article recommended window tint to be purchased at Home Depot.  Home Depot does sell various shades of DIY window film, but they are not brands used by window tinting professionals.  Home Depot window films greatly underperform professional grade window film in various heat rejection metrics by a fair degree.

TintCenter recommends that you either:

• Get your home tint professionally installed by a licensed professional using quality window film
• Use a DIY home tint service like SnapTint.com that cuts professional-grade window film to the exact sizes you need

Additionally, going DIY to install home tint can pay off big in 2009 with a 30% Federal Energy Tax Credit up to $1,500.  More details about the window tint tax credit.  DIY Home Tint from SnapTint.com.

Came across this article highlighting the beauty of window tint as well as free advertising for Auto Lovers Tinting in Hudson Valley NY.  The article says:

I’ve written before about window tint and the difference between what is legal and what isn’t, but looking at some imports at the K104.7 Xtreme Rides show and the ones that were at the Rhinebeck Car Show, I realized that window tint is what makes the car. Not only does it protect your interior from cracking and fading, but also it looks dang good.

The window tint you find at car shows are often times illegal on the street.  The extreme colorings and high mirror-like reflectivity may look great on a show car; however, these films applied to a regular car may not be street legal in your state.  It is always best to check your state window tint laws before you choose a window film to apply to your vehicle.