Home window film is one of the cheapest ways to make a hot room comfortable, especially compared with replacing windows. Here's what it typically costs and what changes the price.
Typical costs
| Option | Typical cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| DIY: standard solar film (materials only) | $1 to $3 |
| DIY: premium, dual-reflective or low-E film (materials only) | $3 to $6 |
| Professionally installed solar film | $6 to $12 |
| Professionally installed premium, ceramic or low-E film | $10 to $18 |
| Professionally installed security film | $10 to $25 |
A typical sliding patio door is about 40 square feet of glass, so a DIY job might cost $40 to $240 in film, and a professional job $240 to $700. Most installers have a minimum charge for small jobs.
What affects the price
- Film type. Reflective films cost less than dual-reflective, low-E or ceramic films. See our guide to types of window film.
- Access. Second-story, skylight and oversized windows need ladders or lifts and take longer.
- Window size and count. Many small panes take more labor per square foot than a few large ones.
- Removing old film adds time and cost.
DIY or professional?
Home windows are flat and the film goes on the inside, so they're easier to do yourself than car windows. DIY makes sense for standard-size windows you can reach from the floor. Consider a professional for very large panes, high windows, security film, or when you want a warranty that covers labor. Our home film install guide shows what's involved.
How fast does it pay back?
Solar film cuts the heat coming through sunny windows, which reduces air-conditioning use. How much you save depends on your climate, which way the windows face and your energy prices. In hot, sunny areas, DIY film on south- and west-facing windows can pay for itself within a few summers; professional installs take longer. Film also reduces fading of floors and furniture, which is harder to put a number on.
Some utilities offer rebates for window film. Check with yours before you buy, and see our note on tax credits for window film.
Buying film
We sell home and office film by the roll in several widths. Browse home and office window film or see our picks by need.
Photo: Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.
