Via iStockphoto / @naehyppo TikTok
A woman says she has a surefire method for lowering your power bill. As it turns out, it really works—and it's easy.
Have you noticed that your power bill is going up?
If you have, you’re not alone. Rising energy costs mean that many Americans are seeing a bump in their utility bills. Not only that, but hot summer days have resulted in more people cranking up the air conditioning—and paying for it with increased power charges.
But what if there was a way that you could reduce your electricity bill that didn’t involve sweating through your bedsheets? One internet user has an answer—and it works better than you might expect.
How Can You Save Money On Your Power Bill?
In a video with over 1.7 million views, Florida TikToker Naomie (@naehyppo) shares a “bougie hack” that she claims has saved her a ton of money on her power bills.
“Some people really don’t know the reason why your [electricity] bill is so … expensive—because you guys have, like, 100% of the light from the sunlight coming in your house,” she starts.
The logic here is that sunlight naturally heats up a home. Once the inside is hot, one needs to spend more money to use their air conditioning to cool it down.
But instead of recommending blackout curtains or another option that reduces sunlight, Naomie offers a sensible alternative: ceramic window coating.
“My windows are tinted. That’s why when people come to my house, they’re like, ‘I keep my thermostat lower than yours, and your house is freezing cold?’ Yeah, because there’s not a lot of heat in here because of my [expletive] windows.”
Does This Really Work?
In short, yes.
As noted by Better Homes & Gardens, solar window film can be applied to residential windows to block solar heat and UV radiation while allowing light to pass through.
This has multiple benefits. To start, it can reduce the amount of outside heat entering a home by 15% or more. Additionally, these films can also block UV light. UV light can, over time, cause the color and finish of furniture, wood finish, and artwork to fade. By blocking this light, one can increase the longevity of the things in their home.
There are numerous options for solar window film. Ceramic film, for example, uses ceramic particles to block heat and UV rays while still allowing for high visibility and natural light to pass through. Other options include dyed and low-E films, though each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Will I Still Get Natural Light?
Will one’s natural light be impacted by the installation of window film? Yes—but, depending on the film you get, it may not be noticeable.
A film’s tendency to block natural light is measured by something called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT. A VLT rating of 70% means that around 70% of visible light will get through the film, while lower percentages will mean that the room will appear darker.
While a reduction of 30% of natural light may sound like a lot, in practice, the impact is not as pronounced as one might expect. The International Window Film Association claims that films of between 65 and 75% appear nearly clear.
If your living space has only a little natural light, the difference between having film and not having film may be perceptible. However, if someone has a lot of natural light in their home, they can usually apply a light window film without noticing any appreciable difference to their natural light.
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments section, many users were enthusiastic about the idea of paying less for their A/C bill.
“I tinted my car so ppl don’t see me pick my nose. But window tint in the house is a must!” exclaimed a user.
“I’m a natural light girlie & you’re not lying. i also love the fact that no one can see inside too,” said another.
That said, some weren’t convinced.
“I’m not living in a cave. Ever. No thanks. My bills are paid and cool,” stated a user.
“I like natural light so oh well,” offered a second.
Others shared further tips for ensuring one’s home is cool.
“And if you live in apartments in a hot state never get a 3rd floor apartment,” advised a commenter.
BroBible reached out to Naomie via TikTok direct message and comment.