Just installed IrisPro tint today after some price negotiation and briefly looking at Ecotint. These two are the reasonably priced ones. We went with IrisPro due to the timing as we engaged IrisPro from the beginning and we are familiar with the specifications and technology used.

My observations on the installation:
1. My house is reasonable size and they need two days to complete the job
2. The workmanship is quite good. The 3 persons are all local people and with years of experience. Installation is painstaking and meticulous.
3. I use fairly dark film (15% visible light transmission rate). This is to ensure better TSER (total solar energy rejection). However, in bright day light, the film looks quite clear and light color. Only when the day is gloomy the room looks a bit dark.
4. Since this is the first day I can’t fully comment on how much heat it reduces but there is definitely a difference.
5. In fact I also tinted my skylight/awning in backyard as my backyard can be quite hot in the afternoon.
6. Overall I am reasonably happy with the results so far. Will update on longer term effectiveness of this but so far I am not using my curtain in day time anymore.

Yes. I have not seen my garden and outside wood/trees until today! To me the business case is to reduce the air conditioning bill but I think the ROI is probably 3 to 4 years!

However, the benefits are more than just cooling bill. I listed some benefits here:

1. Reduce room temperature via heat rejection. Thereby saving electricity bill

2. Protect furnishing such as curtains, sofa, photos, piano, etc which are placed near the windows.

3. Easier on eyes as tinting reduces glare. Everything looks softer!

4. More privacy at day time where I can open all curtains and outside people can’t see what is inside. I can also now see the birds perching on the trees in front of my house without opening my door or curtains 😬

On the other hand, the negatives are:
1. It is still expensive
2. If you are looking at this from security standpoint they are not as effective.
3. Performance will degrade over time. So you need to look for one with product and performance warranty for as long as possible - 5 years minimum. Some offers 7 or more years but they will be expensive