Free Window Tint & Solar Heat Gain Calculator
Calculate rejected heat in BTU/hr, cooling kilowatt-hours saved, annual utility cost reduction, and glare reduction percentage for architectural window films.
☀️ Window Area & Glazing Specs
📊 Heat Rejection & Dollar Savings
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) & TSER
Standard untreated window glass is practically transparent to infrared thermal radiation. Up to 76% to 86% of the sun's solar heat passes directly into your home, forcing air conditioning compressors to run continuously.
Why Ceramic Films Outperform Dyed Tints
Cheap automotive dyed films absorb heat into the glass rather than rejecting it, which can cause thermal stress cracking on double-pane residential windows. Modern nano-ceramic and dual-reflective films reflect invisible infrared heat back outside while allowing abundant natural visible light.
Understanding Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER)
Do not be deceived by "IR rejection" claims measured only at a single wavelength (e.g. 940nm). TSER measures the true total percentage of solar energy (UV + Visible + Infrared) rejected across the entire spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing window film crack my double-pane windows?
Dual-pane (insulated glass unit - IGU) windows can crack from thermal stress if an unauthorized dark automotive film with high solar absorption is applied. Always use manufacturer-approved architectural films designed specifically for dual-pane glass.
What orientation windows should I tint first?
West-facing windows deliver the highest return on investment because they receive intense, low-angle solar rays during the hottest hours of the late afternoon (3 PM - 7 PM), when utility peak-rate tariffs are highest.
What is 1 Ton of air conditioning capacity in BTUs?
One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour of heat removal capacity.