Rethinking How We Sell Window Tint: Convection Heat vs. Solar Energy

Most people—pros and customers alike—judge window film by one stat: how much solar energy it blocks. Trouble is, sky-high IR rejection does not always mean real-world comfort. After decades of installs, I have watched plenty of “impressive” films roast drivers because they move heat straight through the glass the instant the sun hits.

IR Rejection vs. Heat Insulation

Think of ceramic tint like a sheet of notebook paper. Paper is not high tech, yet it blocks heat because it slows conduction. A top-tier ceramic film does the same—it puts the brakes on heat transfer so the cabin stays steady instead of spiking every time you park.

Try this demo: clamp two film samples in front of a heat lamp—one boasting sky-high IR numbers, the other a true ceramic with a non-conductive layer. Both block “energy,” but only the ceramic keeps your hand cool after thirty seconds.

What to Ask Your Supplier

1. Does the film have a true non-conductive ceramic layer?
2. How thick is that layer and where is it placed in the stack?
3. Can you show a side-by-side heat-lamp test, not just a spec sheet?

If they dodge those questions, find a brand that will not.

Takeaway for Installers

Sell the feel, not just the figures. Customers forget lab graphs once they feel cool glass under their palm. Keep a heat box on the counter, let them touch the difference, and upgrades will close themselves.

Takeaway for Drivers

If you are spending real money on tint, do not settle for shiny IR numbers alone. Ask for proof that the film actually insulates. A proper ceramic layer is the secret to beating summer heat and babying your A/C.

Choose smart, stay cool, and let the spec-sheet warriors fight over empty bragging rights.