Explore the Benefits and Uses of Energy Efficient Glass
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Residential Windows and Doors: Used universally in single-family homes, apartments, and condos to improve insulation and cut down on utility bills.
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Commercial Building Facades: Specified in office buildings and retail spaces to manage solar heat gain while maximizing natural daylight.
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Skylights and Sunrooms: Allows light to flood in without the associated heat gain, keeping these spaces comfortable year-round.
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Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): Almost always used as a component within double-pane or triple-pane windows to achieve the highest energy performance.
Advantages
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Outstanding Year-Round Energy Efficiency:
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In Winter: The coating reflects internal radiant heat back into the room, reducing heat loss (high heat retention).
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In Summer: It reflects external solar heat away, reducing heat gain and lowering air conditioning costs.
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High Visible Light Transmission (Clarity):
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Unlike traditional highly reflective or tinted glass, Low-E coatings allow a high percentage of visible light to pass through, maintaining bright, naturally lit interiors.
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Superior UV Protection:
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The coating blocks most harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays (often 70% to 90%), protecting interior fabrics, furniture, and flooring from fading and sun damage.
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Reduced Condensation and Drafts:
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By keeping the interior glass surface closer to the room's temperature, it minimizes condensation formation and eliminates the uncomfortable feeling of a cold draft near the window.
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Climate Tunable:
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Different Low-E coatings exist ("Passive" for cold climates, "Solar Control" for hot climates) that can be specified to perfectly match the heating and cooling needs of any geographical area.
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Cautions
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Higher Initial Cost:
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The specialized metallic coating process (vacuum deposition or pyrolysis) makes Low-E glass more expensivethan standard clear glass.
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Potential Aesthetic/Tint Changes:
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Some coatings may impart a very slight blue or green tint or a minimal reflectivity, which might slightly alter the color perception of objects seen through the glass.
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Possible Signal Interference (Minor):
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The metallic coating can occasionally slightly weaken radio frequency (RF) signals like cell phone or Wi-Fi reception if they must pass directly through the glass.
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Risk of Exterior Condensation:
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Because the coating is so effective at keeping the outer pane of glass cool (by preventing interior heat from reaching it), the exterior surface can sometimes cool below the dew point, leading to temporary condensation on the outside on humid mornings.
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