In this post, you will learn...
- What a Low-E glass window is and what makes it energy efficient
- The different types of Low-E coatings
- Which type of Low-E coating is best for your area’s climate
- How to lower your energy bills with Stanek triple-pane high-performance glass
Choosing new windows can feel overwhelming. You need to consider style, budget, and functionality. At the same time, you're trying to understand technical terms that may seem confusing.
When it comes to windows, the type of glass you choose is a critical consideration. Experts estimate that 70 percent of energy loss occurs in windows and doors, and that 90 percent of window heat loss occurs through the glass. Energy efficiency is important, but the lingo can be unclear and puzzling when researching different types of energy-efficient glass.
If you've ever heard the term "Low-E glass" and felt a little confused, you're not alone. Familiarizing yourself with these terms and technologies can help you make a wise investment that reduces your energy costs and enhances comfort in your home.
What is Low-E Glass and Is It Energy Efficient?
What Makes a Window "Low-E"?
Glass with a low-E coating, or low-emissivity, is designed to increase energy efficiency. It features a thin, transparent coating that minimizes the passage of infrared and ultraviolet (UV) light through the glass, while allowing natural light to enter your home.
Think of it as a smart filter for your windows. This microscopic coating reflects heat, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. During the summer, it reflects the sun's heat outward, keeping your home cooler. In the winter, it reflects your home's interior heat back inside, preventing it from escaping. This simple but powerful technology is a game-changer for home comfort and energy savings.
Key Metrics for Energy-Efficient Glass
When comparing windows, you'll likely encounter a few key performance ratings. According to the Vitro (formerly PPG) Glass Education Center, these metrics help measure the effectiveness of Low-E coatings:
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This is the fraction of incident solar radiation that is admitted through the window. This can be either directly transmitted and absorbed or radiated inward.
- U-Value: This rating is assigned to a window based on the amount of heat it allows to pass through.
- Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): The measure of how much visible light passes through the glass.
- Light to Solar Gain: The ratio between the window’s visible light transmittance and its Solar Gain Coefficient rating.
Types of Low-E Coatings
Low-E coatings are not all the same and are usually categorized into two main types based on their manufacturing method: passive (hard-coat) and solar control (soft-coat).
Passive Low-E Coatings (Hard-Coat)
Hard-coat Low-E coatings are created through a pyrolytic process. The glass is coated directly while it's still hot on the production line, causing the coating to fuse with the surface. This creates a highly durable, or "hard," coating.
This type of coating is designed to allow some of the sun's short-wave infrared energy to pass through, which can help passively heat your home during colder months.
Solar Control Low-E Coatings (Soft-Coat)/h3>
Soft-coat Low-E coatings are applied at room temperature in a vacuum chamber after the glass is cut. This process, known as Magnetron Sputtering Vapor Deposition (MSVD), yields a coating that provides superior solar control and lower emissivity.
Because the "soft-coat" is more delicate, it must be sealed within an insulated glass (IG) or laminated unit to protect it. This is the highest-performing option for managing solar heat.
Which Type of Low-E Coating Glass is Best for My Climate?
Choosing the best Low-E glass for your home depends heavily on your local climate. Your goal is to keep your home comfortable year-round, whether you're battling freezing temperatures or scorching heat.
- For extremely cold climates, a hard-coat (passive) Low-E glass may be a suitable option. It allows some of the sun's heat to pass through, providing passive solar heating to warm your home in the winter. At the same time, it reflects your interior heat inside, reducing heat loss.
- For mixed and hot climates, a soft-coat (solar control) Low-E glass is generally the best choice for the vast majority of the United States. It provides excellent U-values and superior UV protection. In the summer and winter, this coating lowers cooling costs by reflecting warm and cold air into your room, rather than letting it escape.
Low-E coatings play a crucial role in your windows' performance, helping you save on energy costs and protecting your furniture and decor from fading by blocking harmful UV rays.
Maximize Your Home's Comfort
At Stanek Windows, we use only the best glass when manufacturing our windows. Our high-performance glass is one of the most advanced and energy-efficient glass options available, and it won't visibly darken your room. This triple-pane glass is filled with two layers of argon gas, as well as two layers of soft-coat Low, and is built with warm-edge spacer® technology between the insulated glass panes, which prohibits the transfer of heat.
Maximize your comfort and lower your heating and cooling costs this season with energy-efficient replacement windows from Stanek.
If you're ready to enhance your home's comfort and lower your energy bills, consider scheduling a free, in-home estimate today, or give us a call at 1-800-230-8301.
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