High-performance glazing can significantly improve your energy consumption and help reduce your heating, cooling and lighting costs when compared to ordinary single or double glazed window.
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 very confusing when researching different types of energy efficient glass. In this post, we’ll explain what a Low-E window is, why it’s energy efficient, the different types of Low-E coatings and which is best for the area you live in.
What is a Low-E Window and What Makes it Energy Efficient?
Low-E, or low-impassivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. The coating is even thinner than human hair! The Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside.
According to the Saint Gobain Glass , there are several factors used to measure the effectiveness of glass with 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 is the rating that is given to a window based on how much heat loss it allows.
- 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.
Variety of High Performance Glass Options
German System Windows products are made with a variety of high-performance glass options to exceed your energy performance and of course, budgetary needs. Glass performance is key to achieving lower energy bills. The type of glass in a window affects the flow of heat in and out of your home, the amount of light that comes through the window as well as the amount of noise that you hear from your home. Windows also play a major role in the energy efficiency of a home. Experts estimate that 70 % of energy loss occurs in windows and doors and 90 % of window heat loss occurs through the glass.
Smart Guard PLUS High Performance Glass
Ensure your comfort & lower your heating and cooling costs with our Smart Guard PLUS high-performance glass. It’s one of the most advanced glass options available without unwanted room darkening effects to maximize heating and cooling return. The Smart Guard PLUS high performance glass outperforms most of the competitor’s comparable products.
Features
- Utilizes a formulated 16-layer soft-coat Low-E
- Insulated with argon gas
- Built with warm-edge Super Spacer® technology between the glass panes which helps prevent seal failure and prohibits the transfer of heat
Benefits
- Retains more heat in the winter keeping your home warmer while reducing energy costs
- Reflects heat in the summer to reduce cooling costs
- Saves your fabric, furniture and floor coverings from fading by blocking UV rays 90 % more effectively than ordinary glass
- Controls glare in bright, sunny climates
- All window options are available
- All Climates
Smart Guard Ultra High Performance Glass
Maximize your comfort and lower your heating and cooling costs with our Smart Guard Ultra high-performance glass. This triple-pane glass is filled with two layers of argon or krypton gas as well as two layers of soft-coat Low-E, which makes this option the most energy-efficient glass on the market.
Features
- Energy-efficient triple-pane glass design
- Utilizes two layers of formulated soft-coat Low-E
- Insulated with argon or krypton gas
- Built with warm-edge Super Spacer® technology between the glass panes with helps prevent seal failure and prohibits the transfer of heat
Benefits
- Retains the most heat in the winter keeping your home warmer while reducing energy costs
- Reflects most heat in the summer to reduce cooling costs
- Saves your fabric, furniture and floor coverings from fading by blocking UV rays 99 percent more effectively
- Controls glare in bright, sunny climates
- Maximum noise control
- Earns the highest energy efficiency rating from ENERGY STAR®
- Available in all window options
- All Climates, especially where extreme cold or extreme heat occur. Ideal for maximum noise control.
Try the Glass Compass to get the best high-performance glass according to the location and design of your home. Glass Compass will also measure your overall cost savings.
