Are your customers tired of sky-high energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures?
They’re seeking solutions. Drafty, inefficient windows are often the culprits behind soaring energy costs and uncomfortably warm homes. This presents a significant opportunity for your glass shop.
Low-e glass windows offer a proven solution. These windows feature a special invisible coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through.
New Angle Beveling offers low-e glass windows from Cardinal and Pilkington. Let’s see how they compare to a similar offering from Vitro.
Can’t wait to get to the low-e glass comparison chart? Click here to jump right to it!
What is Low-E Glass?
Low-emissivity (low-e) glass features a microscopic coating that reflects long-wave heat radiation (infrared) while allowing visible light to pass through. This invisible layer acts like a thermal shield, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Low-E glass coatings come in two types: soft and hard.
- Soft coat glass is created by applying a thin film to a pre-cut glass sheet in a vacuum chamber. This coating is then allowed to harden.
- Hard coat glass is produced by heating the glass to a high temperature and exposing it to a chemical vapor. The vapor bonds to its surface as the glass cools, forming a durable coating.
Compared to regular glass, low-e offers several distinct advantages:
- Reduced energy bills: By reflecting unwanted heat gain or loss, low-e glass helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, minimizing the strain on your HVAC system and lowering energy consumption.
- Improved comfort: Consistent temperatures throughout your home create a more comfortable living environment, eliminating drafts and hot spots.
- UV protection: Low-e glass blocks a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting your furniture, flooring, and valuables from fading.
Low-E Insulated Glass: A Winning Combination
Using low-e glass in insulated glass units (IGUs) creates a powerful energy-efficient package.
The IGUs provide an air-tight barrier, significantly reducing heat transfer through the window. Adding low-e coatings to the glass further enhances insulation by reflecting heat back into the room during winter and blocking solar heat gain in summer. Essentially, the low-e coating acts as a thermal barrier within the already insulated space of the IGU, maximizing energy savings.
This combination optimizes energy efficiency and window performance, which leads to lower heating and cooling costs, increased comfort, and reduced environmental impact.
Learn more about insulated glass units, low-e glass, and other glass options that New Angle Beveling offers. Download our catalog today!
Understanding Low-E Glass Performance Data
Here's a quick breakdown of key performance metrics used to evaluate low-e glass:
|
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) |
This value represents the percentage of solar heat transmitted through the window. Its value can range from 0 to 1. A lower SHGC indicates better solar heat rejection. |
|
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) |
This value indicates the amount of visible light that passes through the glass. A higher VLT allows for more natural light transmission. |
|
U-Value |
This value measures the rate of heat transfer through the window. While the U-Factor can take any value, it ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. A lower U-value indicates better insulation properties. |
Lower SHGC indicates better heat rejection, translating to cooler summers and lower cooling costs. Higher UV protection means your furniture and interiors are shielded from sun damage.
The following table compares low-e glass vs normal glass:
|
Feature |
Low-E Glass |
Normal Glass |
|
Solar Heat Gain (SHGC) |
Lower (reflects heat) |
Higher (absorbs heat) |
|
U-Factor |
Higher (blocks UV rays) |
Lower (allows most UV rays to pass through) |
|
Energy Efficiency |
Higher (reduces energy consumption) |
Lower (less efficient in regulating temperature) |
All-Season Comfort with Visible Light: Cardinal LoE-270 vs. Pilkington Energy Advantage vs. Vitro Solarban 60
Choosing the right window glass for your project can significantly impact energy efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics. Here's a low-e glass comparison chart of three popular options in insulated glass units — Cardinal LoE-270, Pilkington Energy Advantage, and Vitro Solarban 60 (Not carried by New Angle Beveling):
Low-E Glass Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
Cardinal LoĒ²-270 |
Pilkington Energy Advantage™ |
Vitro Solarban® 60 |
|
Visible Light Transmittance |
70% |
76% |
73% |
|
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient |
0.37 |
0.68 |
0.41 |
|
U-Factor |
Up to 0.32 |
Up to 0.36 |
Up to 0.32 |
|
Fabrication Options |
Annealed, heat-strengthened, tempered (Q-270 option) |
Tempered, cut, bent, laminated, insulated and heat-strengthened |
Annealed, laminated, heat-strengthened and tempered applications |
(The compared units were 30 x 30, 5/8” overall thickness and the glass was 1/8” thick)
Choosing the Right Option
These three glass options provide excellent solar heat control and visible light transmission. The best choice depends on your specific needs for light, heat control, insulation, and budget.
|
Cardinal |
A good balance of visible light and solar heat control for moderate climates. This option is slightly more tinted than regular clear glass and the Pilkington Energy Advantage. |
|
Pilkington Energy Advantage |
Features hard (pyrolytic) coatings for durability and improved thermal performance. This option isn’t as energy efficient as the other options. This glass is clearer than the Cardinal LoE-270 and offers the best visible light transmission of the three compared options. |
|
Vitro |
Fairly close when compared to Cardinal LoE-270 and Pilkington Energy Advantage. |
Common Questions About Low-E Glass
1. Is Low-e Glass Worth It?
Yes! It significantly improves energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer, which can lower energy bills by up to 30-50%. The coating on low-e glass blocks harmful UV rays, protecting furnishings from fading and damage. Additionally, it enhances indoor comfort by maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. The initial investment in low-e glass can lead to long-term savings and improved quality of life in residential and commercial buildings.
2. Does Low-e Glass Affect the Look of My Windows?
Low-e coatings are microscopically thin and typically have a neutral tint that's barely noticeable. This doesn't significantly impact the appearance of windows, and most people don't even realize they have low-e glass installed. However, some coatings offer a reflective or colored tint to provide additional heat control and aesthetic options. For some low-e windows, the sun’s position can create a temporary hazy view. This changes with the sun’s position throughout the day and season.
3. Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Low-e Glass?
The initial cost of low-e glass may be higher than regular glass, but the long-term energy savings often make it worth the investment. Some low-e coatings may require special cleaning products to avoid damaging the coating. This is only necessary when the low-e glass is placed on the interior surface of the unit (#4 surface). It's important to check with your manufacturer for specific care instructions.
4. Can Low-e Glass Be Used in All Types of Windows?
Low-e glass can be incorporated into most window styles, including:
- double-hung
- casement
- sliding windows
It can also be used in skylights and glass doors. However, it's essential to consult with your manufacturer and installer to ensure proper fit and performance.
5. How Long Does Low-e Glass Last?
The lifespan of low-e glass is comparable to that of high-quality windows, generally exceeding 20 years. However, the exact longevity of the glass will depend on factors such as proper installation and maintenance.
Low-E Glass Windows: A Great Solution for Energy Efficiency And Comfort
Low-e glass windows present a substantial opportunity for enhancing energy efficiency, improving indoor comfort, and protecting building interiors from harmful UV rays. By choosing the right low-e glass option, your customers can significantly cut energy costs and enjoy a more pleasant living environment all year round.
Choosing the best low-e glass among Cardinal LoE-270, Pilkington Energy Advantage, and Vitro Solarban 60 depends on specific project needs and priorities such as energy efficiency, clarity, and UV protection.
To make an informed decision about which low-e glass option to choose, it's crucial to compare the specific performance data alongside your project’s specifications.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of low-e glass and how New Angle Beveling can assist you in selecting the perfect solution for your clients’ needs.
