Saving electricity while keeping your home cool or warm requires quite a bit of creativity. Since around 90 percent of heat conduction and loss in windows occurs through the glass, we can tackle the headache of energy efficiency through the glass. Low-E glass is one such creative measure. Low-E or emissivity glass is a special glass that reduces the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that enters through a window whilst not hindering the light that enters through it. Here will learn more about how low-E glass works and why it’s so good.
How Does It Work?
How does Low-E glass work exactly? To understand how it performs its magic, you need to understand the different spectrums of light emitted from the sun and the various modes of heat transfer. A best comparison to how Low-E glass works is the thermos vacuum flask, which reduces the amount of heat that gets lost or absorbed into the flask by radiation, conduction, and convection. Low-E glass works similarly but with mostly the light spectrum, and it does so through its secret sauc,e which is a special type of coating thinner than human hair.
The three spectrums of light emitted from the sun come in the form of UV, Infrared, and Visible light. UV rays affect the paint in the house and the skin of its occupants, while infrared transfers heat into the house. The coating filters out these two wavelengths and allows visible light to enter the house. It can do this due to its low-emissivity and thickness, which allows it to reflect these wavelengths of light without absorbing them.
Low-E glass also helps keep the house warm during winter and cool during the summer by reducing the amount of heat that flows or radiates in or out. It accomplishes this remarkable feat through its low-E coating and insulative gap filled with a gas that reduces heat transferred through conduction.
Types of Coatings Used
Low-E coatings can come in various forms – here are the major ones!
- Solar Control or Soft-Coat
As the name implies, solar control low-E coating reduces the amount of solar energy that is absorbed in the house to keep the interior cool and the air-conditioning costs low. This feature is especially useful during the summer. It is applied to glass as a soft coat, meaning it is applied on it off the line at room temperature.
- Passive Low-E Coating or Hard-Coat
For passive coating, its main role is the opposite of the solar control coating because instead of reducing solar heat, it increases the amount of solar heat absorbed into the building. This means that the heating of the building is passive, and it reduces the amount of electricity used for artificial heating. This type of coating is very useful for areas with persistent winters.
Advantages of Using Low-E Glass
It Restricts UV Light Penetration
One of the good things about Low-E glass is its ability to reflect UV rays away from the house. UV rays in small quantities aren’t so bad, but when exposure is high and continuous, it can cause a lot of problems. For example, exposure to UV rays is linked to higher rates of cancer all over the world, and UV rays also bleach off paint and furnishings on furniture and curtains.
Improves Energy Efficiency
It also improves the energy efficiency of the home by utilizing its insulative and reflective properties. This means the heat entering the house during summer will be minuscule. During winter, the glass reflects the heat generated around he house back into the house, keeping it warm. What this entails is that there isn’t any unwarranted heat loss or gain, and there is no need for excess energy for heating and cooling.
It Saves Costs
With improved energy efficiency, you incur fewer costs regarding your electricity bill. It’s possible for you to just rely on passive heating throughout the day without the need for artificial heating or cooling.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows With Atlantic Window Warehouse’s Suppliers
Our team can supply your property in Massachusetts with highly energy-efficient windows, even conducting thermopane glass repairs to ensure that your energy efficiency is never compromised! Contact our team today to drive those pesky utility bills down!
