What Is Low-E Insulating Glass?

Energy efficiency is an increasingly big priority for home and business owners when it comes to choosing materials for construction and remodeling. Over the last several decades, energy-efficient windows have been developed to block out drafts and minimize thermal heat transfer to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems and minimize energy waste. If you’re shopping around for new windows or you have questions about the features of an insulating glass unit in Santa Fe, NM, keep reading to learn more.

Low-E glass basics

Low-E stands for “low emissivity” and is used to describe glass that’s designed to minimize the emission of UV light through your windows. Low-E glass is treating with a specialized coating that is highly effective at reflecting light and blocking thermal heat transfer during the summer months. These windows also keep heat inside during the winter by blocking emission from inside. Low-E coatings can be applied to many different types of windows, which gives home and business owners the opportunity to select windows that are practical, aesthetically appealing and efficient.

Low-E coating options

There are two basic types of low-E coating options: passive coatings and solar control coatings. Passive coatings, also referred to as hard-coat, are durable coatings that are applied during the window manufacturing process. Once the coat is applied, it fuses to the surface of the glass and maintains a very strong bond that lasts for a long time. Solar control coatings, also called soft-coat, are applied in a vacuum chamber to pre-cut glass. Solar control coatings must be sealed inside an insulating glass unit in Santa Fe, NM to work properly. These coatings offer better performance and more effective solar control than passive coatings.

When choosing between passive coatings and solar control coatings, it’s important to consider your specific needs and where your home or business is located. In most cases, passive coatings make the most sense for colder climates, where continuous direct sunlight for several months isn’t as much of a concern. Passive coatings still help keep heat in during the winter and reduce UV emissions in the summer, so they are a practical choice for a colder climate.

Solar control coatings are the better choice for homes and businesses in hot climates, since they offer the best solar control and lower emissivity than passive coatings. Since these coatings are sealed in an insulating glass unit in Santa Fe, NM, they offer superior energy efficiency and minimize waste in HVAC performance. They can also improve home value significantly and offer great long-term returns on investment.

Invest in an insulating glass unit in Santa Fe, NM

If you’re looking for high-quality glass that offers the best efficiency and most stylish look possible, reach out to Santa Fe Glass & Mirror. We offer comprehensive residential and commercial glass maintenance and replacement services. Whether you want maintenance and repair services for your existing glass or you have questions about insulating glass units in Santa Fe, NM, our team is here to assist you. Give us a call to find out more about everything we have to offer.

Categorised in: Low-E Glass

This post was written by Writer