Low E Glass: Solarban

Imagine your home bathed in natural light, vibrant views unobstructed, and energy bills that make you smile. That’s the power of Low-E glass. While ordinary windows let in unwanted heat, driving up cooling costs, Low-E glass acts like a shield, blocking out most of the sun’s heat while preserving stunning views. Say goodbye to heavy drapes and hello to a brighter, more comfortable home.

Millennium Windows and Doors® offer a range of Solarban® glass products designed to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in homes and buildings. Solarban® glass is specifically engineered to control solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve insulation. By incorporating Solarban® glass into their windows and doors, Millennium provides customers with a solution to manage internal temperatures, minimize energy consumption for heating and cooling, and create a more comfortable living or working environment. This advanced glass technology reflects a significant portion of the sun’s rays while still allowing natural light to enter, offering a balance between energy savings and maintaining a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

Solarban® glass comes in various types to suit different needs and preferences:

• Solarban® 60: Offers a good balance of solar control and visible light transmission, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Solarban® 70: Provides enhanced solar control while maintaining high visible light transmittance, ideal for climates with abundant sunshine.
• Solarban® 90: The latest generation of Solarban® glass, featuring the highest level of solar control and a neutral appearance similar to clear glass.
• Solarban® R100: Designed for regions with colder climates, offering excellent solar control and improved insulation to reduce heat loss during winter.
• Specialty Solarban® glass: Includes options like Solarban® Optiblue (for superior performance in hot climates), Solarban® 67 and Solarban® 72 (offering enhanced clarity), and Solarban® Acuity® glass (low-iron glass for optimal clarity).

Key features and benefits of Solarban® glass:

• Superior solar control: Reflects a significant portion of the sun’s heat, reducing cooling costs and improving comfort.
• High visible light transmittance: Allows ample natural light to enter, creating bright and inviting spaces.
• Low reflectivity: Minimizes glare and maintains views of the outdoors.
• Excellent thermal insulation: Helps to keep buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing energy consumption.
• Neutral appearance: Blends seamlessly with various architectural styles and design aesthetics.
• Durability and longevity: Resists fading, discoloration, and deterioration over time.

Understanding low-e glass

Low-e coatings play an important role in a window’s overall performance and can have a significant impact on a home’s heating, lighting, and cooling costs. What is low e glass? How does it work? To answer these questions, explain the “e” in the word “Low-E”. The “e” stands for emissivity”. Emissivity is the ability of a material to radiate energy. When solar or light energy, usually heat from the sun or the HVAC system, is absorbed by the glass, it is either deflected by the movement of the air or re-emitted by the surface of the glass.

Generally, highly reflective materials have low emissivity, while dark and matte colored materials have high emissivity. All materials, including windows, re-emit heat in the form of long-wavelength infrared radiation energy, depending on their emissivity and surface temperature. Radiant energy is one of the primary modes of heat transfer through windows. To improve the insulating properties of a window, the emissivity of at least one of the surfaces of the window glass can be reduced. Therefore, low-e glass manages to improve the insulation of a home against outside temperatures, whatever the climate.

1. How Does Low-E Glass Work?
   “Low Emissivity” refers to a type of glass. An imperceptible metallic oxide coating has been applied to the previously transparent glass. Coatings like this can drastically cut down on the quantity of heat, UV, and infrared light that gets into a house. Further improving temperature stability and alleviating stress on your HVAC system, the metallic oxide coating can reflect cooler, more stable outdoor temperatures back into the home.

Step 2: How Is Low E Coating Implemented?
Low-E glass is made using two different coatings. The coating of pyrolytic, or hard-coat, glass is applied throughout the glassmaking process, making it very long-lasting. While pyrolytic glass is a better option in very cold climates with mild to cool summers, this Low E Glass might not be the most comfortable option in warmer climates.

A pre-cut pane of glass is coated with soft-coat technology by Millennium Premium® Windows and Doors. Coated glass is sealed to keep coating in place and long-lasting. For solar (sun) management, soft-coat is the way to go.

Low-E glass has a coating of metallic oxide that is invisible to the naked eye. Actually, it’s non-toxic and thinner than human hair. While reflecting heat back into space, the coating lets in the visible light that our eyes can perceive. For invisible light, Low E glass functions similarly to regular glass, but it reflects infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

The question of whether standard glass windows can be coated with a Low-E coating is a common one. Anyone, from professional installers to do-it-yourself homeowners, can install low-emissivity films. Due to their increased visibility and susceptibility to destruction, these films typically result in rapid disappointment and annoyance.

3. The Significance of Emissivity and What Does It Mean?
   As compared to a totally black surface, the efficiency with which a material’s surface emits energy as thermal radiation is known as its emissivity in thermal engineering. Minimizing thermal energy radiation is the primary objective of low emissivity glass. Reduced thermal energy radiation improves insulation and decreases heat transmission. Glass with low emissivity (E) transmits light well while retaining heat poorly.
4. Why Are Low-E Windows a Good Choice?
   With low-emissivity glass, homes can enjoy year-round energy bill savings. When it’s hot outside, Low E glass does double duty by reflecting both the heat and the dangerous ultraviolet radiation. It can also aid homes in retaining heat from the heating system, which is especially useful as the weather outside cools with the changing seasons.

When the weather becomes chilly, condensation is another common issue that homeowners face. Inside the house, condensation, in the form of water droplets, forms on the glass as a result of the meeting of the cold air outside and the warm air within. Prolonged exposure to high levels of moisture can ruin the window frame. Thankfully, this annoying issue can be reduced or even eliminated with Low E.

Lastly, Low E glass helps keep your flooring, furniture, and fabrics in good condition for a longer period of time. The metallic oxide coating lessens the amount of harmful UV rays that enter the room through the window, allowing furnishings, flooring, throw pillows, curtains, and sofas to keep their pristine condition for a very long time.

5. What Are the Financial Benefits of Low-E Windows?
   Ordinary windows allow between 25 and 30 percent of the energy that is utilized to heat and cool a home to escape. Low E windows provide substantial energy savings on an annual basis due to their long lifespan.

Some homeowners mistakenly believe they can install Low E window film on standard windows on their own. Because DIY window films are so fragile, they never hold a candle to professionally installed Low E window glass.

Also, keep in mind that low-e glass protects against dangerous UV radiation. You may expect your floors, furniture, cushions, curtains, and upholstery to retain their color and beauty for a longer period of time. You can save money by extending the life of your household goods instead of constantly buying new ones.

The HVAC system’s wear and tear should also be taken into account. You can end up running your heater or air conditioner for a considerably longer period of time with standard windows. Components wear down more quickly when these machines run for lengthy periods of time, increasing the frequency of maintenance and repair calls to a professional. Improving the energy efficiency of one portion of your house might have a domino effect on the rest of it.

6. Is Investing in Low-E Glass a Good Idea?
   The decision between ordinary window glass, which costs less initially, and Low E glass, which costs more initially, is a difficult one for many homes. However, a significant difference becomes apparent when you catalog all of the advantages and savings that come with installing Low E glass. Just considering the savings on heating and cooling costs, low-E glass delivers a better return on investment than ordinary glass. And let’s face it: energy costs are on the rise in many locations.

Homes that are good for the environment are attracting more and more attention from homebuyers. They’re considering all of the expenses associated with homeownership, not just the mortgage, including energy bills. Homebuyers are showing a willingness to pay a premium for energy-efficient windows with features like Low E glass that allow them to lessen their impact on the environment.

Because Low E windows are Energy Star certified, you may be eligible for rebates and tax credits if you make the switch. In addition to potential tax credits, rebates, and incentives may be available from your electric company, city, or state.

As a last point, homes with Low E glass windows tend to be cosier. The frequency with which you need to alter the thermostat, drapes, and blinds will decrease significantly. As an added bonus, it can lessen the load on the home’s already-noisy HVAC systems, which means less overall noise in the house.

Would Low-E Glass Be a Good Choice for My House?
Beautiful and affordable, low-emissivity glass is a popular option for new windows. Low-E glass with a soft coating lasts a long time. The coating is sealed between the layers of glass and cannot be wiped off or scratched, so you may clean your windows with complete assurance that it will stay intact. Keep in mind that lower-quality Low E films are less effective in the long run and are more prone to scratches and other damage.

It will put a smile on your face to get heating and cooling bills that are consistently lower. By eliminating heat transfer and drastically reducing heat loss by up to half, low-emissivity glass can be achieved. You won’t need to cover every window in the house with shades in the summer to escape the scorching sun. Your Low E glass windows will protect you, your furnishings, and your fabrics from damaging heat and UV rays.

Other household systems and appliances can benefit from more energy-efficient windows as well. You won’t have to worry about your HVAC systems taking a major beating from the heat reflected back into your home by Low E windows because of the coating. Your technician may find that you are contacting them less frequently for repairs and maintenance.

There are a lot of options to consider when putting in new windows or replacing old ones. Customers have a lot of alternatives when it comes to low E glass, and it offers many benefits. Low E glass is a wise investment, whether you’re building your forever home with the intention of making it energy efficient and comfortable or you’re planning to sell it in the future. Modern Low E windows can be custom-made to complement your home’s design while also reducing energy costs.

Low-E glass (Low-Emissivity Glass) is a type of window glass that has a microscopically thin, transparent coating designed to reflect heat. This coating allows visible light to pass through while minimizing the amount of infrared and ultraviolet (UV) radiation that enters or escapes a room.

The Benefits of Low-E Glass:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Low-E glass acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This means your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard, leading to significant energy savings and lower utility bills.
2. Enhanced Comfort: By minimizing temperature fluctuations, Low-E glass helps maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment year-round. You’ll experience fewer drafts, cold spots, and overheated areas.
3. UV Protection: The coating on Low-E glass significantly reduces the amount of harmful UV rays entering your home. This protects your furniture, carpets, and other belongings from fading and sun damage.
4. Condensation Reduction: Low-E glass can help reduce condensation on windows, which can prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
5. Increased Resale Value: Energy-efficient upgrades like Low-E glass can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its resale value.

Is Low-E Glass Worth It?

In most cases, yes! While the initial cost of Low-E glass windows may be slightly higher than standard windows, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, comfort, and protection typically outweigh the upfront investment. This is especially true in regions with extreme temperatures or areas with high energy costs.

Factors to consider:

• Climate: Low-E glass is most beneficial in climates with hot summers and cold winters.
• Orientation of your home: If your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, Low-E glass can be particularly helpful in reducing heat gain.
• Budget: Consider the upfront cost and compare it to the potential energy savings over time.
• Type of Low-E Coating: Different coatings offer varying levels of performance, so choose one that suits your specific needs and climate.

Types of Low-E Glass:

1. Passive Low-E:
   • Definition: Designed to maximize solar heat gain in winter while minimizing heat loss. Ideal for colder climates.
   • Application: Best suited for north-facing windows or homes in regions with long, cold winters.
2. Solar Control Low-E:
   • Definition: Designed to minimize solar heat gain in summer while still allowing some light transmission. Ideal for warmer climates.
   • Application: Best suited for south-facing windows or homes in regions with hot summers.
3. Hard Coat Low-E:
   • Definition: The coating is applied during the manufacturing process while the glass is still hot. More durable and scratch-resistant than soft coat.
   • Application: Suitable for any climate and window orientation.
4. Soft Coat Low-E:
   • Definition: The coating is applied after the glass is cooled. Offers higher performance in terms of heat reflection and light transmission than hard coat.
   • Application: Suitable for any climate and window orientation, especially beneficial in extreme climates.
5. Double Silver Low-E:
   • Definition: Contains two layers of silver in the coating, offering superior energy efficiency compared to single silver coatings.
   • Application: Ideal for homes in extreme climates or those seeking the highest levels of energy efficiency.
6. Triple Silver Low-E:
   • Definition: Contains three layers of silver, providing the highest level of energy efficiency and solar heat gain control.
   • Application: Often used in commercial buildings or high-performance homes in very hot or cold climates.

Additional Considerations:

• U-Factor: A measure of a window’s insulating ability. Lower U-factor values indicate better insulation.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): A measure of how much solar radiation a window transmits. Lower SHGC values indicate less solar heat gain.
• Visible Transmittance (VT): A measure of how much visible light a window transmits. Higher VT values indicate more natural light.

When choosing low-E glass, consider your climate, window orientation, and desired energy efficiency goals. Consult with a window professional to determine the best type of low-E glass for your specific needs.

In conclusion:

Low-E glass is a valuable investment for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and protect their interiors from harmful UV rays. If you’re considering replacing your windows, it’s worth exploring the benefits of Low-E glass and how it can enhance your home.

Free Consultation: Schedule a free consultation with our window experts to discuss your needs.

(918) 582-5025

EMAIL: millenniumwindowdoor@gmail.com

Address: 421 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74104