Unlike the original single glazing or old double glazing, energy-efficent glazing incorporates low-emissivity coated glass to prevent heat escaping through the windows. This makes the windows highly thermally insulating hence improving the energy efficiency of your home and helping to save money on your heating bills. Low-emissivity glass or low-e glass as it is commonly referred to is a type of energy-efficient glass designed to prevent heat escaping through your windows to the cold outdoors.
Unfortunately, many older double glazed units do not contain low-emissivity glass and are therefore not energy-efficient. By replacing your existing window glass with low-e glazing, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your monthly bills and decrease the size of your carbon footprint. Double-glazed windows also offer more efficiency options, which can cut monthly utility bills by reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Those options include low-e emissivity coatings, which are transparent and block specific types of sunlight from passing through them; and filling the space between the panes with safe, non-toxic gases that reduce the amount of heat passing through a window. Triple-glazed windows are typically the most energy-efficient windows widely available, but also the most expensive.
Like double-glazed windows, they are available in a variety of configurations. Spacers with associated sealants are used to keep the layers of glazing the correct distance apart. In addition, they provide accommodation for thermal expansion and pressure differences, while also preventing moisture and gas leaks. A variety of spacers are available with different impacts on the window U-factor. Look for "warm edge" spacers which are designed to lower the window U-factor and reduce condensation at the edge of the window.
See the Efficient Windows Collaborative for more information on the different spacer types. Another important consideration is how the windows operate. Since all operable windows may have undesired air leakage which will decrease your home's energy efficiency, the choice of operator type can impact overall energy use. Air leakage rates will vary with the type and quality of the weatherstripping and seals, and will generally increase over time due to operational use.
Traditional operating types include:. Energy Saver Window Types and Technologies. Frames and Sash. Aluminum or Metal Frames. Composite Frames. Fiberglass Frames. Vinyl Frames. Wood Frames.
Glazing or Glass. Low-Emissivity Coatings. Spectrally Selective Coatings. Gas Fills and Spacers. Operating Types. Traditional operating types include: Awning. Hinged at the top and open outward. Because the sash closes by pressing against the frame, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows.
Hinged at the bottom and open inward.
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