Buying the Right Windows
(Page 3 of 4)
January/February 2002
By Dena Nishek
Low-emittance (low-e) coatings are microscopically thin, transparent layers of metallic oxide. You’ll find low-e coatings for high, moderate, and low solar gain for use in specific situations. For example, a high-solar, low-e glazing is typically designed to reduce heat loss but permit solar gain. This type of window is a good choice in a climate where heating is the primary concern, and also for passive-solar projects. Moderate-solar, low-e glazing reduces heat loss while allowing reasonable solar gain. Such windows perform well in climates where there are both heating and cooling concerns. Low-solar, low-e glazing is sometimes called spectrally selective because it reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. It is an ideal choice for hot climates where cooling is the primary concern.
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Low-e coated glass can reduce harmful UV rays by up to 75 percent, a feature that provides protection for interior surfaces, according to the government’s Energy Star program.
Creating more than one air space is another way that glazing can be optimized for energy efficiency. Air space provides an insulative layer that reduces thermal transmission and noise. Adding a third pane of glass or suspending a coated film between two panes creates an additional air space.