Double Pane Low E Windows U Factor

Energy efficient windows use two or three panes of glass to slow conduction and maintain comfort.

Double pane low e windows u factor. For most energy efficient windows the whole window u factor is higher than the center of glass u factor. Double paned windows may have a u factor at or below 0 30. For example double pane high solar gain low e glass is used in heating dominated climates such as areas in the northeast and midwest medium solar gain low e glass is used in the midwest where there s a need for both heating and cooling and low solar gain low e. Low e glass is optimal for conserving energy because it reduces ultraviolet uv and infrared light penetration to limit heat transfer.

The best high performance double pane windows may have a u factor of 0 30 or lower indicating that they are very energy efficient. Triple glazed windows may have a u factor as low as 0 15. It s a durable tco transparent conductive oxide coating that enhances the u factor of the window by reflecting heat back into the home. Triple pane windows work best when enhanced energy performance is a key objective.

4th surface provides energy performance levels in a dual glazed insulated unit that previously were only attainable with our. Double glazed low solar gain low e glass. Our interior surface low e is engineered to have a lower u factor and is applied to the interior surface of the glass providing increased comfort and improved energy savings. Manufacturers have started to incorporate low emittance coatings and gas fills between panes in attempts to further decrease u factors and provide an.

High performance double pane windows can have u factors of 0 30 or lower while some triple pane windows can achieve u factors as low as 0 15. Low u factors are most important in heating dominated climates although they are also beneficial. The more panes the better right. Choose to add optional argon gas between the panes to act like an insulating blanket and reduce heat transfer.

Low e coatings usually applied to the inside layers of insulating glass manage the amount of light and heat either conducted through a window or reflected away from it. The u factor of this glass is lowered approximately 0 04 improving energy efficiency so that many of our doors and windows meet new energy codes and energy star zone. The u factor will approach the very low 0 15 point if there is a gas such as argon or krypton between the layers of glass glazing. Gases are heavier than air and therefore provide insulation resistance to air.

This figure illustrates the characteristics of a typical double glazed window with a low solar gain low e glass with argon gas fill. Double pane windows are low e coated to produce a high medium or low shg factor. Double pane dual pane glass naturally performs better than single pane glass for energy efficiency as the space between each pane acts as an additional layer of insulation from the heat or cold. As with moderate solar gain low e glass these windows are often referred to as spectrally selective low e glass due to their ability to reduce solar heat gain while retaining high visible transmittance.

A virtually invisible low e coating is applied to the glass to help reflect heat and keep your home comfortable.