A type of clear glass with a microscopic thin film of metal-oxide, low-emittance glass, also known as Low-E, is a recent energy saving tool to have entered the building construction industry. Glass normally has a high emissivity rate, i.e. it has a relatively high ability to absorb or emit energy in the form of radiation. The maximum amount of heat is lost or gained through windows, hence windows are known as the “thermal weak spots” in buildings. Low emission glass is used particularly for windows as it has a low heat emission rate, which means it can absorb or reflect heat and so offer insulation against cold and heat.
Low-E glass reduces the emissivity rate and helps trap heat within a building during winter. In colder climates heat within the structure is retained while solar heat from the outside is, allowed to penetrate, making it a great way of conserving energy. On the other hand, low E glass is used on the internal face of the outside pane of a double paned window in hot climates. This allows only a part of the light and heat to enter the building and bounces back the rest of the heat, thus reducing cooling bills.
Soft coat and hard coat are the two types of Low-E glass that are available. The soft coat type is solely used in insulating glass as it can reflect more heat back to the source. The heat reflection/absorption potential is based on factors such as the position of the window and the thickness of the Low-E glass coating.
Benefits of Low-E glass:
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It improves the energy efficiency of windows and thus helps to save energy.
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It helps reduce heat loss effectively in winter.
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It helps reduce the need for heating a room and thereby helps reduce the heating bills incurred.
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It helps improve the thermal insulation of a room, which in turn leads to fewer drafts and cold spots near doors and windows.
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It contributes towards the protection of environment and reduction of green house gases.
“Bird’s Nest” – the National Stadium in Beijing and the Hearst Tower in Manhattan are some of the famous structures where Low-E glass has been incorporated successfully in the architectural design.
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