If you live in a heating climate, like Victoria or Tasmania, then the best glass type or window specification for energy efficiency is: Double-glazed windows with low e glass configured on face three of the insulated glass unit.
Energy-efficient glass panes are coated with various metal oxides that reduce excessive absorption of solar heat. This reduces a structure's energy cost and also its carbon footprint. This type of glass also improves thermal comfort with a sense of openness for people working inside.
The most energy efficient type of glass for double and triple glazing is low emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the internal glass surfaces. This coating reflects heat back into the home but still lets in the light from outside.
Low Emissivity Glass, also known as Low E glass, is glass that has a coating applied to it, making windows and doors substantially more energy efficient. Originally designed to keep in infrared light for colder climates, they're now a cost-efficient option that is effective in a variety of regions.
Double glazing slows this heat flow. The thicker glass makes it more difficult for heat to pass through it, and the air gap provides a barrier to block it.
The extra thickness of double-strength insulated glass is far better than builder-grade single strength glass for a couple of very important reasons. Thick glass is far more durable and less likely to break, naturally enhancing the structural stability of our windows, greatly enhancing sound control.
Tempered glass, also called safety glass, is the smartest choice for windows and other glass structures in your home. Tempered glass is heated and then cooled very quickly during the manufacturing process; this rapid change in temperature makes it about four times stronger than untreated glass.
Low-E glass, short for Low-Emissivity or Low-Emittance, contains a microscopic coating that makes a window more thermally efficient. The coating is thin, non-toxic and virtually colorless.
The quality of the glass determines how well a window will function. A good window should be able to protect you from the elements, keep the indoor temperature comfortable and lower your energy bill. Tempered glass is one quality glass option that does all this and more.
Double glazing has been found to be more effective than low-E glass in areas where extremes of both heat and cold exist because it reduces heat transfer from both within and without. When heating the house during the colder months, double glazing helps prevent heat from escaping the house.
Wood: Wood windows offer the best insulative value, though they also require more upkeep than vinyl, wood-clad or aluminum frames.
Generally, the thicker the glass used to construct your window, the better the sound insulation you will experience. This is because outside noises will have to travel further to reach inside your home.
1) Triple glazing is approximately 40% more thermally efficient than “A” rated PVCu double glazing so energy savings are far higher. 2) Triple glazed windows and doors will further reduce draughts and cold spots in a room that currently has less thermally efficient windows and doors.
Single strength glass is 3/32″ thick and is most commonly used in picture frames. Double strength is 1/8″ thick and stronger than single strength so can be used in many more applications.
6mm Toughened Glass is up to five times stronger than ordinary (float) glass of the same thickness. Because of its increased strength, Toughened Glass allows architects and builders far greater scope in their use of glass in buildings.
5MM Heat Strengthened Glass is NOT a safety glazing by building code, but this breakage pattern prevents the glass from falling and injuring someone. In the end, 5MM heat-strengthened glass is approximately twice as strong as 5MM float glass, or untreated glass.
The benefits are similar to double-glazed glass including:
– Offers greater security against attempted break-ins, accidental injury, and severe weather conditions. From a security standpoint it would take a lot of force to pierce the interlayer sufficiently to create a hole for entry to a home or office.
If you're looking for shatter resistance, multiple colour options, and windows best suited for inclement weather, laminated glass may be a better choice. However, double glazing is the best choice for preventing leaking air and saving on utility costs.
Homeowners who invest in higher efficiency windows generally save around 12% on their electric bill every year. Therefore, a home that usually spends $200 a month to heat their home would save $24 every month. Depending on the climate where you live and the windows you've replaced, your savings could be even better.
Triple pane windows can be up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a single pane window, and up to 20 percent more efficient than a double pane. If you live in an extremely cold climate, double and triple pane windows can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills.