Energy Efficient Heat Reflecting Glass Arizona

There is a lot to consider when choosing the correct replacement windows for our Arizona homes. The glass we select is one of the most important choices. All Arizona homeowners have at one time or are currently living in a home that gets unbearably hot in the summer months. Ninety percent of the heat that enters our homes is due to the glass in our windows. Having a properly insulated window is extremely important due to our intense desert heat. Affordable Windows understands this, and that is why we only offer quality windows to uphold in our extreme climate. All of our windows are custom made and properly configured to help keep our home comfortable year-round.

What is an Insulated Glass Unit?

An insulated glass unit, commonly referred to as an IGU, is simply two or three pieces of glass, separated by a spacer system, that is then hermetically sealed. This prevents moisture from getting in between the glass. Due to the extreme heat we experience here in Arizona, our homes need more protection from the sun than just glass, as glass itself can conduct heat, just like a glass cup when exposed to hot liquids. This is why industry leaders have designed a formula called Low E coating, in order to obtain energy efficiency in glass and reflect the heat away from your home.

What is Low Emissivity Glass?

Low Emissivity Glass, which is referred to as Low E Glass in the window industry, refers to specific coatings placed onto the glass to reflect heat. In our hot Arizona summers, Low-E glass reflects the sun's heat away from your home, reducing the need for air conditioning and leading to significant energy savings. During cooler months, it helps retain indoor heat, decreasing heating costs. Additionally, Low-E glass protects our homes against UV rays, which can fade furniture and flooring. It also reduces condensation, which can prevent mold and mildew growth, contributing to a healthier living environment. There are several types of Low E available, but only Low E366 glass and Low E340 glass are specifically designed to handle our Arizona, desert heat.

Low E 340 Glass–

When it comes to glass that can block out our Arizona heat, Low E 340 has no rival. The solar performance of this glass is much more substantial than a dual pane unit. Low E 340 alone has a solar heat gain co-efficient ( SHGC) of just 0.18. Add a quality frame from one of our manufacturing partners and the solar heat gain coefficient of an Arizona window is reduced to a 0.15 or lower. What’s more, Low E 340 still allows an abundant amount of natural light to enter our homes, while keeping the inside of our homes at the perfect temperature.

Benefits of Low E Glass

#1 – Energy Efficiency: Low-E glass acts as a thermal barrier, reflecting interior heat back inside during winter and reducing heat transfer during summer, leading to lower energy bills. We knock out the weather = lower SRP / APS bills.
#2 –UV Protection*: Low E Glass blocks a significant portion of harmful UV rays, which prevents the fading of furnishings, carpets, and drapes.
#3 – Increased Comfort: Homes with Low-E glass maintain a more consistent temperature, eliminating hot spots near windows during our brutal summer months– How do you put a price on comfort- You can't, its Priceless!
#4 – Reduced Condensation– Windows with the proper / right Low E can eliminate condensation.
#5 - Enhanced Property Value: Installing Low-E glass in Arizona will increase the value of a property by improving its energy efficiency and comfort.

Window Terminology

What is U Factor? This factor measures the amount of heat loss from inside to outside. The importance of a u factor here in Arizona is not as relevant as it is in colder areas of the country. This ranges from 0-1.2 ; The lower this number, the greater the window is at resisting heat loss. This number can also tell you how well the window was built and engineered. In our professional opinion, any window above .30 does not belong in the Arizona desert.

What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?  This is the measurement of heat resistance from outside to inside our homes. In essence, it tells you how much heat you are keeping out of your home. The range of this factor is from 0-1; the lower the better at keeping out the heat.

What is Visible Transmission? Visible transmission is a measurement of how much natural light is coming through your glass. This ranges from 0-1. The higher the number, the more natural light is coming through the glass.
What is Air infiltration? Air infiltration in windows refers to the passage of air through unsealed joints and gaps, leading to energy loss. The lower the number the more airtight your window will be. All windows offered by Affordable Windows will have air infiltration ratings below .07.