Energy Efficient Glazing Solutions

The most energy-efficient glass isn’t glass, it’s a plastic called polycarbonate. Since polycarbonate has similar visibility capabilities to glass, it is often used to increase the energy efficiency of window and door glass. Installing polycarbonate energy glazing like DefenseLite can improve the energy efficiency of the existing glass by 30-50%.

The most energy-efficient double glazing will have gas-like argon between the panes. This gas helps to slow and decrease temperature transfer, keeping the inside of your home comfortable no matter the season.

Many energy-efficient windows use Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass which has a thin coating of metal oxide on one of the interior surfaces of the glass. This coating helps to reflect heat and sunlight into the home to keep it warm.

DefenseLite acts as double glazing for existing window and door glass since it is a retrofit solution installed on the outside of your glass. Much like double pane windows, DefenseLite also institutes the use of gas in the air gap to slow temperature transfer and can be installed with a Low-E film to improve energy efficiency.

Glazing is a term used to describe the glass in a window whether it is single, double, or triple glazed. So, energy glazing refers to the energy-efficient window glass. The main goal of these types of windows is to slow temperature transfer so that you can use your heating and cooling systems less.

Many energy-efficient glazing solutions incorporate double or triple panes, a gas between the panes, and a low-emissivity coating. All of these techniques can improve the overall energy efficiency of the glass.

1. Check windows for air leaks.
2. Caulk and weatherstrip to prevent air leaks.
3. Add energy-efficient window films.
4. Install window treatments like shades or drapes.
5. Use a window insulator kit to keep heat in and cold out.
6. Add exterior shading like awnings.
7. Replace windows with an energy efficient alternative.
8. Install energy efficient secondary glazing.

If you’re looking to completely replace your windows, there are several factors to consider that will help you choose the most energy-efficient option. The best energy-efficient windows will be double or triple panes with argon between the panes. U-factor is how the energy efficiency of windows is measured, so you should look for windows with a U-factor of less than 0.30.

An alternative to replacing all of your windows is to install DefenseLite over your existing glass. DefenseLite is primarily crafted of polycarbonate which gives it an advantage over conventional heat reflective glass products because it is much thicker. DefenseLite’s retrofit film options provide for impressive solar heat gain reduction and sun control. With extensive insulation and UV and infrared blocking polycarbonate, DefenseLite provides thermal efficiency and safety in one.

Replacing all of your windows can be a costly project since energy-efficient windows are more expensive. You can expect to pay around $300-$1,000 per window plus labor costs. However, you will save money on your energy bills over time, so this amount should also be factored into the overall cost.