PICKING OUT WINDOWS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS: GLASS TYPES AND COATINGS/FILLS

Glass Types and Coatings/Fills
There are several options available when it comes to the glass, coatings, and fillings in your windows.

Single Pane Glass
As the name implies, this is simply one layer of glass in the window. This glass type is no longer manufactured, as double-pane glass has become the industry standard.

Double Pane Glass
Double pane windows have two layers of glass with a sealed air space between them. The airspace helps prevent any heat loss.

Triple Pane Glass
Triple pane windows are the best choice if you live in an extremely cold environment or want a superior sound barrier. These types of windows have the best U-factor values or energy efficiency rating because they usually include Argon gas or Krypton gas.

Low-E Coating for Glass
One common energy performance coating is called “low-E”; it’s a metal coating on one side that is invisible to the eye; the coating reduces the amount of heat transfer.

Argon and Krypton Fill Gases
If you want the best energy performance possible, look for windows that have a Krypton or Argon gas fill. Argon and Krypton are non-toxic, inert gases that are used between double glass panes to increase insulation as well as energy efficiency. The gases are used instead of natural air and are odorless and colorless.

The U Factor
When deciding on new windows, pay close attention to the energy efficiency rating or U-factor value. The lower the U-factor-value, the better the windows are insulated, which provides greater energy efficiency. For example, a single-pane window usually gets a U-factor-value of 1.20; however, most double-pane windows that incorporate gas between the panes usually receive a U-factor-value of .29.