What makes glass energy-efficient
Modern sealed glass units combine three things:
- Two or three panes with a sealed space between them, which slows heat moving through the window.
- Argon gas in that space. It insulates better than air.
- A Low-E coating: a microscopically thin, invisible layer that reflects heat. It helps keep indoor heat in during winter and outdoor heat out during summer.
Older glass, and units whose seals have failed and lost their gas, don’t have these advantages. That’s why they feel cold in winter and let in more heat in summer.
In winter
- Warmer glass: the inside surface of the glass stays closer to room temperature. In the thermal readings above, the coldest spot on the glass rose from 14.9°C before to 19.0°C after the new unit was installed.
- Less chill near the window: cold glass pulls heat from your body, which feels like a draft even when no air is leaking. Warmer glass makes the area by the window more comfortable.
- Less condensation: moisture condenses on cold surfaces. A warmer inner pane means less fog and frost on the room side of the glass on cold Edmonton days.
- Less heat lost: your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to make up for heat escaping through the glass.
In summer
- Less heat from the sun: Low-E coatings reduce the amount of solar heat coming through the glass, which helps rooms stay cooler, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Less work for air conditioning: less heat coming in means less cooling needed.
- Less fading: Low-E coatings block much of the sun’s UV, which helps protect floors, furniture and fabrics.
Do you need new windows to get this?
No. If your frames are in good shape, we can replace just the glass with new Low-E, argon-filled units made in Edmonton. You get the performance of modern glass without the cost of full window replacement. Read can you replace just the glass? or see foggy window repair.
Common questions
Will energy-efficient glass lower my heating bill?
It reduces heat lost through the glass, which helps. How much you save depends on how many windows you replace, their size and your home overall.
Does Low-E glass look tinted?
Modern Low-E coatings are nearly invisible. Most people can’t tell the difference from clear glass.
Is triple pane worth it in Edmonton?
Triple pane insulates better than double pane and is popular in cold climates. It’s heavier and thicker, so it depends on whether your frame can hold it. We check when we measure.
