Choosing a Low e Glass Option

13 years ago

I REALLY like my light. So, although I know it only makes sense to get Low e glass, I'm concerned. Then I found out about
Low e 180 (I think we're getting Infinity windows). We live in St. Louis Mo.

1. Does Low e 180 look more like normal glass from the outside of the house, or does it look darker than Low e 272?

2. Does Low e 180 reflect the same amount as 272 or more when looking at the window from the outside?

3. When I compared the 180 to the 272 in the store, I could see a definite difference. Is that same difference actually experienced with a full window? (I was just looking at/through the little pieces of glass).

4. If someone is very sensitive to nuances, will they actually see the difference in amount of light and amount of green tint between the 180 and 272?

5. Does is matter whether I put the Low e 180 on surface 2 or surface 3? I would think I'd want it on surface 2 so it would reflect more heat away from the house. Will this affect how the tint of the glass is perceived from the inside and outside of the house?

6. I've reconciled myself to getting Low e 272 on the two southern windows we have. I don't look out of those windows very much. With the southern exposure in low e 272, should I be able to detect a differece in the amount of heat that accumulates in the house in the summer? Right now when we have days that are over 95 degrees I have to keep the shades closed in order for the air conditioner to keep up.

Thanks so much. You guys are awesome. So much knowledge! Stephanie

Featured Answer

oberon476

13 years ago

Hi Stephanie,

1. LoE-180 has 80% visible light transmittance, LoE-272 has 72% visible light transmittance. Clear glass (3.0mm / 3.0mm - not coated) dual pane has a visible light transmittance of 82%.

2. LoE-272 is more reflective than is LoE-180.

3. If you have two windows side-by-side, one with LoE-180 and one with LoE-272, the window with LoE-272 will be noticeably darker.

4. If you have a clear glass window next to a LowE coated window then you will see the difference. Very few people who enter a home that has all LowE windows can tell that the windows are coated. In fact, it is much more common for people to ask how can they tell that they have LowE glass in their new windows, because they can't tell by looking.

5. LoE-180 is a high solar gain coating. It is intended to allow maximum solar gain be it visible light or heat. LoE-272 is a moderate solar gain coating meaning that it lets in less solar energythan LoE-180 - be it heat or be it visible light.

Putting any coating on surface 3 versus surface 2 increases the SHGC, placing any coating on surface 2 versus surface 3 decreases the SHGC.

6. yes, especially if you have uncoated glass in that location currently.

You are more than welcome!

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Comments (6)

swmotz
Original Author
13 years ago
Again, thank you. Although my next questions don't have anything to do with glass, I'm wondering if you might know the answer.

1. Is the air infiltration of the Infinity windows about the same (or maybe even less) than a builders grade aluminum double pane single hung window?

2. Is the sound insulation of an Infinity window about the same (or maybe even more) than a builders grade aluminum double pane single hung window?
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
13 years ago
Oberon certainly knows his Cardinal glass statistics and nailed each answer like a pro.

1. No. Your older aluminum windows should (if history repeats itself) be leaking much more air than a newer and well engineered replacement unit.

2. Answered in the other thread. We would need more information on the current window's glazing type and schedule but the odds are that new window (if only from a reduction in air leakage) should be quieter.
mmarse1
13 years ago
Any "builders grade window", be it aluminum, vinyl, or wood, will leak alot of air opposed to a well engineered offering.
oberon476
13 years ago
What they said....
swmotz
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you SO much! Stephanie