What is Low-E Glass?
Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a coating that allows natural light through without emitting radiant heat, helping to maximise light and energy efficiency. The coating will help to reduce the transfer of the sun’s heat into the home during summer. In the cooler months, the coating helps to reduce the amount of internal warmth escaping through the glass. Additionally, Low-E glass can filter out some UV radiation from sunlight to help reduce fading of upholstery, carpets and benchtops.
Sunergy™, EnergyTech™, SmartGlass™, ComfortPlus™ and Planibel G are all brands of Low-E glass. Jason Windows only sources Low-E glass brands that comply with Australian Standards and building codes, and meet clients’ specifications.
Glass Guide
Our glass guide will help you choose the best glass options for your new home or renovation
Benefits & Considerations
Benefits
The benefits of Low-E glass:
- In the summer: Low-E glass will reduce the amount of heat from direct sunlight entering your home
- In the winter: Low-E glass will reflect your indoor heating inward to help prevent the warmth from escaping through the glass
- Reduces the rate at which sunlight fades furniture, carpets or benchtops
- Available in different tones
- Cost-effective alternative to double glazing
Generally, Low-E glass is most effective in areas where direct sunlight enters your home.
Considerations
The Australian Standards & Building Regulations will determine some glass choices within your home. For example, as a rule you must use Grade A safety glass in all glass doors. Either Low-E toughened safety glass or Low-E laminated safety glass can be used in these situations.
If UV radiation is a concern, consider Low-E laminated glass, which has a higher rate of UV filtration than Low-E glass alone.
Low-E glass has a slightly hazy look from some angles. Jason Windows recommends viewing a sample at one of Jason Windows’ showrooms.
Special care needs to be taken when cleaning Low-E glass to protect the Low-E coating. Refer to the Jason Windows maintenance guide for cleaning instructions.
A Jason Windows product specialist can offer you glass selection assistance when you book a consultation in one of our showrooms.
Performance
Energy Efficiency Claims
You may have seen or heard varying and sometimes confusing claims guaranteeing energy savings from different glazing providers. The Australian Glass and Window Association reports as much as 49% of the heat lost during winter and as much as 87% of the heat gained during summer can come from your home’s windows.* This information comes from a trusted source and can be used as a general guide.
However, the Australian Government website YourHome outlines why the impact of glazing on your home’s energy efficiency is complex to calculate due to varying contributing factors, including:
- Climatic conditions — temperature, humidity, sunshine and wind
- Building design — the orientation, form and layout of your home
- Building materials — the amount of thermal mass and insulation
- Size and location of windows and shading
- Thermal properties of glazing systems
Your home’s energy-efficient performance is the result of all of the above and will therefore be different for every home.
*Testing results published by the Australian Glass and Window Association, based on an average house containing 8% area of glazing in the entire building fabric.
Thermal Performance Testing
You can seek an independent energy efficiency assessment of your new home or renovation through a thermal performance assessment provider. Based on your plans or existing home, a qualified assessor will determine your home’s ability or potential to maintain a comfortable temperature all year round.
Thermal performance assessments are best carried out before finalising your plans and submitting a development application. The assessor will provide you with a final list of building materials required to achieve your desired results for discussion with your builder.
Reputable thermal performance service providers can be sourced from the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA).
Options
Clear, Toned or Obscure
Low-E glass is supplied clear as standard. Other options must be specified at time of order:
- Clear: floods the area with light, offering clarity and low distortion
- Neutral Tone: lightly toned and only available in Low-E. The light tone is often preferred for a softer, more natural light effect
- Grey Tone: a darker elevation chosen to reduce the amount of light coming into the home
- Translucent Obscure: a popular option when privacy is desired
Upgrade Options
If you are seeking thermal performance and other benefits such as acoustic comfort, Low-E can be applied to other glass types. Here are some considerations:
- Noise reduction – consider Laminated Low-E glass or acoustic Low-E glass
- Improved security – consider Laminated Low-E glass
- Higher level of thermal comfort – if Low-E glass doesn’t meet your needs for thermal comfort, consider using Low-E glass in Double Glazing.
Refer to the Jason Windows Glass Guide for more information or speak with a Jason Windows product specialist.
Always select your preferred glass option from a physical sample in a Jason Windows or Builders Showroom. The quality of your digital screen output can misrepresent colours and patterns.
Replacement of Existing Glazing
Are you looking at options to improve the existing glazing in your home?
Jason Windows recommends trusted providers for this service. Visit our recommended installers page for contact details.