Did you know that sealed window units have been around since the 1960s? Every winter, it seems it’s a challenge to stop the transfer of heat from going outdoors. When heating bills are soaring, homeowners find that insulated glass units (IGU) help keep heat indoors and provides savings on their heating bill. Sealed window units are great looking as well as energy-efficient. If you haven’t heard of insulated glass units continue reading below to learn more.
What are Insulated Glass Units?
Most people know that there are critical areas where heat escapes from their homes causing rising heating bills. Weatherproofing helps, but when these bandaid solutions fail to alleviate the high cost of heating your home, you look for other options.
Dual or triple pane sealed window units or insulated glass units are one solution to heat loss that can be a simple answer. Besides, new windows can brighten up your home as well.
These units have double or triple glass panes with an option of low E efficiency coatings and a chamber of inert gas between them. The insulation chamber of gas between the panes results in the diffusion of heat transfer.
All newly constructed buildings use insulated windows due to the energy efficiency that results in savings to homeowners and businesses.
Components of Sealed Window Units
Most experts call insulated glass a unit due to the components’ correct performance relying on each other. IGU glass panes are part of a sealed system, unlike traditional windows, making it impossible to replace individual panes. Here are the main components of the units:
Double or Triple Pane Glass
The glass in IGUs come in different types and thicknesses. Where strength or safety is a concern using tempered, or laminated glass is an option. What’s more, these units can contain up to three panes of glass and low E coatings, where you need more sound or heat insulation. The wider spacers mean better efficiency, but this comes at a higher cost.
Spacer
These units use a spacer that separates the glass panes and meet at the corners or window frame. The barrier that is between the panes helps by absorbing any moisture, and this prevents fogging. The glass the manufacturer uses, and window type determines the spacer’s width.
Inert Gas
Which specific gas is in use depends mostly on the manufacturer of the window. An inert gas such as krypton, argon, or a mixture of them is generally used to create a barrier that prevents heat loss by insulating the glass.
Low E Glass
Low E, or low emissivity, refers to glass that has coatings to keep temperatures in your home consistent. It does this by reflecting heat back inside and allowing light to enter the home, while minimizing how much infrared and ultraviolet light enters.
Window Frame Types
You may not have known this, but double-hung windows, casement windows, picture windows, and skylights all use insulated windows. These beautifully framed windows are there to help stop heat loss.
Moving to Sealed Glass Units
Knowing the signs that your high energy bills are due to heat loss from your windows will let you know it’s time to make the decision. Should you get sealed window units, replace the windows or try insulating in other ways? There are a few clues to look for that will help. We’ve been helping customers for over 40 years with their windows, and our experts are standing by to help. If you have questions, contact us at Alder Glass today for all your window and door needs in Winnipeg.