Since the 1970s, when the low e-glass technology was first developed, the innovative technology continues to find practical applications in today’s building industry.

The advanced low e-glass technology helps laminated glass fixtures control the amount of ultraviolet and infrared rays flowing through a hot glass surface.

Keep reading to learn more about low e-glass and its applications in today’s building industry!

Quick answer: Low-E (low emissivity) glass is glass with a microscopically thin metal-oxide coating that reflects infrared heat while letting visible light through. In a hot climate like Malaysia, it reduces solar heat entering a building, which lowers air-conditioning costs and also blocks much of the UV that fades furniture. There are two main types: hard-coat (pyrolytic) and soft-coat (sputtered). The main drawbacks are a higher price than normal glass and, for some tinted versions, slightly less daylight.

What is Low E Glass?

Low e-glass or low emissivity glass refers to a glass fixture fitted with a microscopically thin coating that maintains the internal temperature of a room.

Thus, low e-glass coated glass fixtures will keep a living space warm during winter by limiting heat loss to the outside and a room cooler during summer by limiting external heat gain.

Depending on their production technology, there are two main types of low e-glass coatings used in today’s building sector.

The first coating is the passive low-e coatings (hard coat) made from the pyrolitic process and solar control low-e coating (soft coat) made from the Magnetron Sputtering Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process.

Whether hard or soft, both types of low e-glass coatings maintain temperatures and regulate the flow of ultraviolet and infrared light in and out of a building.

How Does Low-E Glass Work?

1. A microscopically thin metal-oxide coating is applied to the glass, usually on a surface inside a double- or triple-glazed unit.
2. Visible light passes through the coating, so the room still gets daylight.
3. Infrared heat is reflected: in hot weather, solar heat is bounced back outside; in cold climates, indoor heat is kept in.
4. UV rays are also reduced, which helps protect furniture and finishes from fading.

So, how does low e-glass work?

In a double or triple-paned low e glass window, door, or wall, the coating is applied to the outer and inner panes where it either reflects UV and IR rays inwards (into the building) or outwards (into the atmosphere), thus minimizing the overall heat loss or gain.

Hard-Coat vs Soft-Coat Low-E Glass

What Are the Pros and Cons of Low-E Glass?

Low e-glass Malaysia products are extensively used in the country due to their numerous advantages. Here are some of the key low e-glass benefits:

1. Energy Efficiency

The materials in low e-glass help reduce energy losses by 30%-50%, thus reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating.

2. UV Protection

Natural light contains UV rays, which may cause significant damage to office equipment (seats, tables, wall paint) and office occupants.

Fortunately, low e-glass solves this problem by providing robust UV control, reducing the amount of harmful UV rays flowing into a building.

3. Green Energy

Low e-glass promotes using green energy to heat or cool a building by controlling the sun’s energy.

This goes a long way in conserving the environment, reducing global warming, and promoting the use of natural energy sources.

4. Durable

Due to the unique structure of the coated glass, low e-glass, especially the hard-coated variety, is more durable and less susceptible to scratches and dents than normal glass.

5. Cost Efficient

Since low e coated glass is energy efficient, your total overall heating and cooling costs with this glass will be much lower compared to normal glass.

6. Excellent Insulation

Low e-glass has solar heat gain coefficient regulation that provides excellent insulation, especially during adverse weather conditions in summer and winter, improving overall workforce performance, leading to higher turnovers.

As much as low e-glass fixtures are extensively used in modern building design, they also have weaknesses. Here are the top disadvantages of low e-glass.

1. Reduced Daylighting

Some types of low e-glass have a tint, reducing the amount of visible light flowing into a building. The reduced daylighting may negatively affect the mood of occupants, reducing productivity.

2. Expensive

Unlike normal glass, low e-glass is considerably more expensive, which directly affects the operating costs of a business. The increased costs are mainly due to the e-glass film and additional components used in the IGU (Integrated Glass Unit).

Is Low-E Glass Right for Your Building?

Best for:

• Sun-facing windows, facades and skylights that let in a lot of heat
• Buildings with high air-conditioning costs
• Rooms where furniture, flooring or artwork fades in sunlight

Less ideal when:

• You need maximum daylight and are considering a tinted low-E type
• Your budget is tight, as low-E glass costs more than normal glass
• You need privacy on demand, which low-E glass cannot provide (smart glass can)

How Does Chiefway Smart Glass Compare to Low E Glass?

Chiefway smart glass fixtures have numerous similarities and differences with low e-glass. In this section, we will compare the differences and similarities between the two glass products.

The top similarities between low e-glass and Chiefway’s switchable smart glass include the following:

1. Energy Efficiency

Energy-saving smart glass and low e-glass are energy efficient, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling tools.

Smart glass technology uses a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) layer to control the amount of heat and light flowing in and out of a building, whereas low e glass uses a microscopic film to do the same.

2. Excellent UV Protection

Smart glass provides excellent UV protection thanks to its advanced PDLC film, which is also the case for low e-glass with its protective film.

Thus, both low e-glass and smart glass effectively protect your office furnishing from the bleaching effect of the sun’s UV rays while keeping office occupants safe.

Here are some of the top differences between low e-glass and switchable smart glass:

1. Flexible Control

Smart glass can turn instantly opaque or transparent at the touch of a button which isn’t the case for low e-glass.

The PDLC film in smart glass is activated by an electric current, which offers flexible privacy, unlike low e-glass, which is more adept at controlling temperatures.

2. Multifunctional

Switchable smart glass is multifunctional. It can be used in many different settings (smart office, display boards, information booths).

Unlike low e-glass, which mainly works to control heat flow in buildings, a smart glass window, door, or wall controls heat flow and acts as a display screen.

3. Smart Home Automation Systems

Smart glass seamlessly integrates with smart home automation systems, offering users more flexibility and convenience in heat and privacy control.

This isn’t the case with low e-glass, which is less automated and can’t be integrated with most modern smart home control systems.

Low-E Glass vs Smart Glass at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About Low-E Glass

Summary

Low e-glass is an excellent glass product for your building, but smart glass is much better for its superb privacy control and multifunctionality.For the best smart glass Malaysia products, contact Chiefway, the smart glass leader in the region.