Conservatories are the perfect addition to your home if you’re in need of more space or a place to simply relax and unwind while you soak up the sunshine.
In the past, one knock on conservatories was they weren’t the most energy-efficient spaces. The high proportion of glass meant that keeping the room cool in summer and warm in winter required a lot of energy.
However, all that has changed thanks to improvements in technology, and one way you can reduce your energy bills is with low emissivity glass.
Here we take an in-depth look at this glazing option, covering details and explaining how it can help you save money – and the planet!
What Is Low Emissivity Glass?
As you might have guessed, low-emissivity glass – also known as Low-E glass – is designed to reduce the amount of heat that passes through it.
This technologically advanced glass is coated with a microscopically thin, virtually invisible layer of metal or metallic oxide that reflects infrared heat. This coating helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain in warmer climates and heat loss when it’s cold.
Benefits Of Low-E Glass
Here are several benefits that come with Low-E glass, these include:
Cost Savings
First and foremost, this type of glass has a positive influence on your energy bills. That’s because it helps retain heat during colder weather and promotes heat loss when it’s warm.
This means you won’t need to crank up the thermostat or rely on your air conditioning to regulate your temperature quite so much, which over time should see you make some decent savings.
By controlling the transfer of radiant heat, Low-E glass enhances energy efficiency in your conservatory, lowering heating and cooling costs.
Reduced UV
One of the most attractive benefits of conservatories is you can chill out in front of the TV or read a good book while you soak up some sunshine. That being said, you’ll need to be careful with the amount of sunshine you’re exposed to as your body can still be harmed by the sun’s rays.
This is where Low-E glass shines as another benefit is it helps to minimise UV radiation. This helps to protect you – and your furniture – from sun damage, making it a smart choice if you plan on enjoying the warm weather from the comfort of your conservatory.
Environmental Benefits
As well as helping you save money on your bills, the reduction in energy consumption also comes with a plethora of incredible environmental benefits.
With less energy being used, this results in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ensures your carbon footprint is reduced.
In addition, the durability and longevity of Low-E glass make it a highly sustainable choice. Its resistance to environmental factors, such as UV radiation and moisture, helps to ensure your conservatory and the contents within it retain their functionality and energy-efficient properties over an extended period.
So if sustainability is important to you then there’s only one obvious choice and that’s Low-E glass.
Comfortable Interiors
Leather and rattan furniture work great in conservatories, but one drawback is they tend to get pretty hot. This can give you quite a fright when you first sit down!
But with Low-E glass, this is avoided as the amount of heat absorbed by your furniture is reduced, resulting in a pleasant, relaxing feeling every time you sit!
How Much Does Low-E Glass Cost?
So we’ve got a firm grasp on the benefits of Low-E glass, but what about the cost? While the initial cost of installing low-emissivity glass may be a little higher compared to traditional glass options, the long-term benefits make it a shrewd investment.
As we’ve covered already, Low-E glass is designed to minimise heat transfer through windows, resulting in enhanced insulation and reduced reliance on costly heating or cooling systems.
Though the upfront expenses may be more substantial, the energy savings you benefit from over time will be recuperated – and then some!
So those are the main benefits of Low-E Glass and how it can increase energy-efficiency in your conservatory. When you come to designing your bespoke conservatory, speak to your design team if this is a glazing option you’re keen on.