LoE Glass 101: Stay Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer

A split-screen image showing the same window in two different seasons, summer and winter, highlighting the year-round performance of LoE glass.
Energy & Comfort

LoE Glass 101: Stay Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer

LoE coatings reflect heat where you want it, cut solar heat gain where you don’t, and keep views clear. Below is a simple guide to what LoE does, the main types we offer, and where they make the biggest comfort upgrade—especially on south-facing windows with argon fill.

Want the building-science basics behind insulation? See our primer on glass insulation. If your panes are cracked, foggy, or outdated, Window Glass Replacement with modern LoE is the fastest path to comfort.

What LoE coatings do

  • Reflect indoor warmth in winter: Better U-factor means less heat escaping through the glass.
  • Cut summer heat: Lower solar heat gain means fewer hot spots, especially on sunny exposures.
  • Stay bright: High visible light transmittance keeps rooms clear without heavy tint.
  • Boosted by gas fills: Argon fill between panes reduces conductive heat transfer for steadier temps.
What it is — Argon in IGUs: In many double- and triple-glazed units, the space between panes is filled with inert, non-toxic argon gas, which is denser than air and slows heat flow. This pairs extremely well with LoE layers for year-round comfort.

Our LoE options (Eco Glass Inc.)

LoE 180 icon

LoE 180 — maximize winter warmth

Very clear, high visible light, and welcomes winter sun while improving insulation. Great for colder climates and sun-seeking south rooms.

LoE 272 icon

LoE 272 — balanced, all-season choice

Excellent clarity with moderate solar control and a low U-factor for year-round comfort across mixed orientations. Our dependable “default” spec.

LoE 366 icon

LoE 366 — strong sun control

Triple-silver stack that calms hot west/south exposures and afternoon glare while keeping a neutral, modern view—ideal for large glass areas and patio doors.

LoE i89 icon

LoE i89 — interior (room-side) boost

Inside-surface layer that reflects room heat back indoors for exceptional winter performance—often combined with LoE 366 for the best of both worlds.

LoE 180 Clearest

Visible light (VLT)
~79%
Higher is brighter.
Solar heat gain
SHGC ~0.69
Bar shows heat blocked (100−SHGC).
U-factor (center-of-glass)
~0.26 (IP)
Lower is better insulation.
UV blocked
~71%
Helps reduce fading.

LoE 272 Balanced

Visible light (VLT)
~70%
Bright, neutral look.
Solar heat gain
SHGC ~0.41
Bar shows heat blocked (100−SHGC).
U-factor (center-of-glass)
~0.23 (IP)
Lower is better insulation.
UV blocked
~84%
Good fade protection.

LoE 366 Sun control

Visible light (VLT)
~63%
Still bright and neutral.
Solar heat gain
SHGC ~0.27
Bar shows heat blocked (100−SHGC).
U-factor (center-of-glass)
~0.23 (IP)
Lower is better insulation.
UV blocked
~95%
Strong fade protection.

LoE i89 Room-side boost

Visible light (VLT)
follows partner
Minimal change vs base LoE.
Solar heat gain
SHGC ~0.27
Follows partner coating.
U-factor (center-of-glass)
~0.20 (IP)
Lower than partner LoE (e.g., 366 ≈ 0.23 → ~0.20 with i89).
UV blocked
~95%
Follows partner LoE.

Choosing by room & exposure

Bright south rooms

Love winter sun? Choose LoE 180. Want a warmer night feel? Add i89.

Mixed orientations

Prefer a clear, all-rounder? LoE 272 balances daylight, summer control, and winter insulation.

Glare-prone west

Overheating or afternoon glare? LoE 366 calms hot spots while keeping views neutral.

Tips, myths & next steps

  • “LoE makes rooms dark.” Modern coatings stay bright and neutral while targeting unwanted heat.
  • Tint vs LoE: Tints cut visible light; LoE targets heat transfer and solar heat gain with clearer views.
  • Room-by-room mix: We’ll match coating strength to each orientation so bedrooms, living areas, and offices feel right all day.

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