Why New Jersey Homes Should Care About Low‑E
NJ homeowners face both cold winters and hot, humid summers. Smart window choices make a big difference—keeping homes cool in summer, warm in winter, reducing condensation, and protecting interiors from sun damage.
Cardinal Glass offers a range of Low‑E coatings optimized for local climate performance, including the innovative Neat+ glass for easy cleaning.
Key Cardinal Low‑E Options at a Glance
- LoĒ‑180: Best for cold climates—lets in sun heat while blocking heat loss.
- LoĒ²‑270 & LoĒ²‑272: Balanced all-season performance—good solar control with clear views.
- LoĒ³‑366: Premium triple-layer coating—blocks heat with minimal impact on visibility.
- LoĒ‑i89: Enhances winter insulation when combined with other LoĒ coatings.
- Quad LoĒ‑452+: Top-tier four-layer coating—optimum solar control with Neat+ built in.
What Is Neat+?
Neat+ glass adds a photocatalytic exterior layer that breaks down dirt using UV light, then sheets off rainwater—keeping windows cleaner and clearer longer without affecting glass performance.
Visibility & Tint — How Coatings Affect the View
- LoĒ‑180: ~79% visible transmittance—sunny and clear.
- LoĒ²‑270/272: 72–76%—neutral and bright.
- LoĒ³‑366: ~65%—slightly more tinted but still clear with solar/UV protection.
- Quad 452+: ~52% visible—more noticeable tint but ultra‑cooling with 99% UV block.
Energy Performance: What the Numbers Mean for NJ Homes
- LoĒ‑180: U‑Factor 0.26 / SHGC 0.69—great for passive solar gains in winter.
- LoĒ²‑272: U‑Factor ~0.25–0.26 / SHGC 0.41—balanced summer and winter.
- LoĒ³‑366: U‑Factor & SHGC ~0.27—premium energy savings all year.
- Quad 452+: SHGC 0.22—it reflects even more solar heat while keeping decent insulation.
Layered Low‑E: Using i89 for Superior Winter Warmth
Adding LoĒ‑i89 on surface #4 with another coating improves U-Factor to ~0.20—like using triple‑pane in just a double pane. Ideal for NJ winters and interior comfort.
Technical Deep Dive: Spectrally‑Selective Coatings
Cardinal’s sputtered silver layers are designed to reflect infrared and UV while maintaining visible clarity. This means:
- Heat in summer is reflected, reducing cooling demand.
- Interior warmth in winter is retained, reducing heating costs.
- Visible light stays bright, avoiding tinted views or dark rooms.
- Layer count matters: More silver = more control, but slightly darker glass.
Neat+ does not impact thermal or visible specs—it only helps keep the glass clean without affecting performance.
Which Low‑E Should NJ Homeowners Choose?
- For passive solar & bright interiors: Go with LoĒ‑180 (then add Neat+ for maintenance-free glass).
- For year-round performance: LoĒ²‑270/272 offers a crisp look with good energy balance.
- For premium solar control: LoĒ³‑366 is ideal—high energy efficiency without sacrificing clarity.
- For maximum control: Quad 452+ is perfect for sun-exposed homes wanting maximum UV block and minimal solar heat.
- For cold winters: Add i89 to any combo to boost insulation and reduce heating costs.
Final Thoughts for NJ Window Replacements
Choosing the right Low‑E coating comes down to your priorities—whether that’s bright interiors, energy savings, solar control, or maintenance. Pairing the right coating (plus Neat+ for easy cleaning) can make your NJ home more comfortable year-round.
Ready to Upgrade Your Windows?
We carry Cardinal glass options installed right here in NJ. We’ll help you mix and match coatings based on budget, orientation, and comfort goals.