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Window — Double-Pane Low-E Insulated Glass Unit

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Standard energy-efficient window with two panes of glass, low-emissivity coating, and argon gas fill. U-factor 0.25-0.30. SHGC 0.25-0.40. Meets IECC requirements for climate zones 3-5.

Double-pane low-E insulated glass units (IGUs) are the standard for energy-code-compliant windows in most US climate zones. Construction: two panes of glass (typically 3mm-4mm each) separated by a spacer (warm-edge spacer preferred), cavity filled with argon gas (krypton for premium), low-emissivity coating on surface 2 or 3. Performance: U-factor 0.25-0.30 (lower is better). Solar Heat Gain Coefficient 0.25-0.40 (lower blocks more solar heat). Visible Transmittance 0.40-0.70. IECC 2024 maximum U-factor by zone: Zone 1-3: 0.40, Zone 4: 0.32, Zone 5-8: 0.30. Triple-pane required for passive house and some Zone 6+ applications. Frame material matters: vinyl U-0.28 typical, aluminum U-0.45 (thermal break required), wood U-0.30, fiberglass U-0.27. NFRC label required — do not rely on manufacturer claims without NFRC certification.

TAGS
windowglasslow-eenergyiglucsi-08iecc
DETAILS
csi division
08 - Openings
environmental
{"energy_star_eligible":true,"sustainability_grade":"B"}
material class
window
cost benchmarks
[{"date":"2025-Q4","unit":"SF","region":"us_national","cost_low":25,"cost_mid":40,"cost_high":65}]
physical properties
{"vt":0.55,"stc":28,"shgc":0.32,"u_factor":0.28}
applicable standards
["IECC 2024","NFRC 100","AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440","ASTM E283"]
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