The Economic & Environmental Case for Saving Antique Single Glazed Windows, Heated Glass for Condensation Control - (Updated July 29, 2024)
109 Prince Street NYC, built in 1882, restored in 1994 - Awarded. Landmark Certificate of Merit
"Window glass can last for over 1000 years. The first mouth-blown cylinder technique for making sheet glass for windows was developed in Germany during the 11th century and brought to England in 1226. Molten glass was gathered on a blowpipe, blown into an elongated, balloon shape, then cut and flattened by hand. Each piece had, and still has, the character of an original oil painting. However, much of this glass has been lost due to modern window replacements and inadequate “historic preservation” guidelines.
The average life expectancy of a double-glazed IG unit is only 15 years, leading to frequent and costly replacements. For example, replacing a failed IG unit at a building like 109 Prince Street costs about $1200 for materials and labor. If modernized in 1994, each pane would need replacement every 15 years, totaling $2400 per pane in today’s dollars. By 2182, the cost per pane could reach $15,000, and with four panes per window, the total cost could be $60,000 per window.
Failed IG units are not recycled but end up in landfills, along with the entire window, contributing to environmental waste and loss of embedded carbon.
With over 500 major historic window restoration and replication projects, including 109 Prince Street, we have developed solutions to preserve real historic windows. Our IQRG technology offers frameless or framed, operable or fixed solutions for interior applications that outperform modern windows. IQ Radiant Electrified Glass provides superior thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and condensation control.
The Benefits of IQ Radiant Electrified Glass
Thermal Comfort and Energy Conservation: Our system ensures healthy thermal comfort, reducing energy costs by 25 to 50% and displacing fossil fuel heating systems. This aligns with ASHRAE Standard 55-2010, providing a superior alternative to window replacement.
Condensation Control: IQ Radiant Electrified Glass effectively prevents condensation, maintaining clear views and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. This is particularly beneficial in humid climates or during seasonal changes.
Environmental Sustainability: By retaining and restoring legacy windows, our solutions prevent the environmental impact of frequent window replacements and landfill waste. IQ Radiant Electrified Glass is an environmentally responsible choice, preserving the embedded carbon in historic windows.
Versatility and Adaptability: Our system is beneficial for schools, institutional and government buildings, and is well-suited for older buildings and larger private residences. IQ Radiant Electrified Glass can be customized for both new and retrofit projects, offering frameless or framed, operable or fixed solutions.
Durability and Longevity: Unlike modern double-glazed IG units with a short lifespan, IQ Radiant Electrified Glass offers long-lasting performance. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, resulting in significant long-term cost savings.
Conclusion
IQ Radiant Electrified Glass enhances energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in buildings. Its application in adaptive reuse projects offers a practical solution for maintaining comfort and reducing energy consumption, making it an essential component of modern HVAC systems. Embrace the future of heating with IQ Radiant Electrified Glass for innovative, clean, and efficient building designs.
For more information, visit our website or contact us directly to discuss how IQ Radiant Glass can transform your next project.
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