Exclusive Technology Transforms Glass into Source of Radiant Heating

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 11, 2006) – Engineered Glass Products (EGP) has earned UL approval for its new line of Thermique™ heated windows for residential and commercial buildings. Architectural windows are among the first commercialized products designed with Thermique™ technology, which was pioneered exclusively by EGP engineers.

Thermique™ windows radiate warmth and comfort into a room, no matter how low the temperature drops outside the building. Outdoors it may be well below freezing, but the interior surface of the glass will remain above room temperature—up to 105° F, depending on user settings. This is accomplished with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coating and copper buss bars that are applied to the glass during fabrication. The TCO coating can be electrically heated with precise temperature control through the use of a Thermique™ Hot Glass controller designed by EGP specifically for the safe heating of Thermique Hot Glass. The glass is always uniformly heated across the entire pane. It is never too hot to touch so it is never a hazard, even with small children. The controller is even able to sense a fault or a crack in the glass, at which point it safely cuts off power.

Earning UL approval is critical for new electronic devices. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., issues UL approval based on its own independent tests and standards. Underwriters Laboratories has developed more than 800 “Standards for Safety,” which are essential to ensure public safety and instill confidence in new electronic products.

“With UL approval, architects, builders, and owners can be confident that Thermique™ heated windows are a safe, responsible choice,” says Pete Gerhardinger, vice president of technology at EGP. “Every new technology has to prove itself in independent testing, and we’re proud to have accomplished this important process so quickly. The UL Listing is a testament to EGP’s thorough development and testing process, which ensures a safe and robust product for our customers.”

While ordinary windows are typically the number one source of heat loss in a building, Thermique™ windows contribute to the warmth and comfort of a room. By electrically heating the glass, Thermique™ technology eliminates the cold air pockets and drafts created by traditional windows. Without these cold air problems, the building’s conventional HVAC equipment no longer has to work as hard to maintain a stable indoor temperature. In fact, the thermostat can typically be lowered with a noticeable improvement in comfort levels since the windows are no longer cold nor drafty. This saves energy and reduces wear-and-tear on traditional heating equipment. Plus, frost and fog never form on a heated window; this makes Thermique™ windows a great application for wet areas.

Combining more than 50 years of experience with cutting-edge glass fabrication and coatings expertise, Engineered Glass Products is today’s premier developer of heated glass technology. Engineered Glass Products is headquartered in Chicago, Ill., with a technology center located in Toledo, Ohio. For more information on heated glass technologies, e-mail info@egpglass.com or visit the Web site at www.egpglass.com. Hot glass technology. Reflect on the possibilities.

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