If you’ve recently heard a sales pitch for Alside windows you’ve probably heard all about ClimaTech glass. What is ClimaTech, is it good, are there different packages available?
it’s not the easiest topic, but I’ll try to break it down without getting too complicated.
What is Alside ClimaTech glass?
ClimaTech is the catchy name that Alside uses for their energy efficient glass packages. There are MANY available packages so don’t think that they’re all the same. There’s ClimaTech PriME, ThermD, Elite, TG2, SC, TK2 and many more.
The best way to understand the ClimaTech glass options
When trying to make sense of the efficiency options it’s helpful to remember that there are basically only 4 ingredients in an insulated glass package.
First, the type of coating on the glass
There are 3 types of low-e glass available. Low-e is a coating that is applied to the glass to block the sun. There’s SolarBan 60, SolarBan 70 and one they call S3 which stands for surface three. Now there’s another called S4 which is on the inside of the house. They can also combine the SolarBan 60 and 70 packages into one glass unit just to make it a little trickier.
The labeling looks like this:
- SolarBan 60 = ClimaTech
- SolarBan 70 = ClimaTech Elite
- S3 = ClimaTech S3
- S4 = ClimaTech S4
- SolarBan 60 on 2 surfaces of glass = ClimaTech 2
Second, the spacer between the panes of glass
The spacer separates the two or three panes of glass. There are three spacer options, Intercept, Stainless Steel and a foam type called Super Spacer.
The labeling looks like this:
- Intercept = ClimaTech
- Stainless Steel = ClimaTech ThermD
- Super Spacer = ClimaTech Plus
Next, the type of gas in-between the panes of glass
Gas in-between the panes of glass is heaver than air and increases efficiency. There are two types of gas available Argon and Krypton.
The labeling looks like this:
- Argon = All packages unless otherwise noted
- Krypton = K
The K stands for Krypton. Any package without a K is using argon gas.
Finally, the number of panes of glass
In most replacement windows you can order double pane or triple pane glass.
The labeling looks like this:
- Double pane = all packages unless otherwise noted
- Triple pane = TG2 or TK2
Any package with a T is triple pane. The T stands for triple.
That’s it. If you’re still with me you’re probably going to understand the options. Every available package will be a combination of the components listed above.
Here are a few examples of the combinations to help you prepare for the quiz:
Based on the info above you can identify any package.
ClimaTech = SolarBan 60 glass, intercept spacer, argon gas, double pane
Climatech Elite = SolarBan 70 glass, intercept spacer, argon gas, double pane
ClimaTech ThermD TG2 = SolarBan 60 glass on two surfaces (2), stainless steel spacer (ThermD), argon gas, triple pane (T).
ClimaTech Plus = SolarBan 60 glass, super spacer (plus), argon gas, double pane
ClimaTech ThermD TK2 = SolarBan 60 glass on two surfaces (2), Stainless spacer (ThermD), Triple pane (T), krypton gas (K).
Are you seeing the pattern?
If you know the labels they use for the different ingredients then you can tell what is included in every package just by the name.
If you’ve heard about an Alside glass package that doesn’t make sense from you it’s aways possible the salesman was confused. Those guys sometimes seem to be doing their best to make the process harder. Feel free to post a question and we can help to make sense of anything.
You’ll probably also want to know what packages make sense for you. We’ll work on that content, for now just post a comment below with your situation and we’ll be happy to help out.
We have a company going around selling packages with argon gas windows. On the website it says ClimaTech® low-emissivity glass. They have good reviews but they are all about customer service. They are offering half price if we put a sign in our yard. They are from out of state. JKR windows from Utah. Should I be wary of them?
You can get windows with Climatech glass from any company selling Alside windows. I generally would not suggest buying from an out of state company that is offering pricing gimmicks like that. You’re better off buying from a company that will treat you like a result. If you’re near Salt Lake City (or in several other cities around the country) you can find our recommended company here.
We have the Clima Tech Plus S 3. Would this be considered an upgraded glass window?
Hi Deanna, that depends on where you’re located and what you mean by upgraded. That’s a common package to be Energy Star rated in the north, so I’d say it’s pretty typical. It’s not something we’d typically recommend in the North-Central region or further south because the SHGC rating is rather high for sunny areas. Does that help?
Hi I just got a quote for 4 double hung (35.5 x 71) 1 Picture window (71×71) and a 6ft sliding door Alside Climatech ThermalD TG2 for 9000$. I’m in Northern Virginia. Does this seem like a reasonable price?
Hi Bruno, I’ll respond with more info to your other post on the Alside Prices page, but this doesn’t sound like a great deal to me. My company can help with a better option for less cost in your area. For other folks reading this, check this section for recommended companies.
I just received a quote for ( 5 ) L201 fusion double hung climatech elite windows for approx. $3700. Each window is approx. 35.5 x 34.75. We live outside of Phila. Is this a reasonable price and are they good quality windows?
Thank you
Hi Glenn, those aren’t particular nice windows. They’re the lowest quality Alside replacement window that is made today. If you’d like another option my company can send you a quote online with no pushy salesman for a significantly nicer product. We’ve been offering windows in your area for a long time.
The main downsides to the Alside Fusion windows are the high air infiltration rates, meaning they let in a lot more air when closed and locked than other options. They also use low quality screens that are more likely to bend and break. They were designed to be a cheap option so you get cheap results. It’s just not a great choice.
To get pricing and product info by email for another option check this section. Depending on what is involved in your order the pricing won’t be too much different but the window quality will be on a different level.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
I got a quote today for x4 Double Hung Climatech Plus windows with a 35×46″ dimensions. The quote was $5800 and $5330 if paid in cash. From posts earlier, this seems like quite a lot…..
I live in central IL