With continued pressure to innovate our way to more energy efficient, sustainable homes, TuffX has risen to the challenge with the official launch of its long-awaited electrically heated glass product, Glow. For bi-fold doors in the first instance the glass offers homeowners a revolutionary new way to heat their homes.
“With traditional heaters and gas boilers being recognised as inefficient, there is an urgent need for effective and affordable alternatives,” explains Paul Higgins, Commercial Director of TuffX. “Glow offers a solution that is like underfloor heating in that it doesn’t require wall space but is also not prohibitively expensive. In fact, it works out cheaper than underfloor heating or radiators. Using infrared technology, it is thermostat controlled like existing familiar heating systems. The product offers fabricators a completely unique solution to a growing problem.
“We understand that with such revolutionary ideas, our fabricators and their installer customers need additional support. TuffX is offering full training on Glow’s features and benefits, and correct installation methods to our approved trade partner fabricator customer base, which they can then disseminate to their installers.
“The system comprises of a standard sealed unit that is layered with intelligent coatings to create conductive heat transfer into the home,” continues Paul. “With the radiance technology used, it can be utilised as a primary heating source with temperatures reaching 35-40°C and has the added benefit of eliminating unsightly condensation. And speaking of aesthetics, we are pleased to bring this product to market with no visible trace of a heating system inside. The coatings we have used are completely undetectable and the glass is not tinted. From a homeowner’s perspective the glass will look the same as that found in any other bi-fold door.
“The Glow heated glass system is fully compliant too, conforming to EN12150 and EN1279 Parts 1-4 and is a fantastic solution for the Future Homes Standard because its usage can replace gas heating. It also boasts a 1.2W/m2K U-Value for optimum energy efficiency all year round. Glow heated glass for bi-fold doors will be open to applications for approved trade partners from December, allowing fabricators and installers to benefit from the additional product in their portfolio, while the demand in the market is still urgent. Interested fabricators need to be aware that the product comes with longer lead times and so needs to be ordered earlier than standard units.”
Paul concludes: “Consumers need alternative sustainable heating methods that are realistic and don’t cost the earth now, and we are proud that the TuffX development team have cultivated such a fantastic solution for the end user, but that is also easy for fabricators and installers to add to their offering. The product with its radiance technology really is a game changer and we’re excited to see its impact in the market.”