What Is Low-E Glass and Why It Matters?
Did you know that up to 30% of a home’s heat loss occurs through windows? This number highlights just how important energy-efficient windows can be in reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. One of the best ways to achieve the highest level of efficiency is through low-E glass windows. If you’re not sure what that means or why it matters, here’s what to know.
Understanding Low-E Glass: What Is It?
Low-E glass is a type of glass with a special coating that minimizes the amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light that can pass through. At the same time, it doesn’t compromise the amount of natural light that enters your home, giving you the best of both worlds. The “E” stands for emissivity, which refers to the glass’s ability to reflect heat.
Why Is Low-E Glass Important?
Choosing low-E windows is a smart investment if you’re looking to reduce energy costs, increase comfort, and protect your home’s interior. Higher-E glass may come at a lower upfront cost, but the long-term savings of low-E windows make them a superior choice thanks to:
Increased Energy-Efficiency and Reduced Energy Costs
Energy efficiency is one of the key benefits of low-E glass. By reflecting heat, these windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, making it easier and less costly to heat and cool your home. This can lead to significant energy savings.
More Comfort and Less Strain on Your HVAC System
Low-E glass windows are designed to reflect heat back into your home during the winter months and keep it out during the summer. This not only works as an excellent window insulator but also reduces the workload on your HVAC system.
Improved Protection From Harmful UV Rays
In addition to improving energy efficiency, low-E glass windows also provide better protection against harmful UV rays. This means your furniture, flooring, and other items inside your home are less likely to fade over time due to exposure to the sun.
Are Low-E Glass Windows Cost-Effective?
Now that you know what low-E glass windows are, you might be wondering about cost. Low-E glass windows may have a higher initial price compared to traditional windows, but the energy savings over time can more than make up for the difference.
In addition, windows with low-E glass offer a more durable solution. The special coating is applied to the inside of the glass, which protects it from damage and ensures it continues to work effectively for many years. As a result, low-E windows offer a longer lifespan, a better return on your investment, and improved home value.
Still Have Questions About Low-E Glass?
Turn to Yankee Home Improvement for help. We’ll educate you on low-E glass, as well as the many other energy-efficient features our replacement windows are built with. When you hire our company to replace your windows, you can also enjoy improved comfort while enhancing security and curb appeal. Contact our window replacement company today to set up an in-home consultation.
