What Is Low-E Glass?
Energy efficiency has become a popular buzzword in recent years and especially for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. While it’s good for the environment, making your home an energy efficient one has additional benefits, such as keeping the temperature of your home comfortable no matter what’s happening outside and a reduction in energy bills. One of the most common ways to achieve an energy efficient home is by swapping out old windows with replacement windows that are made with low-e glass. What’s that you ask? Read on and we’ll tell you more about this innovative technology that was developed during the 70s energy crisis.
What is low-E glass?
Short for low-emissivity glass, low-e glass is a standard clear glass that has a transparent coating on its surface that better reflects heat than the glass itself. In other words, windows with low-e glass coating keep your home warmer by reflecting heat back into the dwelling and cooler by reflecting solar thermal energy from outside.
How much difference does Low-E glass make?
Windows with standard uncoated glass typically have high emissivity levels which lead to sun and the heat from it transferring through the glass. With low-e glass, you don’t have to worry as much about that type of transfer occurring as they have higher insulative properties.
That said, low-e glass is not the only factor when it comes to energy efficient windows. Whether you have single-pane, double-pane, or even triple-pane windows determine how efficient and insulating your windows are. Hint – the more panes the better!
How to tell if your windows have low-e glass
One quick way to find out if your windows have a low-e glass is by holding a lighter close to the glass and examine the four reflections it creates. At least one of the four should be clearer and slightly different in color. If that’s the case, your window probably has low-e glass. If there’s no difference in any of the reflections, you most likely do not have low-e glass.
How to choose the best energy efficient windows
As we previously mentioned low-e glass is just one element of an energy efficient window. For the greatest energy savings, look for windows that have at least double-paned glass, a low U-factor, and frames made from energy-efficient wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. Windows that have the ENERGY STAR® label means they’ve been thoroughly tested to meet specific performance standards.
Proper window installation is a must
If you’ve decided to replace your windows because they are in poor condition or simply to gain energy efficiency, proper installation is a must. We highly recommend hiring a company that specializes in window replacement and that will install according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to install properly could lead to gaps around your windows, drafty windows, future water damage, and other serious issues. You could also have your warranty voided due to improper installation.
Greater Birmingham replacement window installers
If you’re ready to transform your home with new windows, contact Serve One Construction. Offering replacement window installation in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and communities throughout the Greater Birmingham metro, Serve One is a locally owned and operated home improvement company that has been installing windows for more than 10 years. You can trust our fully insured team to help you with your window project- whether it’s replacing one window or all of them!
