Low-E glass, also called low emissivity glass, is an innovative window style that utilizes transparent coatings of metallic oxide to deflect UV rays and infrared light; it only allows natural light to enter your home. This is important as UV rays and infrared light can harm upholstery and increase the amount of heat inside your home, leading to damaged furniture and increased energy costs.
With this type of glass, homeowners are able to control the temperature inside their homes with less effort. Although it may seem too good to be true, the science behind Low-E glass windows is fairly definitive. In simplest terms, invisible coatings allow natural light in while keeping a large majority of the heat away from the interior of your home.
The Different Types Of Low-E Glass
There are two primary types of Low-E glass windows—passive and solar control Low-E coatings. They both offer unique benefits. In general, passive Low-E coated windows are ideal for cold climates, whereas solar control Low-E coated windows are ideal for neutral to warmer climates.
Passive Low-E Coatings
Passive Low-E coatings, also called hard-coat Low-E coatings, use a pyrolytic coating. This coating has a hard bond and is very durable. It allows some short-wave infrared energy inside the home, so it is an ideal solution for homes that are in colder climates.
This is because they allow more heat to enter your home than with solar control Low-E coated glass windows, but they still provide the benefit of keeping much of the harmful UV rays out.
Solar Control Low-E Coatings
Solar control Low-E coatings, also called soft-coat Low-E coatings, use a Magnetron Sputtering Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process. This process creates a soft coat and offers a lower emissivity rating.
This means it has excellent solar control and does not allow much unwanted UV light to enter the home. It is still durable and damage-resistant as well. Subsequently, this coating option works well for more neutral or warmer climates that do not need any extra heat from sunlight to regulate the temperature of your home.
How To Choose The Right Type Of Low-E Glass Coating
As mentioned, passive Low-E glass coatings (hard-coat) are ideal for colder climates, whereas the solar control coatings (soft coat) are more ideal for warmer climates that do not need extra heat from UV or infrared light. Of course, the best way to choose the right type of Low-E glass coating for your home is to discuss both options with a window installation professional.
They can help you make informed decisions and ensure the proper installation of the glass windows, which is typically more complex. DIY installation is usually not an option.
The Pros & Cons Of Low-E Glass For Your Home
Low-E glass windows offer unique benefits due to the ability to keep UV and infrared light and heat out of the home. Several of the more notable benefits to this kind of glass windows include but are not limited to:
- Reduced energy loss
- Monthly energy cost savings
- Transparent appearance
- Improved home comfort
- Damage-resistant
- Protects furniture from UV rays
Low-E glass windows improve the comfort of the home by keeping the sunlight out. They also add aesthetic value due to their invisible appearance, and they are durable due to the damage-resistant coating and the protection of the window glass.
The drawbacks to Low-E glass windows are that they cost more and may have a more complex installation process. DIY Low-E glass windows are not a good idea, and it is best to trust a professional window installation contractor to handle the job. As it pertains to the cost, although this kind of glass windows are more expensive initially, they can save the homeowner more money long-term as they can reduce monthly energy costs.
Are Low-E Glass Windows Worth The Investment?
As mentioned, Low-E glass windows cost more than traditional window options, but they can yield a significant return on your investment over time. In many cases, the difference in price for the glass windows pay for themselves by reducing your energy costs each month by a substantial amount.
On average, Low-E glass windows cost between 10 and 15 percent more than traditional insulation windows, a small amount compared to the long-term value they provide. Therefore, if you have outdated, damaged or unattractive windows that you would like to (or need to) replace, then Low-E glass windows are most certainly worth the investment.
Call The Pros At Adelphia Exteriors For Low E-Glass Installation
If you are interested in low e-glass as replacements for your outdated, damaged or unattractive windows, then reach out to the window installation professionals at Adelphia Exteriors by calling (703) 386-7357 or by contacting us online.
We offer low e-glass window installation, and we are glad to answer your questions and provide a quote to help you decide whether these kinds of glass windows are right for you.