What is Low E Glass?

Low E glass windows are the latest thing these days, an iron clad rule for truly energy efficient homes. Nevertheless, is Low E glass worth it? Do they even work? How? Do I already have them?

What is Low E Glass?

Low Emissivity Glass, also called Low E glass, is glass that comes with a coating applied on it, that makes windows and doors considerably more energy efficient. Initially designed to keep in infrared light for colder locations, they are presently a cost-effective alternative that is efficient in a variety of locations. Low E glass comes with a colorless, ultra-thin (thinner than the hairs on your head), non-toxic coating that decreases how much ultraviolet light is going to pass through. Low E glass windows can significantly improve lighting and at the same time decrease heating and cooling costs.

Windows are a considerable investment in any home or building, so if you’re constructing new, or replacing or improving windows in an existing home or structure, thinking about the benefits of Low E glass could literally have a huge payoff.

How Does Low E Glass Work?

Low E glass works due to the application of a tiny layer of a reflective coating on the glass. The “E” signifies emissivity, allowing a material to radiate energy. Therefore, homes and structures that have Low E glass windows are able to retain the heat throughout cold winter months and let it bounce off throughout warmer summer months.

Think of Low E glass like the inner linings inside thermoses. When warm items are inside, heat bounces off the lining and reflects back into the container to keep its contents warm. This would almost be like heat inside your home throughout the cooler months of the year. Therefore, the opposite happens when you have cold items inside of the thermos – heat is not going to penetrate through the inner lining. So, in the warmer months, the outside heat could bounce or reflect off the Low E glass window, keeping your home cooler and decreasing overall cooling expenses.

Do I Already Have Low E Glass?

Wondering if you presently have Low E glass windows in your home? If your home is less than a few decades old, or if your windows have been replaced, they might already be installed. Fortunately, there is a very easy way for you to establish if your windows are, in reality, Low E glass.

• Hold a lighter or lit match in the front of the window
• Look for the image of the four flames that reflect in the glass
• When you have Low E glass windows: one of the images you are going to see is going to be a different color than the others
• When you do not have Low E glass windows: every image of the flame is going to appear the same color

Are Low E Glass Windows Worth an Effort?

Whereas they can be a somewhat larger investment than standard glass windows, subject to where you live, Low E glass can be well worth the expense. They provide you with the appearance of beautiful, nice, new windows, with the added benefit of decreasing energy costs. When you think about the fact that they’re really only a couple of extra dollars each as compared to standard glass, it is argued that they are going to pay for themselves fast once you factor in what you are saving on the heating and cooling bills annually. As reported by Energy.gov, on average twenty-seven and a half percent of the heating and cooling usage is because of heat loss and gain through glass windows – it’s easy to see how fast the savings can add up!

Where Are Low E Glass Windows A Worthwhile Investment?

Should you live in colder, northern regions, Low E coatings can be applied for stopping heat from getting out. And if you live in warmer, southern regions, these coatings are powerful at blocking the heat from getting inside your home. So, in reality, Low E glass windows can be a worthwhile investment no matter where you live.

Other Energy Saving Window Factors

Low E glass windows are not the only factor you may want to think about if you are aiming to decrease your energy expenses. Any of the following qualities can be beneficial, too.

Moisture Reduction

Warm Edge Spacing Systems are different than conventional spacers such as aluminum. Whereas aluminum spacers can lead to heat loss and excessive moisture, the state-of-the-art Warm Edge Spacing System allows for flex with the window as temperatures fluctuate. The outcome? Improved insulation and decreased sealant failure, which can result in energy cost savings.

Argon Spacing

Argon gas can be utilized in thermal windows to improve performance, decrease condensation and frost, strengthen sound insulation and decrease heat loss through the glass. It’s advantageous in any climate, and for ideal cost savings and efficiency, can be combined with Low E glass.