Low-E Facts To Help You Save a lot of Money
You hear about it at Home Depot. You hear about it from your contractor. And you read that it’s good for the environment. But what exactly is low-e glass?! Most new windows and patio doors nowadays will (hopefully) be sold with one low-e glass, but unless you’ve recently upgraded your old aluminum windows to new vinyl windows, chances are you are low-e-less. Below we outline the properties of low-e glass, its benefits to the environment, and its benefits to your wallet.
What is low-e glass?
Low-e glass (stands for low emissivity) is a regular glass pane, coated with an invisible layer of metallic oxides. This layer allows short-wave energy (light) to pass while blocking most long-wave energy (harmful UV rays and infrared light). Because the visibility of the coating does not differ much from the non-coated layer, the light that passes through the window remains the same.
How does low-e glass save energy?
Since low-e glass significantly reduces the amount of infrared light passing through the window, it is essential in preserving energy during the summer and winter months. During the summer, low-e glass reflects infrared light away from the window, preventing both heat and UV rays (which cause discoloration of curtains or carpet) from entering the house. During the winter, low-e glass reduces heat loss by reflecting the internal warmth back into the house.
Will I really save money by choosing low-e glass?!
Yes, yes, yes!!! Not only is low-e glass environmentally friendly, but it will also save you money over time. By keeping the house cooler during the warmer months, and warmer during the cooler months, low-e glass assists in not overusing your A/C and heater units, but saving energy and lowering your energy bills year-round!
Anything else I need to know?
If you’re already sold on low-e glass, then congratulations, savings are coming your way! As an added bonus, you should know the importance of pairing low-e glass with other energy-efficient material, such as vinyl. Our windows and patio doors are also made up of vinyl frames (especially our Sliding Patio Doors), which are not only low-maintenance, but they also provide excellent thermal insulation! Check and check!
At California Energy Contractors, we can install high-performance Low-E4 glass in our windows. Our high-performance glass takes all the benefits of standard Low-E glass and kicks it up a notch. Compared to other companies, these will provide you with even more energy and financial savings. If you want to learn more, you can check out our blog about our different glass packages.
Have more questions? No problem. Simply send us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
