Energy-Saving Low-E Glass Windows
Posted by Greg Castillo on November 20, 2009
Low-E Glass Windows
Low-Emissivity glass windows are energy efficient windows that are manufactured with a special coating to reflect energy back to its source. Typically costing about 10 to 15 percent more than regular windows, this cost is offset by a 30 to 50 percent reduction in energy loss.
How They Work
During the cold winter months when a furnace is creating radiant heat, a Low-E glass window will keep this warm air indoors by reflecting it back inside. And in the hot summer months when the air conditioning is keeping your home cool, the sun’s heat will hit the outside surface of a Low-E window and be reflected back outdoors, keeping the heat out.
What They Are Exactly
A Low-E coating is a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface. They are transparent to visible light, and are available in different types of coatings for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain.
Additional Benefits & Tax Credits
In addition, a Low-E glass coating blocks over 80 percent of ultra violet (UV) rays from coming into your home, which can fade carpets, draperies and artwork. For 2009 & 2010 tax credits are also available at 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500, for windows and doors (existing homes only).
