With climate change looming on our heads, all of us are looking for energy-efficient solutions for our homes. Thanks to technological advancement, you can now make each area of your home energy-efficient. That means even the window glass you use can save your energy bill.
That is where low E glass comes in. Here is everything you need to know about.
What is Low-E Glass?
The low E glass stands for low emissivity glass. The glass includes a coating that makes your window more energy-efficient. Initially, the glass was designed to keep infrared light inside for cold climates. However, as time went by, the use of this glass changed. Currently, low E glass is an economical option that is effective for many things. The low e glass has an ultra-thin, non-toxic, and colorless coating that minimizes the number of UV rays passing through. (Related: Low-E Windows vs. Clear Glass Windows: Which One Should You Get?)
In the long run, the low E glass will help you keep cooling and heating costs low. It will also improve the lighting in your home in no time.
Does Low-E Glass Look Different?
Many people have this misconception that low E glass is tinted and looks that way too. Well, that couldn't be further from the truth. The glass has a transparent coating, which means your windows will look the same, and you can enjoy the spectacular views.
The difference of the window lies not in appearance but functionality. The low E glass windows look the same, but they block out harmful UV rays that fade furniture and carpeting. So, it looks the same as any other window.
Is Low-E Glass Worth It?
You need to remember that the low E glass is an investment in your home, and they do cost more than normal windows. However, they are worth it because the windows offer lots of benefits in the long run. According to Energy.gov, between 25% and 30% of cooling and heating use is because of heat gain through your windows.
So, when you have better windows, you will be saving a huge bill on cooling or heating. In the long run, the low E glass will help you save thousands of dollars. That is why the initial investment is worth it.
Can You Tint Low-E Glass?
Yes, any window can be tinted with ease. All you have to do is buy the tinted film and apply it to your window. However, that is not the best option when it comes to low E glass. If you want to tint your low E glass, you should always contact a professional, which will be a better long-term solution. The professional will also let you know if it is okay to tint your low E glass windows. Once they give you the go-ahead, you can get it tinted in no time.
Can you Use Windex on Low-E Glass?
Yes, you can use Windex on low E glass to minimize smearing and keep your windows clean. On the other hand, you should never use an alcohol or ammonia-based cleaner as it will leave smearing on the glass. You should always talk to your manufacturer and understand the various options you have when it comes to cleaning low E glass.
You should also avoid abrasive cleaning agents as they will harm your glass even further. It is also good to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning to ensure the best results. Once you do, your low E glass will look fantastic.
How Can You Tell if Glass is Low-E?
The coating of the low E glass is on the inside glass pane surface, which is why it can be tricky to tell if the glass is low E. However, here is a test you can do to check if your window is low E glass:
What are the Benefits of Low-E Glass?
Because the low E glass costs a lot, it is important to understand the benefits to make an informed decision. Here are the top benefits you can reap from having low E glass in your home:
While there are many other benefits, these are the top five ones you will gain from your low E glass windows.
Does Low-E Glass Block UV Rays?
Yes, low E glass is famous for offering UV protection to homes. The harmful UV rays can fade your furniture or carpeting in the long run. However, you will not have to worry about this issue with low E glass as it will block the UV rays.
Because of this, you invest in wooden furniture and floors without any worries. That is because the coatings inside the low E glass reduce glare and reflect the sun’s heat away from the structure. A high-quality low E glass can block at least 95% of harmful UV rays that enter your home.
Conclusion
That was your complete guide to low E glass and everything it offers to its users. If you are wondering about investing in these windows, they are the best investment for any home. You will get excellent use out of it for a long time to come.
So, reduce your carbon footprint and opt for this energy-efficient solution. Once you do, you will never want to go back to normal windows again. Low E glass is an investment that will offer the highest returns.