What Are Low E Windows?

If you’ve been considering home replacement windows, especially if energy efficiency is important to you, you’ve run across the term Low E Windows. Let’s take a moment and discuss what Low E Windows are and why you might want to consider installing Low E Windows in your home.

Low E Windows are treated with incredibly thin, virtually invisible coatings to stop heat flowing through the glass. These coatings are made of metal or metallic oxides.

Heat is often lost when warmth captured by one pane of glass is transferred to a nearby, cooler pane of glass — and often, from there to the outdoors. The situation can also work in reverse, when hot air warms an exterior pane and passes it along to a cooler, interior pane. This process is known as radiant heat transfer.

Low E Windows eliminate radiant heat transfer. The thin layer of metal or metallic oxide coating is sandwiched between panes of glass. The transfer of heat is stopped. Warm air stays on one side of the window, cool air on the other.

All of this happens invisibly. The coatings used in Low E Windows cannot be seen by the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your view and let the sunshine in while saving energy. Light can pass freely through the Low E Window.

Low E Windows are available in different ‘strengths’, allowing either low, medium, or high amount of solar gain. Solar gain refers to the change in temperature that can be attributed to the sun’s energy passing through your home replacement windows.

What type of Low E Windows would be right for you? It largely depends upon your climate. Just as different regions of the world call for different building style, varying environmental conditions necessitate different Low E Windows.

If you live in a cold region, one that requires you to heat your home for the majority of the year, chances are that you will be best served by High Solar Gain Low E Windows. These windows help you retain most of your home’s heat while allowing you to enjoy the warming effect of the sun’s rays.

If you live in a more temperate region your needs may be different. Consider a home that needs heating for some of the year and cooling for the remainder. This home is in a unique position: it could benefit from High, Medium, or Low Solar Gain Low E Windows. Seasonal fluctuations in temperature and heating and cooling requirements mean that the benefits of Low E Windows will vary throughout the year.

If you’re in the warmer parts of our country, where there’s seldom, if ever, a need to heat your home but cooling the house is a constant challenge, Low Solar Gain Low E Windows are the way to go. Keeping solar gain to a minimum helps keep the interior temperature low — and reduces stress on your home’s cooling system.

When considering Low E Windows, take some time to educate yourself. Talk with your window replacement specialist and ask for their recommendations. Do your research. You’ll be glad you did!