If you have been regularly shopping for new windows online, it is for sure that you are going to encounter the word low E glazing. Home improvement websites usually have this upgrade added on for most of the windows. But what does these low E double glazed windows exactly mean? Or is it even worth investing in? While there is no doubt that the best type of windows you can go for are double glazed ones, if you feel like you want to upgrade to a better level, then choosing low E windows could have its own benefits. To know more about low E double glazed windows read on!
What Is a Low E Glass?
Low emissivity glass or one of the widely known Low E glass is quite a new invention especially when it comes to modern construction. It has quite a transparent thin coating that has been applied which tends to reflect the UV and infrared light back into the outside world. Despite being even thinner than human hair, this coating tends to be remarkably coating. Since it majorly helps in keeping the interior temperature of a home consistent by lowering the amount of heat transfer. You will still find that sunlight won’t ever be low.
Simply put, Low E glass tends to give all the energy benefits of a double glazed window while raising them to the next level. These windows also have better U values that are ideal for lowering energy consumption rates. Especially with unpredictable weather it is essential to get windows that can hold the temperature inside the house.
Benefits of Low E Double Glazing Windows
Low E glass windows are one of the types where you get a lot of benefits right from energy saving to even making sure you are getting enough sunlight. However, these benefits are accompanied by a few others that can be provided as follows:
Energy Efficiency
Low E glass is said to be way more energy efficient and also works much better as compared to ordinary double glazing. These energy efficient windows could actually help you save a lot when it comes to costs on your cooling bills. This decrease in the bills could mean that you won’t be using much of your cooling device which again means you are lowering your carbon footprint.
Comfort
Low E makes sure there is a perfect indoor climate while lowering any temperature fluctuations that may occur. These thermal insulation windows in turn provide a comfortable environment to stay in. You could also enjoy a space where you feel the natural temperature without the discomfort of excessive heat or cold drafts. This in turn could also result in productivity and better well-being.
Noise Reduction
Low E glass is also great at reducing noise pollution since they have a double glazing present in them. They ensure you get a quieter environment to work in which again gives you a great environment to work in and be productive. This is one of the major benefits that people living in urban areas get.
UV Protection
Low e double glazing windows are one of the materials that provide protection against the harmful rays of the sun while also ensuring your furniture is safe from any wear and premature fading. Also by blocking a major portion of the UV radiation, the low E glass tends to help in preserving the paintings, the color of fabrics, and even the valuable interior design elements.
Types of Low-E Glass
When it comes to low E glass you get to have multiple types and these types tend to provide a specific purpose. Not to mention they also cater to various environmental needs and architectural designs based on the types of low E glass that you use. Here are two of the major types of low E glass that you might want to know about.
Passive Low-e Coating
Passive low E coating is one of the types of low e glass that allows energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat being lost through a window. It also has a better emissivity rate than solar low e glass which means that it is better at reflecting back the heat into the room. This type of low e glass is mainly used in colder climates as compared to hotter areas. Since the reduction of heat loss will be the main priority.
Solar Control Low-e Coating
This is one of the types of low e glass that helps reduce the amount of heat entering the building from the outer environment which makes it an ideal glass needed in warmer areas. Solar control low e coating also has a lower emissivity rating as compared to a passive low e glass. This means that this glass will be better at allowing solar radiation to pass through the glass while only reflecting a smaller amount of radiant heat from the sun. By reducing the amount of heat that enters the building these glass types will help reduce the cooling costs otherwise which are very high and hence also provide great comfort levels.
Cost Analysis of Low-E Double Glazing
While low e glass could cost you more than any single or double glazed windows as it adds on to the microscopic extra layer of glass. You can hence expect to pay anywhere between $350 to $850 per window for the installation of a low e glass. Also when you look at the amount of savings you get over a longer period, you might notice that it might pay off more than what you would have otherwise spent while installing a regular double or single-glazed window.
Choosing the Right Low E Double Glazed Windows
While choosing the right low e double glazed windows might sound a bit exhaustive, you might want to consider a few of the factors before coming to a final decision. Here are a few of the factors that we think might help you understand whether you require a low E glass or not.
Energy efficiency
The first and foremost factor that you might want to consider while selecting a low E double glazed window is whether it is providing you with the required energy efficiency or not. Now since low E glass consists of a thin layer of metallic oxide you get lower heat transfer and a better energy efficiency range.
Frame material
The frame material is what actually affects the overall appearance, maintenance, and insulation functions of your windows. It is hence important to choose the right frame material while checking for the right low e glass double glazed windows.
Glass type
Choosing a low E glass usually helps with better soundproofing and higher thermal insulation windows properties. The double glazed windows which are used with low e glass also give added benefits such as stronger glass and UV protection apart from also providing additional security.
Wondering how to find all of these factors that too in a single product? Well, Finepoint Glass is one such place where we help our customers find just the right product with all of the specifications above. What’s more? The amount of experience that we have also helps us provide professional help to our customers ensuring that they get only the best quality when it comes to installing windows in their homes.
Conclusion
Low E glass double glazed windows surely mark an important stride, especially in terms of modern construction. It is also a UV protection glass that provides a ton of benefits right from energy savings to providing a comfortable and aesthetic value to your house. The advantages and increasing recognition of Low E glass also play a major role in the bright future of sustainable building practices. As we go further in our stride toward a sustainable future, let’s make sure we try to incorporate materials such as low E glass and convert the building structures from normal architecture to a sustainable structure.
FAQs
1. What does Low E stand for in windows?
The word low E stands for low emissivity in windows and mainly talks about how much UV rays and natural light the window can allow into a house.
2. How do low E double glazed windows work?
When the interior heat energy tries to escape through the window to the much colder environment outside, the low E glass tends to reflect back the heat, especially during cold weather.
3. Are low E double glazed windows worth the investment?
Given how much the low E glass gives comfort to your house especially when you consider long-term investment, investing in a low E glass is definitely worth it.
4. Can low E double glazed windows be repaired if they get damaged?
Minor issues with the windows could be easily repaired by professionals. However, if there are major issues then replacing the entire unit would be a suitable option.
5. What is the difference between low E double glazed and triple glazed windows?
While low E double glazed windows reduce heat loss by up to 75 to 80 percent when compared to a single glazed window, it is seen that triple glazed windows tend to give even better performance.
Author Bio
Anant Gajjar, Finepoint Glass Ltd CEO, has over 16 years of experience in the glazing industry as an entrepreneur and a structural engineer. He has completed his Master of Sciences (MSc) in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Sciences (BSc in Civil Engineering) both in London and in India. Anant has a passion for travelling and creating meaningful connections worldwide.