There are several ways a homeowner can improve the energy efficiency of their home, though some require more time and expense than others. Fortunately, several of these energy-efficient methods are easy to accomplish and can be done during regular maintenance and updates. If you're already considering updating the windows on your home, you can opt for an energy-efficient option: Low-e glass. Low-e, or low emissivity glass, is a colorless coating added to glass during manufacture that blocks the sun's harmful rays. Here are the pros and cons of Low-e glass for your next set of replacement windows.
PROS
Save on Utilities
The top reason that people choose Low-e glass for their replacement windows is that the glaze provides massive benefits in energy efficiency for your house by blocking most solar radiation. In fact, it's estimated that homeowners with these Energy Star-rated windows can save up to 12% on their annual utility costs throughout the year. Those are significant savings. Low-e glass does this by reflecting both solar heat and the harmful UV rays from sunlight.
UV Protection
The same feature that saves money on utilities also protects the quality of your home. UV rays heat up your home and they also cause destruction. Exposure to consistent UV rays damages fabrics and fibers, causing them to fade and degrade. Because the Low-e glaze reflects most of those rays, your carpets and curtains are given extra protection against that familiar faded look.
Won't Block All Light
Another major benefit of Low-e glass is that, even though it blocks UV rays, it doesn't block all of the sun's rays, the visible light spectrum. That means your house won't feel dark and shaded. You can still enjoy that beautiful natural light that streams in through your windows.
CONS
Cost
Probably the most obvious downside of choosing Low-e glass is that it adds cost to your windows. In fact, removing your old windows and adding dual-pane Low-e glass is estimated to cost between $40 to $55 per square foot. Considering the money saved on utilities as well as furniture and fabric protection, many consumers consider the cost a fair trade.
Blocks Heat
Another con of Low-e glass is also one of its benefits—it blocks heat. While that's great if you live in a hot area, it can prove detrimental if you live in a very cold area where heat from the sun helps improve the comfort of your home.
For more information on replacement windows, reach out to a local window company.
Share2 July 2020
Take a look out your windows. Do you like the view? Maybe the view is beautiful, but you wish you could see more of it. Or perhaps you just wish that the window itself was in better shape so it did not distract from the view! Replacing your windows may seem like a big step, but a window replacement company can make it easy. A good window replacement company can replace your smaller window with a big picture window, or simply give you windows that complement your home's style. We invite you to read the articles on this blog and learn more about windows.
