How Low Emissivity Glass Panes Improve Energy Performance

Do you know the secretary to lower energy costs? Besides choosing windows with insulated glass (double or triple panes), you should also consider windows that feature low emissivity glass panes to keep your home cooler or warmer without additional fuel. 

So, how do Low-E glass panes solve the problem of higher energy bills? You’ll first need to understand the “magic” materials used in manufacturing this type of glass and how it reduces the impact of the sun’s light in the home.

Understanding Low-E Glass

Low-E glass is specially designed with a thin, transparent coating that minimizes the amount of heat that is transferred through the glass. This coating, usually consisting of a metallic layer, reflects both solar radiation and radiant heat from your home’s interior. 

This means that during hot summer months, Low-E glass prevents much of the sun’s heat from entering your home – reducing the need for air conditioning. Conversely, in colder months, the windows help retain warmth inside, so your heating systems don’t have to work as hard.

Lowering Energy Costs with Low-E Glass Panes

The benefits of Low-E glass panes extend far beyond enhanced comfort levels in your living space. Installing these energy-efficient windows can result in significant savings on your energy bills as they make improvements in overall efficiency.

1. Improved Insulation: Due to their ability to reflect radiant heat back into your living spaces, Low-E windows act as an extra layer of insulation. This can be especially helpful in reducing heat loss during the winter months, leading to decreased heating costs. 
2. Reduced Solar Heat Gain: By reflecting much of the sun’s rays away from your home or office building, Low-E glass reduces solar heat gain and minimizes the need for cooling systems like air conditioners or fans in the summer. This leads to reduced energy consumption for cooling purposes.

This is indeed an important consideration when it comes to low-emissivity glass. The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) represents the fraction of solar radiation that comes through a window, skylight, or door. It is either absorbed or travels directly, where it is ultimately released inside a building. 

The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat is transmitted, which increases its shading ability. Any product with a high SHGC rating is more effective at collecting solar heat during the colder months of the year. A product with a lower SHGC rating is more adept at reducing cooling loads during the warm months – blocking the heat gain from the sun.

Therefore, your home’s climate, orientation and outside shade will all factor in with the optimal SHGC for a specific window, skylight, or door. This is an important consideration when choosing replacement windows for your home.

3. Increased Efficiency of HVAC Systems: Since Low-E glass helps maintain a more consistent temperature within your home or office space, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This reduces wear and tear on your HVAC equipment and decreases energy consumption overall.
4. Potential Tax Incentives: Many countries and states offer tax credits or incentives for installing energy-efficient features like Low-E glass in residential and commercial properties. This can help offset the initial costs of upgrading your windows and further boost overall savings.

Investing in Low-E Glass

While the initial cost of Low-E glass panes can be higher than traditional non-coated glass, the long-term benefits in terms of energy cost savings, improved comfort levels, and a reduced environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment for both residential and commercial properties. Upgrading to Low-E glass could be the key to unlocking lower energy costs and a more sustainable future for your home or office.

Contact California Deluxe Windows to Make an Upgrade Today

One of the best ways to improve your financial picture and make the best use of energy is choosing windows with low emissivity glass panes. Check out the features further today. Contact California Deluxe Windows for an in-home consultation now.