Low-E and Your Replacement Windows

When you're doing your research on replacement windows, you will come across a whole lot of crazy terminology.  One of those terms is something called "low-e".  Let's take a look at what this means.

Low-e stands for "low emissivity".  Emissivity is a measure of the effectiveness in emitting radiant energy.  You can also think of it as the inverse (i.e. opposite) of reflectivity.  If something has low emissivity, it means it emits more radiant energy.  This would mean that it reflects more radiant heat.

In most modern replacement windows, low-e coatings are applied directly to one (or more) of the panes of glass.  On double and triple pane windows, the coatings are applied to the inner side of the glass.  In the summer, this helps keep the radiant energy outside of your house.  In the winter, this helps keep the radiant energy inside your home.

 Most new windows come with "soft coat" low-e.  This is a newer technology compared to the older "hard coat" low-e coatings.  On double pane windows, there is usually just one coat of low-e in the window.  On triple pane windows, there may be one or two coats, depending on the quality of the window.

Most people in the US live in an area where they need low-e glass.  So when doing your research, make sure to consider this vital criteria.  And as always, if you're considering replacement windows in Cincinnati, make sure to give us a call directly.  We'd be glad to answer any questions.

All the best!
Mike G.
The Window & Door Guy