If you are looking for impact windows you most likely have come across energy efficient windows. One type of energy efficient windows are low e windows. You may know that they are energy efficient. But you may be wondering exactly what is low E glass and how it works. In this guide we will answer these questions and more so you can make a more informed buying decision.
Related: Glass Types For Impact Windows
What is Low E glass?
Many people have heard of low-E glass. But the term is not commonly understood.
The term Low E glass is just an abbreviation for “low emissivity glass”. These glass panes have been coated with a clear (and unnoticeable), low emissivity coating during the manufacturing process.
This glass is used in energy efficient building products, especially windows. Usually, the sole purpose is to improve the energy efficiency of a home or building.
We break the individual components of this definition, along with related topics, down in more detail below.
Low e meaning – what is low E
“Low E” simply stands for low emissivity. It is just an abbreviation.
What does low E mean in windows?
The term low-E classifies windows that use low-E vs standard window glass.
What is emissivity?
Emissivity is the amount of heat that is emitted (or passes) through a specific object or material, such as the glass of a window.
An object with high emissivity has an emissivity value closer to 1. And an object with low emissivity has an emissivity value closer to zero (0).
Low emissivity materials include polished silver (thermal emissivity of 0.02) and tin foil (thermal emissivity of 0.03).
On the opposite end of the spectrum are high emissivity materials. Glass is one highly emissive material. In fact, uncoated glass, the glass type made to manufacture standard windows has a very high emissivity value of 0.91. And again, the closer to 1, the more heat the material allows to pass through it.
The emissivity of low-E glass depends on the effectiveness of the specific low emissivity coating applied.
What is low E coating & how does it work?
A low-E coating is a coating that lowers the emissivity of an object or material. Or in other words, the coating reduces the amount of heat energy transferred (emitted) through an object, such as a pane of glass. The coating is able to do this by blocking certain wavelengths of light from passing through the pane of glass by reflecting them away from the glass.
In the summer low E glass helps to reduce the amount of heat from the sun that gets into your home. And in the winter, it reduces the amount of heat that transfers out of your windows (keeps the warm air in).
Benefit of low-E glass.
Low-E glass has many benefits. In particular the following:
- Low emissivity glass has improved insulation properties vs standard glass
- Increases the energy efficiency of your home or building
- Increases the comfort and enjoyment of your home by keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, easier
Find out more about our impact windows with low-E glass.
Are Low-E Glass Windows Right For You?
Low E glass is glass that has been coated with a low emissivity coating. This coating helps significantly lower the amount of heat that is transferred through the glass. This type of glass is used in energy efficient windows that improve a home’s insulation, increase its energy efficiency and make the space more comfortable. Now that you have a better idea what is low e glass you will be able to make a decision whether they are right for you.
We offer a full range of impact windows available with low-E glass. If you would like to get a free estimate for your Southwest Florida home then we would love to help. Eurex Shutters has been installing impact windows throughout SW Florida for 35+ years.
