

What is Low-E glass & is it worth the cost?

by Katie
| Jul 21, 2017


Improved energy efficiency is always a valued asset in any home … whether you are looking to tighten up your windows or your entryway. When you are adding a layer of protection, the question of low-e glass always comes up—what is it? How does it work? Is it worth it? 

We’re going to cover it all for you.

What is Low-E Glass?

Low-E glass stands for low emissivity. Low-E glass is clear glass that has been treated with an invisible metallic oxide coating. The coating is invisible to the naked eye. While the coating is thin, it creates a surface that reflects heat and blocks UV light, while allowing light to pass through.

What does it do? How does Low-E glass work?

Low-E glass makes your home more comfortable in every season—but how? The coating on the glass acts as an insulator in the winter. It essentially traps the warmth in a building. In the summer time, that coating is also key to keeping your home cool. The low-e glass helps block radiant heat and ultraviolet rays.

What does this all mean? It means lower energy bills each month. Low-E glass reflects heat out in the summer and keeps the warmth inside a building in the winter, leaving your home feeling more comfortable while saving energy.

low-e glass inforgraphic

In addition to energy savings, low-e glass protects from fading. Think about all the sunlight that comes into your entry way. Having low-e glass on your storm door and storm windows helps reduce fading on hardwood floors, and curtains.

Is it worth it?

Absolutely! Low-e glass options are definitely worth the investment. For just a few more dollars than standard glass, you get the energy savings and protection from low-e glass. And that little extra cost can pay for itself with the money you’ll save on utility bills!

Over the past fifteen years, several research studies have proven the energy savings of low-e, particularly for storm windows. Learn more.