Low-E Glass Acts Like Window Sunscreen
What is Emissivity & How Does it Apply to Low-E Glass?
Emissivity measures how well a material radiates energy compared to a black body, which is a perfect emitter. Thus, when we say a window is Low-E, we’re referring to the low emissivity of the glass itself. Low-E glass blocks radiant energy passing through it from the sun, and retains heat coming out of a home furnace. All in all keeping your home cooler in the hot Texas summer and warmer in the winter. What a great way to save on your utility bills year-round!
How is the Energy-Efficiency of Low-E Glass Measured?
Low-E glass is the primary mainstay of window energy efficiency. Its effectiveness is measured by the energy performance ratings in the table below. The text defines the ratings and also provides a short lesson to help you better understand Low-E glass. It explains the data in laymen’s terms.
Ringer Windows Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Performance Rating Definitions
What are Low-E Glass Coatings?
These Low-E coatings on our window glass are not tints or films. They’re part of a state-of-the-art process which chemically bonds low emissivity elements to the glass surface itself. Although many people search online for Low-E windows, the glass is actually the component they’re looking for. Low-E glass with a hyphen is the proper way to describe it, but often the hyphen is left off.
We All Need Sunlight but What is It Made Of?
Of course we all need great views and sunlight which is why we have windows! But what is sunlight composed of? Well, it actually contains three very different kinds of light. They are ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light. Please see the descriptions below to better understand each type.
Visible Light
This is the sun’s light that we can see. It is the spectrum that includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and all colors in between. Naturally, we want as much of it passing through our windows as possible. Except when bathing, of course! No worries! Ringer Windows has additional glass options to obscure images in the bath, etc.
A chair & stool damaged by UV from a window with no Low E glass
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet is a low spectrum light not visible to the naked eye. No doubt you’ve used sunscreen to keep from getting burned by it when you were outside on a sunny day. UV rays rom the sun can also fade fabrics and other materials by breaking down their molecules over time. This means that the surface colors of furniture, draperies, and artwork are all damaged by UV light and must be protected.
Infrared Light or IR
This is heat energy, you can’t see it but you can feel it. We want to keep it inside during winter, but when it’s hot we do everything possible to stop it from coming in. In Texas, the latter is most of our year.
OK, Now you’re thinking like a true scientist. Hang in there!
The Beauty of Low E Glass; It’s Like Sunscreen for Your Windows
Low E glass contains two to three layers of silver nitrate that acts like sunscreen on your windows. It blocks the worst light or heat while letting a large amount of visible light pass through. The layers are molecularly bonded to the glass making it slightly darker than clear glass, but not very much. In addition, the coating is micro-thin, never peels, and is nearly invisible. It’s the powerful component that drives efficiency in all our replacement and new construction windows.
Low-E Glass Keeps Heat Out When it’s Hot, & In When it’s Cold
Low E Glass in Summer
Low E Glass in Winter
You’re doing fabulous! Don’t worry, we’re almost at the end!
Ringer Windows Low E Glass Options
Ringer Windows offers several Low E glass options. These are basic Low E 270(LoE2-270 Glass), spectrally smart Super Low E 366 (LoE3 366 Glass), and anti-glare Low E 340 (LoE3 340 Glass).
Low E 270 blocks 86% of UV and IR light. This slightly lower cost glass is adequate for fully shaded, light protected, or sheltered areas. You’ll know if you have one or several of these areas.
Spectrally smart Low E 366 triple coated glass stops 95% of harmful infrared and UV light. This makes it the most efficient Low E glass we’ve ever seen!
Low E 366 glass outperforms clear glass & ordinary Low E coatings
We Recommend Low E 366 Glass for Most Central Texas Homes
For the perfect balance of high energy efficiency, year-round comfort, and maximum visible light, we recommend Low E 366 glass. It provides all the benefits most central Texas homeowners want and need. However, if you’re seeking a much darker look or significant glare control, consider Low E 340 glass. In addition to being a great thermal product, it further reduces the amount of visible light passing through. Low E 340 is only recommended in rooms where a permanent reduction in visible light is preferred such as media or computer areas. Ringer Windows has never replaced all the windows in a home with Low E 340 glass.
Please click here to see more Cardinal LoE Performance Stats.
Low E 366 Glass Offers Great Energy Efficiency at a Reasonable Cost
We truly believe that Low E glass windows are a primary ingredient for great energy efficiency in your home. So be sure to select a super Low E glass to get maximum performance. Honestly, the cost difference will be minimal and the energy benefits well worth it.
Whew, you made it! I encourage your questions and comments because replacing your windows is a very important investment. And you must do your homework before buying them!
Low E Windows From left to right: Low E 270, Low E 366, & Low E 340
Greg Ringer, Owner, Ringer Windows
Contact Us About Our High-Quality Low E Glass Windows Today!
Submit a contact form or call 512-989-7000 today about our high-quality Low E glass windows. We’ll visit with you and provide a FREE estimate! Ringer Windows is the local only window manufacturing company in central Texas. Our experts are ready to assist with your vinyl new construction or replacement window needs. Also, be sure to ask about our full-service window installation. You’re just a local phone call away with Ringer Windows!
