In the first part of our blog series, we discussed the importance of investing in our energy-efficient windows. In this second installment, we talk about how our windows can help save you energy. We also explain the mechanics of our High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass and its benefits to your home.
What is Low Emissivity Glass?
All our replacement windows in Houston, TX, come standard with our low emissivity or low-E glass. This minimizes the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can get through the window. It does this without lessening the amount of visible light that can get through, made possible by selectively reflecting wavelengths.
Ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light all have different wavelengths. UV light has wavelengths of 300-380 nanometers. Visible light has wavelengths of 380-780 nanometers. Infrared light has wavelengths of 780 nanometers and above. Low-E glass reflects UV and infrared light because they can be harmful. UV light can cause your furnishings to fade, while infrared light or heat energy can make you uncomfortable and increase the workload of your utility systems.
How Does Low-E Glass Work?
The window glass of our double hung windows in Houston, TX, works similarly to a thermos bottle. A thermos bottle has a silver lining that reflects temperature; it maintains the drink’s temperature through constant reflection. For additional insulation, the bottle has air space between the outer and inner shells of the bottle. Just like the silver lining, our low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating that reflects UV and infrared light. It also has an insulating gas between the glass panes for more insulation.
How Can Our Glass Packages Benefit You?
We apply our low-emissivity coatings to both sides of the glass. This prevents heat from escaping in winter, and heat from entering in summer. This helps keep your interior temperature more stable and comfortable. Our High-Performance Low-E4 glass also protects your furnishings from harmful UV rays. It blocks up to 84% of UV rays from getting through.
For even more protection and energy efficiency, you can upgrade to our High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun™ glass for your window replacement in Houston, TX. This glass can block up to 95% of harmful UV rays. If excess heat gain and glare is a concern, we also offer our High-Performance Low-E4 Sun™ glass. This glass excels at keeping your home cooler in hot weather and has a tint coating to protect you from glare.
Our High-Performance Low-E4 glass will save you money, protect your home from UV rays, and improve your home’s comfort level. In addition, we made our window glass easy to clean. We applied oxide coatings to the glass that reduces water spotting by up to 99%. Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our glass packages or to schedule a free in-home consultation. If you missed part one of this article, you can also check it out. There, we discussed the importance of an energy-efficient window.
