We love the view out of our home’s windows, but we pay a price for this enjoyment. In the summer, cooling bills can spiral out of control when heat from the summer sun comes pouring in the windows. In the winter, windows are responsible for a great deal of heat loss. Experts estimate that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use. That’s more than a quarter of your electric bill.
What is Low E-Glass?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the problem. It’s designed to reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your home’s window glass without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. It does this thanks to a microscopically thin coating applied to the glass that can reflect heat. This is particularly useful during the summer months when the sun is hot and most of the energy that comes through your window is in the form of heat.
To prevent this energy loss, consider installing Low-E glass in your home with vinyl replacement windows installed by Aladdin. Low-e coating on glass reduces conduction and radiation heat losses, improving energy savings by between 30 and 50 percent by some estimates moreover standard storm windows.
Different Ratings of E-Glass
There are two factors to consider in purchasing e-glass windows, and what type of e-glass you want depends on whether you’re more interested in keeping in heat or keeping out the heat.
The U-Factor. This factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20 with lower numbers indicating a product better at keeping the heat in, so a higher number is better if you live in a cold climate, while a lower number is better suited to a hot climate.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun from entering the building. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, with a lower SHGC indicating a product that is better at blocking unwanted heat gain.
Contact a Specialist
Hamden, Connecticut-based Aladdin is a pioneer in home exteriors, including windows designed to save energy. We also offer aluminum gutters, replacement windows, railings, retractable awnings, patio doors, and vinyl siding. We bring the finest quality products as well as unparalleled service. We’ve been helping homeowners in Connecticut since 1949 and will work with you to find the best solution for your gutters, your roof, and your home.
Aladdin, Inc. is the leader in Connecticut for vinyl replacement windows, patio awnings, exterior iron railing installation, canopies & awnings, entry & front door replacement, storm doors, vinyl siding, gutters, and commercial awnings. We install retractable awnings and can help you transform your exterior space. Call to today to learn what we can do to enhance your home.