Looking for ways to save money every month for making one simple change? Consider installing Low-E glass windows and doors in your home!
What is low-e glass? How does it work? More importantly, how does it help you save money? Read on to learn what every homeowner in Florida should know about low e glass windows:
What Is Low-E Glass?
Low e glass, or low emissivity glass, is glass that has been given a specialized coating to improve its energy efficiency characteristics for your home. This coating can be applied to either the interior or exterior of a window or glass door.
Some manufacturers may put the coating on the inside of a multi-layered glass window or door.
There Are Two Kinds of Low-E Glass
Low-e coatings can be broadly divided into two categories:
- Passive Coatings. These coatings actually reflect infrared energy back into the home to make it warmer, increasing their Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) value. This type of low-e coating is most commonly used in colder climates where homes more often use the heater than the air conditioner.
- Solar Control Coatings. Solar control low-e coatings reflect UV and infrared light rays away from the home, which helps keep the home cooler. This is the type of low-e coating most often used in Florida homes, where keeping temperatures low helps you save on home cooling costs.
Individual glass product manufacturers may have further subdivisions of low-e coatings within these categories detailing different levels of transparency, heat reflectivity, and even tint colorations.
When buying low-e windows and doors in Florida, be sure to get ones that use solar control-style coatings rather than the passive-style coating.
Low-E Glass Care Tips
Okay, say you’ve replaced your windows and doors with ones that have low e glass. How do you care for them? Your installer should be able to provide you with some general window care tips to maximize the useful life of your energy efficient windows & doors.
However, just in case you need them, here are some basic care tips to help ensure that your low emissivity glass lasts for as long as possible:
- Avoid Ammonia-Based Cleaners. When cleaning your new low-e windows, be sure to avoid using any ammonia-based cleaning products. Ammonia can damage the coating, reducing its effectiveness. A 10:1 water/vinegar solution is often recommended.
- Use a Soft Cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools and opt for a soft cloth like a microfiber cloth to pick up dirt and debris without scraping up your windows. Soft sponges also work (no steel wool).
- Do Not Apply Excessive Pressure. Wipe the window gently with your soft cloth or sponge in light, circular motions. Do not apply excessive pressure to the window to avoid damaging the coating.
- Stick to a Regular Cleaning Schedule. Take some time each season to check your windows and give them a good cleaning to remove any dirt/debris buildup. After a major storm, check your windows and doors for signs of wear and tear.
These are just a few basic care tips to help you get the most out of your energy-efficient glass windows and doors for as long as possible.
Who Makes Low-E Glass Windows in Florida?
There are many window manufacturers in Florida that offer low emissivity glass options for their customers. For example, Simonton offers a variety of windows with low-e glass that combine with different frame materials.
PGT also offers a line of energy efficiency-focused windows and doors that have low-e coatings.
These are just two of the many companies in Florida that offer energy-efficient glass windows and doors. But, we mention them specifically because they’re two of the best such manufacturers in the industry.
How Much Money Can Low-E Glass Save Me?
One of the biggest questions Florida homeowners have when they consider installing low-e glass doors and windows is: Just how much money can replacing my windows and doors with low-e variants save me?
The answer is: It depends. Different homeowners stand to realize more or less savings from upgrading their homes with energy-efficient windows and doors.
Let’s say that you have non-Energy Star qualified windows that have U-factors and SHGC values higher than the limit for energy efficiency certification. Replacing with low-e glass windows and doors that are much more energy efficient will have a bigger impact on your monthly electricity bill.
Also, homeowners who already spend a lot of money powering their home’s air conditioning system stand to see a larger benefit from installing low e windows and doors. This is common for larger homes that need to cool more cubic feet of home interior.
Basically, the bigger your home and the less energy-efficient your current windows and doors are, the more money you could save by replacing them with low-e versions.
Thinking about replacing your windows and doors to make them more secure and energy-efficient? Reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors today and request an in-person consultation with one of our installation experts!
