What is Low-E Glass?

The term "Low-E" Glass refers to a clear glass, with a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide that is non-visible to the human eye. "Low-E" Glass works by reflecting heat back to its source.The metal oxide coating keeps heat inside during cold climates and keeps heat outside during warmer climates.

"Low-E" stands for "low emissivity", meaning that the glass in the window allows a small portion of energy to penetrate through. Conversely, a window that permits the heat from the sun or from your furnace to pass through would have a high emissivity. The more effectively the metallic layer insulates from this transfer of energy, the lower the emissivity.

There are three common types of "Low-E" Glass:

High Solar Gain "Low-E":

Allows as much solar heat to enter the home as clear glass. Commonly used in climates with cooler summers and colder than normal winters.

Moderate Solar Gain "Low-E":

Allows a portion of solar heat to keep the home cooler in summer, but allows a high amount of solar heat to enter in the winter.

Low Solar Gain "Low-E":

Allows for the least amount of solar heat to enter the home. Commonly used in climates with hot summers and mild winters.

Another benefit of "Low-E" Glass is its ability to allow visible light to pass through the glass, while blocking or reflecting ultra-violet and infrared lighting, which can be harmful to your skin, wood, fabrics and colors.