Whether you live in a hot, cold, or seasonal climate, you could be wasting energy to cool or heat your home. But, by reducing energy loss, you can reduce your usage, and the best replacement windows use can help reduce energy loss with low-E coatings.

What are Low-E Window Coatings?

Low-E, or low emmitance, coatings are used in double- or triple-glazed windows, and they are applied to the inward facing side of glass in the factory. They are invisible to the naked eye, but these layers manage radiative heat flow. In other words, heat radiating from one hot pane of glass to the next cooler pane of glass is reflected back toward the source, reducing energy loss.

How Do Low-E Coatings Work in Hot and Cold Environments?

There is more than one type of low-E coating. Some varieties allow the sun's energy to help heat the interior of a room, called "high solar gain". This is the best option if you live somewhere cold and need to heat your home. Others are designed to reflect it and are called "low solar gain" and are best for hot regions where cooling is required. Your local window replacement company should be able to advise you on the best replacement window type for your area.

How Much Can I Save on My Energy Bills?

Your savings depends on what your replacement windows are replacing, and each case is different. Certainly, low-E coatings can make a big difference to energy bills. So why not save money and do your bit to save the planet by installing energy-efficient replacement windows.

Can These Coatings Be Applied at a Later Date?

Sadly, these coatings can't be applied later. However, most reputable window replacement companies should be able to replace glass in double-glazed units with low-E panes, without necessarily having to replace the fame as well.

About the Author
Sarah Christensen is greatly experienced in home improvements. Sarah graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Business Studies.