Low-E windows use a microscopically thin coating on the glass to help control how heat moves through a window. The coating is designed to reflect certain types of infrared and ultraviolet energy while still allowing visible light to pass through.

Below, this new windows contractor in New London, Wisconsin is going to explain how Low-E glass works, how different coatings affect window performance, and why the right glass package matters in a Wisconsin climate.

What Does Low-E Mean?

Low-E stands for low emissivity.

Emissivity describes how readily a surface gives off radiant heat. A Low-E coating reduces that transfer by reflecting heat energy rather than allowing as much of it to pass through the glass.

A qualified new windows contractor in New London, Wisconsin can help homeowners compare Low-E glass options based on the direction the windows face, the climate, and the comfort issues they are trying to address.

How Does Low-E Glass Work in Winter?

During colder weather, Low-E glass can help reflect indoor heat back toward the living space.

That can reduce heat loss through the glass and help the interior surface of the window stay more comfortable. The overall performance still depends on the complete window, including the number of panes, spacer system, frame, seals, and insulating gas used between the panes.

Low-E glass is one part of the window rather than a substitute for good overall construction.

How Does Low-E Glass Help in Summer?

Low-E coatings can also help manage heat from the sun.

Certain coatings are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat entering through the glass, which can help limit unwanted heat gain in rooms that receive strong sunlight.

The amount of solar energy a window allows through is reflected in its solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC. Different homes and window orientations may benefit from different SHGC levels.

Does Low-E Glass Block Sunlight?

Low-E glass still allows visible light into the home.

The coating is extremely thin and is designed to manage specific wavelengths of energy rather than simply darkening the glass. Depending on the coating and glass package, there may be subtle differences in appearance, but Low-E windows are intended to preserve natural light while improving thermal performance.

What Is the Difference Between Different Low-E Coatings?

Low-E coatings are not all identical.

Some are designed to allow more solar heat into the home, while others are intended to block a greater amount of it. The appropriate choice can depend on climate, window orientation, shading, and how the room is used.

Your new windows contractor in New London, Wisconsin can help you compare glass packages instead of assuming the same coating is ideal for every window in your house.

Can Low-E Glass Help Protect Furniture and Flooring?

It can help reduce exposure to ultraviolet light.

UV radiation can contribute to fading in flooring, furniture, artwork, fabrics, and other interior materials over time. Low-E coatings can reduce a portion of the UV energy passing through the glass.

No window eliminates all fading, since visible light, heat, and other factors also play a role, but Low-E glass can provide additional protection.

Are Low-E Windows Useful in Wisconsin?

Yes.

Wisconsin homes experience both cold winters and warm, sunny periods, so windows need to perform across changing seasonal conditions. Low-E glass can help manage heat transfer in both directions when the coating is matched appropriately to the home.

For homeowners in New London, Wisconsin, the best glass package may also vary by window orientation. A south-facing window can have different solar exposure than one facing north or shaded by nearby trees.

How Should I Compare Low-E Window Options?

Look at the performance of the complete window.

U-factor helps indicate resistance to heat transfer, while solar heat gain coefficient measures how much solar heat enters through the window. Visible transmittance provides information about how much visible light passes through the glass.

At WASCO Windows, we help homeowners compare Low-E coatings, insulated glass packages, and window performance ratings based on the needs of the home and Wisconsin weather.

Looking for a New Windows Contractor in New London, Wisconsin?

Low-E windows use specialized glass coatings to help manage radiant heat while allowing natural light into the home. A professional new windows contractor in New London, Wisconsin can help you compare coatings, glass packages, and performance ratings to determine which options make sense for your home.

At WASCO Windows, we offer window options designed for the changing demands of Wisconsin's climate. Contact us to discuss your home's comfort goals and learn more about Low-E glass options.