How Energy Efficient Windows (or Coverings) Can Save You Money
Your home’s windows can be a major source of heat loss in the winter and absorb heat from sunlight during the warmer months. While using curtains and shades can help reduce heat transfer from your windows, there are times when you want to open them and let in the light. When you do this, there is a type of window and covering that can prevent heat from transferring through your window. windows that do not block the view: Low-E windows.
What are energy-saving windows?
Low-E windows are made of glass with a microscopic metal coating that is barely noticeable. You probably won’t notice the coating because it doesn’t make much of a difference to the appearance of your windows, but it does insulate the windows from heat transfer by reflecting ultraviolet and infrared light. Low-E coating narrows the wavelengths of light that can pass through your windows, reducing the wavelengths of light that transfer the most heat through the glass. By preventing heat from being absorbed through windows, Low-E glass can keep the inside of your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Windows with Low-E coating can reduce heat transfer by 70%. This means that one of the largest sources of energy costs for temperature control can be reduced by 70% with a low-e coating. Low-E windows can save 12% to 33% energy by providing reflective insulation. Depending on where you live, this could amount to annual savings of $70 to $500. While the initial investment for Low-E windows may be 10 to 15% more than conventional windows, the savings can be worth it if you live in an area with higher energy costs or where your HVAC system runs year-round.
Because Low-E coatings reflect ultraviolet light, Low-E windows can prevent sunlight from damaging carpets, artwork, and furniture. Reducing UV exposure can also help prevent discoloration of hardwood floors and woodwork. Some types of plastic can also be damaged by UV rays, so adding a Low-E coating can save you money on replacing or repairing furniture, flooring and textiles by preventing this damage.
DIY Low-E coating compared to new windows
Low-E windows can come with either a pre-coated coating from the manufacturer, or an electrical barrier film can be applied on site by the homeowner. Making your own window film can be time-consuming, and as with any window film, it can be difficult to do correctly. The benefit of the DIY approach is that you can apply it to existing windows for about $1.44 per square foot, or about $9 per window. DIY Low-E window coverings will last 10 to 15 years if installed correctly. Although new windows with Low-E coating are significantly more expensive than film, if you have older windows, they may be worth the cost to seal leaks and cracks that film won’t fix.
Unlike other types of spectrum-selective window coverings that can frost or tint windows, Low-E windows do not require visible tinting. Although there may be very little tint in some cases, for the most part the coverage is invisible. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of natural sunlight, as well as excellent views, while keeping heat gain to a minimum and reducing your home’s energy bills.