Low E Window Replacements – Saving Money for Years to come
Have you ever thought about how important your windows are in your home? Windows are more than a simple way to view the world from the comfort of your home. Natural lighting, controlling airflow, great views, are some of the properties of your window’s job but there is another, ultimately more crucial role they play, insulating your home for energy efficiency. Differing window types can cost more money than you realize, while others can save you thousands.
Since 2002, Remodeling Magazine has produced the Cost vs. Value report. This report combines project cost estimates from remodelers, builders, and homeowners with resale value estimates from realtors. Nationally the average window replacement project will cost between $16,000 to $20,000 depending upon the type and amount of windows applied (either wood or vinyl) and established that this increased the resale value of a home by $11,800 to $13,500 or 69.5% to 74.3% return on the investment (ROI) and this does not include the energy (operational) savings you will capture on your utility bills. By comparison, a major upscale Kitchen remodel will provide a 53.5% ROI and does not necessarily provide an operational savings. Therefore, one of the best ways to improve your home is to determine if you have efficient windows.
In today’s world, we are lucky to have the choices we do when it comes to windows. Float Glass, Laminated Glass, Obscured Glass, Tempered Glass, Insulated Glass are the most common types of glass when it comes to windows, however have you heard of Low E Glass yet? If not, you may want to.
What is Low-E Glass? How does it work?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your windowpanes, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. The coating is even thinner than human hair! The Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside. Low emissivity glass that reduces the transfer of infrared rays into, and out of, your home. Keep the heat out in the summer, and warmth in during the winters. On average, houses lose about 35% of their heat through their windows, more if you only have single pane windows that are not insulated. This is paying to heat and cool your home for longer to reach your desired temperature. Low E glass will not only save you money on your heating and cooling bills for years to come, but it will also save the wear and tear on your HVAC units as well.
There are two types of Low-E glass available, a soft and hard coating. Depending on where you live, will determine which coating would be best suited for your home. The soft-coat has lower emissivity and superior solar control performance. This coating offers the highest performing solar control. Whereas the hard-coat is applied to the glass ribbon while it is being produced on the float line, which causes the coating to “fuse” to the hot glass surface. This fusion creates a strong bond, or “hard-coat,” that is very durable.
Which coating is best for my home?
Interested in upgrading your windows but not sure which type of Low-E glass is the way to go? There are a multitude of factors to consider for your home, but none are more important than what climate you live in. For homes in colder climates, the hard-coating would be best. This coating would allow for more infrared rays to enter your home and allow the sun to help heat your home during those cold days. Helping heat your home and reflecting the interior heat back inside, saving you money on your heating bill and less wear on your central heating system. For homes in the more moderate climates, which is where Purcellville is, it would be more likely to use the soft-coating, since the soft-coat offers better UV protection. The soft-coat Low-E coating also reflects the temperate air back into your home instead of allowing it to seep outside through your windows. Low-E glass may already be in your home, if your home was built in the past decade, you may be in luck. There are ways to tell if you do, by holding a flickering light source up to your window, if you see four reflections with one being a different color, congratulations, you already have Low-E windows.
What are my options and where can I get more information?
Good news, you can get Low-E windows installed easily into your own home. You can upgrade your windows to even match your existing style, or remodel into custom windows for that extra showroom finish. With options to remodel with custom windows and doors, you can ensure that your new windows are both pleasing aesthetically to your eye, and monetarily on your wallet. Get a quote today and see how Low-E glass can save you money on your energy bill!
Need further help with questions about window types and installation? Give C2 Operations a call at (703) 651-6677 and check us out online at c2operations.com. C2 Operations offers professional exterior services throughout Loudoun County, Clarke County and Winchester, VA. We strive to earn referrals while exceeding our customer’s expectations. We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at a price that you can afford. C2 offers door and window installation and replacement for residential and commercial properties. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and see how we can save you money on your heating and cooling bills this year.
Article published by Dr. Jennifer Kaufman Walker in Neighbors of Western Loudoun Magazine.