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How do I know if I have Low-E windows?
How Can Homeowners Tell if Their Windows Have Low-E Glass? Hold a lit match or a pen light up in front of the window. If the window contains low-e glass, one of the images will be a different color than the rest of the images. If the window does not have low-e glass, the four reflected images will be the same color.
Which side of window is Low-E?
For single pane windows it is recommended the low-e coating is always placed on the inside facing surface. Low-e coatings are sensitive to weather and pollutants making it difficult to clean without damaging the surface.
What is Low-E Argon window?
Low E or low emissivity coating is a unique microscopic glaze that helps minimize the amount of ultraviolet, infrared and visible light from penetrating the glass keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Another benefit of Low E & Argon Gas windows is the ability to control solar heat gain.
How long do Low-E windows last?
Low-emittance or low-e window film is very durable and will last for years. Its average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, which will vary depending on climate and whether you use it mainly on the outside of your windows, where it is exposed to the elements.
Why do Low-E windows look green?
Building code requires that replacement windows include Low-E glass, which is very efficient at blocking solar heat and reducing damage from UV light. Unfortunately, Low-E glass provides a blue/green coloration to the glass that many homeowners find unattractive. Low-e stands for low emissivity.
How long does argon gas last in windows?
The National Glass Association states that an argon-filled window won’t experience any performance losses so long as it retains at least 80 percent of its gas. That means that, even at the maximum leakage rate, an argon window could last you 20 years before needing to be refilled.
How do you test for argon?
How to Test Argon-Filled Windows Place the operating end of an argon analyzer against an argon-filled window’s glass. Turn on the argon analyzer. Interpret the result that appears on the argon analyzer’s display screen.
Why do they put argon gas in windows?
Argon is a versatile gas to use in every window pane for two reasons. The first is because it can be used in any window no matter what climate the area has. This means that whether you live in a rainy place or an area that sees more than its fair share of sunlight, argon gas can help keep your home energy efficient.
Do Low-E windows have a tint?
Low-E is a window coating that is completely transparent. It’s not the same as tinted glass, which blocks out light but doesn’t reduce heat transfer. So, if you opt to add a low-E coating to your replacement windows, you won’t sacrifice visibility for energy efficiency.
Are there different types of Low-E glass?
There are two types of Low-E glass: hard coat and soft coat. As you might imagine, they have different properties. In fact, they actually look different. Hard coat Low-E glass is manufactured by pouring a thin layer of molten tin onto a sheet of glass while the glass is still slightly molten.
Do all Low-E windows have a green tint?
Are There Color Options for Low-E Glass Coatings? It is important to understand that Low-E coatings are not the same and should not be used in conjunction with a window tint treatment because it might result in slight discoloration. However, it may have a minor, often unnoticeable, reflective and slightly green tint.
How much more expensive is low-e glass?
Low-e window film can be installed in most commercial spaces for between $5 and $8 per square foot. Some recently introduced high visible light transmission low-e films (70% visible transmission) are more expensive, with installed costs of $12 to $15 per square foot.
Do low-e windows have gas?
While Low-E windows are coated with a material to reflect rays, the important part of argon gas windows is actually between two panes of glass. Argon gas windows have either two or three panes with a sealed space in between. It’s possible to have windows that are both Low-E glass and filled with argon gas.
Is it worth getting argon filled windows?
It is generally not a good investment to replace windows just for energy-efficiency purposes. Argon, for instance, typically increases the insulating R-value of a window by only half a point. (Insulated-glass windows, also called double-pane glass, typically have an R-value of around 2.0 to 3.0.
Does Low E glass scratch easily?
The coating is actually very difficult to scratch and is harder than the glass. For example, if you scratch the coating with a coin, it is the metal from the coin you see deposited on the glass surface itself rather than a scratch.
Does Low E windows keep heat out?
No! Low-e glass blocks excessive heat and UV rays that can harm plants, as well as providing extra insulation during cold weather.
Is Low E 366 worth it?
The ultimate performance glass, Low-E 366 provides the highest levels of year-round comfort and greatest energy savings. Its patented coating offers an ideal balance of solar control and high visibility. Blocking up to 95% of the sun’s damaging rays, Low-E 366 glass sets a new standard in energy performance.
