Understanding Low-E Energy-Efficient Window Coatings

Southwest Florida may be known as hurricane territory, but excessive heat and scorching sunshine are also formidable climate challenges. Fortunately, you can protect your Punta Gorda home from all three by simply adding low-e energy-efficient coatings to your hurricane-impact windows.

The Science of Low-Emissivity Window Coatings

Ordinary windows may keep out wind and rain and pests, but they aren’t much help when it comes to keeping you comfortable. That’s because they have a very high emissivity, which measures how effectively materials radiate heat energy. High-emissivity windows readily transmit this energy, allowing heat to invade your home in the summer and leak out in the winter. To solve this problem, low-e windows incorporate ultra-thin coatings of silver and other materials. These coatings selectively reflect the infrared radiation that we feel as heat without blocking visible light. While conventional windows have an emissivity of around 0.84, low-e coatings can reach as low as 0.02.

Invest in Comfort and Savings With Low-E Windows

Despite a slightly higher initial cost, windows treated with low-emissivity coatings are an excellent investment for local homeowners. In fact, by minimizing solar heat gain and radiant heat loss, they can improve your home’s energy efficiency by 30% or more. Not only can this provide year-round savings on utility costs, but it can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system for years to come.

Which Low-E Coating Is Right for You?

All low-emissivity windows reduce heat transfer, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. There are several types of low-e treatments, but the most common variations are double-silver and triple-silver coatings. Triple-silver coatings deliver higher efficiency and performance, including greater protection against damaging UV rays. However, this comes at the cost of transmitting less visible light. Be sure to consult with your local window replacement pros to determine which coating options are best for your home.

For the finest in safety, comfort, and efficiency in Punta Gorda, FL, call the experts at Absolute Window LLC. We offer professional window installation services featuring the latest hurricane impact products and a variety of low-e energy efficient coatings.