The right windows and doors can help make a home feel great, last longer, and operate more efficiently. But to choose well, it’s important to understand the role of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings, including how they work, the benefits they provide, and the options available to achieve the right level of performance. Consider this your primer.  

Low-E glass is window and door glass with microscopic, generally transparent coatings (Low-E coatings) that help to improve energy efficiency. These coatings can help block the sun’s heat in summer and prevent heat from escaping in winter. Whatever your climate demands — heating, cooling, or both — there are Low-E coatings available to help improve energy performance. Low-E coatings are widely available across the window and door industry, but not every company offers the option to add Low-E coatings standard with all their products, as we do.  

Low-E glass helps make a home feel more comfortable and improve its efficiency. Certain Low-E coatings can also help reduce fading to flooring, fabrics, and other interior surfaces by reducing the amount of UV light that transmits through the glass. While reducing unwanted temperature fluctuations and UV rays, Low-E glass still allows in the light. Finally, Low-E glass can help windows and doors achieve the level of performance prescribed by code and by voluntary programs, like ENERGY STAR®.