What is Low E and how does it work?

Impact glass tints come in a variety of colors and opacity levels.  The main purpose of tint is to provide homeowners privacy and/or reduce the amount of light that enters through the glass.  The use of tint will help keep a home cooler as the tint absorbs heat, but regular tint has its limitations.  When it comes to energy-efficient there is one tint stands apart from the others – Low E. 

But what is Low E? 

Low E is a microscopically thin, highly reflective coating that reflects long-wave infrared energy (aka heat waves) and ultraviolet waves.  In layman’s terms, Low E blocks the heat waves while allowing the light waves to shine through, making it a popular choice for homeowners in hot, sunny climates.  The Low E coating is applied to laminated glass during the manufacturing process and can be used alone or combined with another tint, as well as with insulated glass. 

Using Low E helps with energy efficiency by allowing HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to work less to maintain a constant temperature.  Additionally, Low E helps reduce the amount of UV rays entering a home, which helps to prevent furniture and fabrics from fading.  Due to the reflective nature of Low E, homeowners also enjoy added privacy during the day as the exterior of the glass has a slight mirror finish.

 See Low E in action: