Using Low-E glass to manage heat transfer in your home

by Marsha Charles 12/16/2024

Adding window film or special energy-efficient glass is an excellent way to reduce your monthly utility bill and regulate your home temperature. Both ultraviolet and infrared light may have a big impact on your energy bill, but with low emissivity, or low-E upgrades, you can enjoy notable energy savings.

Here is a basic guide to increasing your energy efficiency with low-E options:

What is low-E film?

Low-E window films decrease the amount of UV and infrared rays that pass through your windows. This film regulates the light and temperature of a space while still allowing natural light to shine through.

Low-E glass vs. low-E window film

Low-E glass can save you money. As it reduces UV rays entering the home, it also starts reducing your energy bill. Low-E film is a cheaper alternative, which can be a great project for DIY lovers. Low-E film will add an extra layer of protection in addition to what newer windows already provide. 

Low-E film for different climates

If you live in a colder climate, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of your glass or film should be higher. SHGC is the amount of solar radiation that can permeate through a window. 

Installing low-E film or windows allows you and your household to enjoy outside light without extra UV rays. Not only will they regulate the heat of your space, they’ll help you save energy.

About the Author
Author

Marsha Charles

Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018. 

I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.  

Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022. 

Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.