Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

Windows are a big part of your home’s energy efficiency (or lack thereof). In the winter, they can let 30% of your heat out, and in the summer, they can let unwanted heat in, forcing you to turn up the air conditioning. This is why Low-E, or low-emittance, windows are a good idea. They’re coated with a microscopic layer that reduces solar heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. This coating increases the R-value of the glass from R1.9 for plain double-glazed windows to R-3 (R-values refer to how well a material insulates your home). This extra layer helps keep your house a comfortable temperature, year around. Low-E windows typically cost 10%-15% more than regular windows, but you’ll recoup your investment in the form of lower energy bills.

Source: May/June 2006 issue of Smart HomeOwner