Low-e replacement windows

Parent Cafe
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<p>We need new windows. While of course we’d like them to be energy efficient, I am concerned about the reduction in visible transmittance (VT) with the low-e coatings vs. our older panes. The new windows aren’t technically tinted, but sure look that way–especially the ones that meet the new Energy Star guidelines to be released in January 2013. I’ve read that people tend to not mind the darker color once they’re actually installed, but I’m afraid of my house losing its brightness. I am affected by SAD during the fall and early winter, and most certainly do not want a gloomier interior.</p>

<p>Then there’s the confusing balance between reducing winter heat loss from the inside to the exterior, while maintaining the desired level of heat gain from the sun. We live right on the line between north and north central zones as defined by the National Fenestration Council. Every rep. has given us a slightly different pitch about what would be best for us, and none really talked about the light transmission issue. We should have asked, but just figured that out now when I started researching possible light loss.</p>

<p>Can anyone tell me their experience with the new silver or tin oxide coated windows?</p>

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<p>I am replying because we just bought several new french doors and opted for low E glass, but I don’t think my experience will help you, because we have so much un-curtained glass at the back of our house that we had paid extra for tinted coatings to be applied to the old glass. So the new low-E glass is no darker than the old stuff we replaced. It is too early to tell if we are saving on energy. I doubt we will ever know for sure.</p>

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<p>The heat loss (transfer) will help summer and winter. If you loose heat gain from light during the winter, you also do not get heat gain in the summer from light.</p>