Low-E window systems have gained popularity in recent years. While these systems do a great job in some situations, they are not the complete answer to most homeowners’ needs.

What is a low-e window?

“Low-E” stands for “low emissivity.” Emissivity is a measure of a surface’s ability to absorb or reflect far-infrared radiation. The lower the emissivity value, the higher the far-infrared reflection. Infrared radiation is that which is sensed by the body as heat. The sun’s rays contain ultra-violet, visible, and near-infrared radiation. Low-E windows transmit almost all of this radiation from the sun but reflect longer, far-infrared wavelengths. Far-infrared radiation is radiated from objects (both inside and outside the home) that have been heated by the original radiation from the sun or heated in other ways.

Do low-e windows protect me from UV damage?

Many homeowners believe they have adequate UV protection with low-e windows. While it is true that low-e windows do perform better than standard windows, the amount of UV radiation transmitted is still many times that of windows retrofitted with solar control film. There are other causes of fading to consider, click here to read more.

Will ABC Sun Control Solar Films work on my Low-E windows?

Today, almost all low-e windows are dual pane systems where the coating is on surface 2 or 3 (inside the air gap) of the window. Filming these windows will not ruin their low-e properties.

ABC Sun Control solar window film on a low-e window is perhaps the best complete protection available. The window will provide heat loss reduction, and the film will significantly reduce the solar heat gain. In addition, the film will provide glare reduction and block 99.9% of damaging UV rays.