Why Window Film is Better Than Low-E Glass For Austin Homes
With the heat of this summer air conditioning is simply not powerful enough to keep Austin homes cool. As it were, the actual source of heat leaching into homes during the summer is the windows. This is where solar heat comes in unchecked and forcing you to pay to cool. There are two common solutions to this issue: window tinting or window replacement with Low-E glass. If you are wondering which one is better for your home–read below and find out.
Window Film Costs Less Than Low-E Glass
It will cost you about $40 and $55 per square foot to have dual-pane windows removed and replaced with Low-E glass. This is based on RSMeans data. Low-E and spectrally selective window tinting cost about $9-$30–the more making it a more cost-effective option.
Window Film is Easier to Install
New windows are incredibly labor-intensive to install and can take weeks to install. Existing windows first need to be removed and sometimes custom windows need to be created for irregular sizes. Window film, on the other hand, only takes about a day to install on nearly any size Austin home.
Window Film Has Many Other Benefits
Low-E windows and glass both work well to cut down on solar heat gain, It also helps a little with glare. But, that is about it. Window tinting works just as well to lower solar heat gain and keep your home cooler but also comes with other benefits. It cuts down on glare, blocks UV rays, and allows you a bit more privacy for your home too.
Although Low-E windows may be marginally more effective on battling solar heat gain–they are not usually the best choice for most homeowners who want to reduce heating bills and have a quick ROI.
For more information on Low-E and spectrally selective window film, reach out to us today at Scottish Window Tinting in Austin today!
