Low-e Glass Windows

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Low-e Window Basics

Low-e glass windows come pretty standard on most replacement windows today. Low-e stands for low emissivity and the glass basically does one of two things. It either lets heat pass through the glass or prevents it from entering. The right low-e glass for your replacement windows will be based primarily on where you live and the climate, as well as what you are willing to spend.

Article By Tommy - Site Editor - Publish Date: October 24, 2014
Last Update: October 29, 2025

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Introduction
Low-e Window Options
Low e Window Prices
Hot Climates
Cold Climates
Low-e Glass Windows Reviews

Low-e Glass Options

There are three types of low-e glass; low-e, low-e2 and low-e3. The higher the number, the darker the tint on the window. The darker the tint on the window, the more UV rays and heat are refelected and therefore don't enter the home. This has an obvious impact on the overal energy efficiency of the windows. The higher the number, the more expensive the cost of each window.

Low e Window Prices

The cheapest replacement window option is clear glass, which has no tint to it. Low-e glass will add $50 on average to the cost of each window you purchase. An upgrade from low-e to low-e2 will add $25 on average and to go from low-e2 to low-e3 you can expect to add another $25 per window.

Hot Climates

In hot climates such as Texas, Florida or Arizona, homeowners may want to consider a low-e glass with a soft coat that would help reflect as much heat and UV rays as possible.

Cold Climates

Low-e glass is perhaps just as important in cold cimates where preventing heat from escaping the home is the important goal. All home window glass has a SHGC or solar heat gain coefficient that must be the right number to maximize heat gain or loss.

Low-e Glass Windows Reviews

Below are low-e glass window reviews, as well as consumer questions and answers. If you have a question this window glass that we can help answer, please get in touch with us.

Tommy - Site Editor

Windows At Altitude

I have been looking at windows/sliding door replacements for over a month now. I really like the Anlin after watching their manufacturing process. My hesitation is due to my altitude. They would have to be shipped with the tubes for pressure and I don’t know how I would verify that the tubes were sealed properly after the pressure equalization. Installers seemed to think that they didn’t need to do anything to them, yet my understanding is that moisture could get in if not sealed (info direct from Anlin).

With the Denver area building boom, quality installers are extremely busy, and I’m sure can work on larger jobs, leaving less-qualified installers to fill in. I was told EVERYONE subs out this type of work. Anlin Windows only sells through one company in the Denver area and one company in Colorado Springs (~80 miles away). The one in Denver seems good- just a couple of complaints, but I don’t know if they will be around in a few years.

Would you recommend replacements from a manufacturer that is already at altitude - Amerimax and Milgard? Have you heard of problems with Anlin due to altitude? What does the altitude do to low-e glass? Thank you!

Karen - Homeowner - from 2024

[Website Editor Reply]

Karen, I get this question of altitude about once every year and I always muddle together an answer based on anecdotal evidence as opposed to real live experience. I don't live above 6000 feet (nothing like that) and have never dealt with the issue first hand. I know that if the tubes are done right, there shouldn't be any issues. I agree with you that Anlin is the better manufacturer than Milgard or Amerimax, although I do like the Amerimax Aristocrat casements that I've seen and the reviews associated with them.

Anlin has only relatively recently expanded their operation, but I would say they are a very solid company. I understand your concern and I'm not sure I have a definitive answer for you. I would probably rely on the Anlin Denver dealer's opinion on the quality and reliability of the tubes. Or go with the best Amerimax window I could find. I think that would be the two options I'd consider. Perhaps the deciding factor would be the history and reviews on the company doing the actual install.

Tommy - Site Editor - from 2024

Phoenix Arizona Options

I came across your site and I found a list of energy efficient windows for the Phoenix, Arizona area that are better with our summer heat. Based on the list from the Efficient Windows Collaborative, is there one company that you would recommend over another?

We have 17 windows to replace and we would prefer the most energy efficient, but still at a manageable cost. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to render. Kind regards.

Sue - Homeowner - from 2018

[Website Editor Reply]

Sue, I took a look at the website you mentioned, but it seemed to includes lots of brands that I don't think are actually available in your area. I might be wrong about this but it seemed like a big long list of window brands, but not really specific to any area. For Phoenix, I usually recommend Milgard, Amerimax, Anlin, a high end Simonton, or a Marvin.

Aluminum windows are definitely in play because of the hot climate -- Don Young might be available and they make a great aluminum window and a good vinyl window. Let me know what you find and feel free to send me your bids when you collect them and I'll give you my two cents! All The Best.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2018

[Sue's Response]

Hello Dane, thank you so much for your reply. I looked up all 17 of the manufacturers of the double-glazed, low solar gain, low-E glass, argon non-metal, improved windows listed on that site. We wanted to stay away from Aluminum frames as they conduct a great deal of heat (or so we were told) and as that is what we currently have. Also, I saw reviews for both Alpine and Alside - both by Associated Materials and reviews were negative. Same for American Exteriors and Atrium Windows.

I found that many companies don't have dealers in our area -- such as NT Windows. Also, I did reach out to them via email as they were listed on all three of the top energy efficient listings. Disappointing. There were at least five other companies that are not in our area too.

Jeld-Wen does have distributors who order from them and install replacement windows as does Renewal by Anderson. We had an Andersen Renewal cost which was outrageous. Do you have any opinions about either of these companies?

I didn't see any of the companies you listed on the energy efficient manufactures listing. Thoughts? Further suggestions? We have a local window replacement company who orders for Jeld-Wen coming on Friday to give us an estimate. Will keep you posted. Thanks so much! Kind Regards.

Sue - Homeowner - from 2018

[Website Editor Reply]

Sue, in all honesty Jeld Wen makes great doors, but not very good vinyl windows. They pale in comparison to the three recommendations I made. I'm really not sure what this energy efficient manufactures listing is, but I wouldn't put much stock in it. Renewal By Andersen bids are always quite high and honestly not worth the expense. The Anlin Del Mar window with a low e glass is going to be just as energy efficient as the Renewal composite frame.

If there were better and more efficient window manufacturers than Milgard, Anlin, and Amerimax on the West Coast, I don't know what they are. Each of these companies offers several window series. I would suggest going with the mid range or premium models, along with a nice low-e glass. Ask all three of them if they offer foam filled frame upgrades or a reinforced sash rail upgrade on their single or double hungs. This is going to get you the most energy efficient window and I would hope you could get it close to the $700 per window price.

Dane - Website Editor - from 2018