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Energy November 2026
Low-E Glass, U-Factor and SHGC Explained
Low-E glass has an invisible coating that reflects heat while letting light through. On the window label, a lower U-factor means less heat loss and a lower SHGC means less solar heat coming in. In sunny South OC, low SHGC glass on west- and south-facing windows keeps rooms noticeably cooler.
Reading a window label
| Rating | What it means | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| U-factor | Heat loss | Lower is better |
| SHGC | Solar heat gain | Lower for sunny walls |
| Visible transmittance | Daylight | Higher is brighter |
| Condensation resistance | Resistance to fogging | Higher is better |
Glass options we recommend
- Standard low-E dual-pane for most windows
- Solar-control low-E for west and south exposures
- Laminated glass for noise and security
- Tempered glass where code requires it
Updated November 2026 · typical installed price ranges, not quotes.
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