I'm convinced Florida sun is a living entity that wants to get into our houses. These windows are like our force-field shields. Shields up!
Can confirm, new windows helped me sleep in on Saturday mornings. My east-facing bedroom used to get blinding light and heat at sunrise, now it's not an issue. Best investment ever.
Quick question to all: any special maintenance for Low-E windows? Can I clean them like normal glass? I assume yes, but I don't want to accidentally scratch any coating.
Regarding cleaning: Low-E coatings are usually on the inside of the double-pane (not exposed), so you can clean the glass like normal. Just use a regular glass cleaner or vinegar-water and a soft cloth. Avoid anything abrasive or ammonia on the frames (vinyl or aluminum) and don't use a razor blade on the glass, and you'll be fine. I've had Low-E windows for years and just clean them the same as any window.
Random fact: I was worried Low-E coatings might interfere with our Wi-Fi or cellular (since it's a metallic coating), but we haven't noticed any difference at all. Signal is fine. So no worries there, in case anyone else was curious about that.
My thanks to everyone here as well. Because of threads like this, I felt confident to invest in good windows. Now I'm looking forward to a more comfortable summer and saving a bit on bills too. Stay cool, neighbors!
A note on impact windows: we had a tropical storm roll through last year and I was so relieved to have impact glass. Didn't have to put up shutters, and just watched the storm from inside comfortably. So aside from energy efficiency, the peace of mind is real.
Regarding cost breakdown: Thank you for the detailed info! That helps a ton. I'm definitely going to get a few quotes and maybe do it in stages if needed. Feeling more optimistic now that I know others found it worth the $$ and there are financing options.
To the DIY folks: appreciate the info! You probably saved me from a potential headache. I'll focus on finding a good installer now rather than DIY. Sometimes knowing when not to DIY is the real wisdom. Thanks guys.
Regarding brands: Awesome, that's exactly what I needed to know. Sounds like I'll stick with the Florida-specific brands. Thanks for the insight!