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low-e vs clear glass windows in hot areas, what if you had to pick?

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Posts: 13
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(@swoof99)
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Been thinking about this lately... say you're building or renovating a house somewhere super hot, like Arizona or Texas. You gotta choose between low-e glass or regular clear glass for your windows. I've heard low-e glass helps block heat, but some people say clear glass is fine if you have good shading or curtains. Um, if you had to pick one and stick with it, which would you choose and why? Curious how others see this.

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(@charlesgolfplayer)
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"some people say clear glass is fine if you have good shading or curtains."

Honestly, curtains and shading only go so far. I've lived in Texas for years, and low-e glass made a noticeable difference in comfort and energy bills. I'd pick it again without hesitation...

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Posts: 8
(@charlierunner)
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I used to think curtains were enough too, until we swapped out our old clear glass windows for low-e ones a couple summers ago. We're in Arizona, and the difference was pretty surprising—rooms stayed cooler longer, and our AC didn't have to kick on nearly as often. Curtains help, sure, but they're more like a band-aid compared to the actual insulation low-e glass provides. Definitely worth considering if you're dealing with serious heat...

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riverbeekeeper
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(@riverbeekeeper)
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"Curtains help, sure, but they're more like a band-aid compared to the actual insulation low-e glass provides."

Yeah, totally agree. We had clear glass windows in our place down in Texas for years, and summers were brutal. Thought heavy curtains would do the trick—didn't really cut it. Finally bit the bullet and switched to low-e glass last year. Honestly, wish we'd done it sooner. AC runs less often now, and rooms don't feel like ovens by mid-afternoon anymore. Curtains are fine if you're just dealing with mild heat, but when it's 100+ degrees outside day after day... low-e windows make a noticeable difference.

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Posts: 13
Topic starter
(@swoof99)
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Yeah, curtains can only do so much. I've installed both types of windows in plenty of homes around Phoenix, and honestly, low-e glass usually pays off in the long run. Sure, good shading helps too, but when it's triple-digit heat for months on end, you need something more substantial. Seen homeowners regret sticking with clear glass pretty often—especially once those summer electric bills start rolling in.

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spirituality812
Posts: 10
(@spirituality812)
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I get your point, but honestly, after crunching some numbers, I'm not totally convinced low-e is always worth the extra upfront cost. Good insulation and strategic landscaping can make a huge difference too... might be enough to balance things out without breaking the bank.

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animation_finn
Posts: 23
(@animation_finn)
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"Good insulation and strategic landscaping can make a huge difference too... might be enough to balance things out without breaking the bank."

Fair point, but speaking from sweaty experience here—when it's 100+ degrees outside, every little bit counts. Landscaping helps, sure, but trees take years to grow... meanwhile, my AC bill's climbing faster than my blood pressure in traffic. Low-e saved me some grief there.

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Posts: 34
(@josephfrost990)
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You're right, landscaping and insulation definitely help, but the struggle is real when you're waiting for those trees to mature. I remember planting shade trees thinking they'd make a quick difference... turns out "quick" means several summers of waiting and watering! In the meantime, tackling window efficiency can give you immediate relief. Low-e windows were a game changer for me too—felt like my AC finally got a fighting chance. But don't get discouraged about your landscaping efforts; each year you'll notice a bit more shade and cooler spots around the house. Keep at it, because eventually those trees will pay off big-time. Until then, every little upgrade counts toward keeping your sanity (and wallet) intact during those scorching months.

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finance_finn
Posts: 8
(@finance_finn)
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Low-e windows definitely help, but I've had clients mention they miss the brighter natural light from clear glass. Anyone else notice a difference in indoor brightness after switching to low-e? Curious if that's been an issue for others...

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Posts: 14
(@foodie88)
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"Low-e windows definitely help, but I've had clients mention they miss the brighter natural light from clear glass."

Yeah, I've noticed the same thing after swapping out my old clear glass windows for low-e. The difference isn't huge, but it's noticeable enough that my living room feels a bit dimmer, especially on cloudy days. On the bright side (pun intended), my AC bill dropped noticeably, so that's a trade-off I'm willing to accept. Still, if you're someone who thrives on bright, cheerful interiors, it might bug you a bit...

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