I've run into this issue a lot with homeowners. Low-e windows are great for energy efficiency, especially in hot climates, but yeah, they do cut down on visible light transmission a bit. If the dimmer interior bothers you, one workaround is to be selective about where you install them. For instance, put low-e glass on south- or west-facing windows that get blasted by afternoon sun and heat, and keep clear glass on north- or east-facing sides where direct sunlight isn't as intense.
Another option is choosing a low-e coating with higher visible transmittance (VT). Not all low-e coatings are the same—some let in more natural light while still blocking heat effectively. It can cost a bit more, but might be worth it if brightness really matters to you.
Personally, I've found most people adjust pretty quickly to the slightly dimmer feel, especially once they notice the comfort and energy savings. But if you're someone who really values bright interiors, mixing window types or carefully selecting your coatings can help strike a balance.
- Good points, but honestly, I've had mixed feelings about low-e windows.
- Installed them on my west-facing side, and yeah, the energy savings are noticeable, but the dimness took some getting used to.
- Wish I'd known about the higher VT coatings earlier—might've been worth the extra cash.
- If I had to do it again, I'd probably mix clear glass on the north side for brightness and low-e everywhere else... hindsight's 20/20, right?
I get what you're saying about the dimness—took me a while to adjust too. But honestly, after living through some brutal summers, I'd still lean toward low-e glass everywhere, even on the north side. Clear glass might brighten things up, but it also lets in more heat than you'd think... learned that the hard way at my last place. Maybe adding skylights or interior lighting tweaks could balance out brightness without sacrificing efficiency? Just a thought.
"Maybe adding skylights or interior lighting tweaks could balance out brightness without sacrificing efficiency?"
Skylights can definitely help, but honestly, they're a bit of a mixed bag in hot climates. I've seen plenty of cases where homeowners added skylights to offset dimness from low-e glass, only to end up with unexpected heat gain issues. Even the best skylights tend to let in more heat than vertical windows because of their angle and exposure. Plus, installation quality and placement matter a lot—get it wrong, and you're dealing with glare or hotspots inside.
If brightness is a big deal for you, I'd actually suggest considering clear glass selectively on north-facing windows. The heat gain there is minimal compared to other orientations, and you won't sacrifice too much efficiency. You could still stick with low-e everywhere else. Another option could be strategic shading devices or adjustable window treatments—lets you control brightness without permanently compromising efficiency.
Just my two cents based on experience... every home is different, so it's worth weighing all the factors carefully before committing.
Skylights can be tricky for sure. Had a client last year who insisted on adding two large skylights to brighten up their living room. Looked great at first, but come July, they were calling me back to figure out how to deal with the heat buildup. Ended up installing shades and reflective films—kind of defeated the original purpose. North-facing clear glass or adjustable shading might save you some headaches down the road...
Yeah, skylights are definitely one of those things that sound great until reality kicks in. Had a similar experience a couple years back—client wanted a big skylight right over their kitchen island. Looked amazing, tons of natural light, but man, cooking dinner in August felt like standing under a magnifying glass. We ended up swapping out the clear glass for low-e glazing, and it made a noticeable difference. Still bright enough, but way less heat coming through.
If you're in a hot climate and have to pick, I'd lean toward low-e glass every time. Clear glass might seem appealing for maximum brightness, but the trade-off in comfort (and AC bills) just isn't worth it. Adjustable shading is nice too, but honestly, most folks forget to use them until they're already roasting...
"Adjustable shading is nice too, but honestly, most folks forget to use them until they're already roasting..."
True, but automated shades changed the game for us. Set them once, and they adjust themselves—no more surprise kitchen saunas. Low-e is great, but clear glass + smart shading can work surprisingly well.
Yeah, automated shades do make sense, especially if you're forgetful (like me). But honestly, after years of dealing with brutal summers, I've found there's always something that can glitch out or break down—usually right when you need it most. Had a buddy whose smart shades got stuck halfway down during a heatwave... talk about bad timing.
Low-e windows might not be as flexible as adjustable shading, but they're pretty much set-and-forget. No motors, no sensors, nothing to malfunction. I swapped out the windows on our west-facing rooms a few years back and noticed a real difference. Clear glass plus shading can definitely work—I won't deny that—but if you're looking for simplicity and reliability, low-e is hard to beat.
I guess it comes down to how much you trust tech solutions versus passive ones. For me personally, fewer moving parts means fewer headaches in the long run.
I've been leaning toward low-e myself, mostly because I prefer solutions that don't need constant babysitting. But one thing I've wondered about is glare—does low-e glass help much with that? Our living room faces southwest, and even with decent shading, the afternoon glare can get pretty intense. Curious if anyone's noticed a difference in comfort beyond just temperature control...
Yeah, glare's definitely less harsh with low-e, at least from my experience. Our kitchen faces west and afternoons used to be brutal—felt like cooking on the sun. Low-e toned it down noticeably, though we still need shades sometimes. Can't win 'em all, I guess...