I'm stuck deciding between double-pane windows and low-E glass for our place—humidity here is no joke, you know. Anyone have experience with either type? Curious which one actually makes a noticeable difference in comfort and bills.
I've worked with both types quite a bit, and honestly, I think you're framing it as an either/or situation when it doesn't have to be. Double-pane windows are great for insulation, sure, but they don't specifically tackle the heat gain from sunlight. Low-E glass, on the other hand, is fantastic at reflecting heat and UV rays, keeping your place cooler during those brutal summer months.
But here's the thing—why not consider double-pane windows with a low-E coating? I've installed these combo units in several homes in humid climates, and homeowners usually notice a pretty significant improvement in comfort levels and energy bills. You get the insulation benefits of double panes plus the heat-reflective properties of low-E glass.
If budget allows, I'd definitely lean toward combining both features. It might cost a bit more upfront, but you'll likely see savings over time...and your AC won't have to work overtime during those sticky months. Just something to think about before you commit to one or the other.
Good points, I've seen those combo windows work well too. But one thing I've wondered about—do you find the low-E coating affects indoor brightness noticeably? Had a friend mention their rooms felt slightly dimmer after installing them...not sure if that's typical or just their experience. Curious if anyone else noticed something similar.
I've had low-E windows for a few years now, and honestly, I did notice a slight difference at first. It wasn't anything major, but the rooms felt a bit softer in terms of brightness—not exactly dim, just less harsh sunlight coming through. After a while, though, I actually started to prefer it. It feels more comfortable, especially during those scorching afternoons when the sun used to blast through the windows and heat up the whole room.
Maybe your friend is experiencing something similar? It could also depend on how much natural light their rooms got to begin with. For me, the trade-off was totally worth it because the house stays cooler and my furniture isn't fading as fast (big plus!). But yeah, if someone really loves bright, direct sunlight indoors, they might notice the difference more.
Either way, it's probably something you'd get used to pretty quickly. Just my two cents!