Last Updated on March 28, 2025

Low-E Glass vs Double Glazing: Pros, Cons, & Costs

When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, insulation, and overall comfort, choosing the right type of glazing for your windows is crucial. Two popular options are Low-E glass and double glazing.

This comprehensive guide will explore the key differences, advantages, and costs associated with Low-E glass and double glazing to help you make the best choice for your home or commercial property.

Contents

1 Low-E Glass vs Double Glazing: Pros, Cons, & Costs

What Is Low-E Glass?

Low-E glass, or Low-Emissivity glass, is a type of glass that has been treated with a thin, invisible coating that reflects infrared light, thereby reducing the amount of heat that passes through it.

This coating allows natural sunlight to enter your home while preventing the loss of internal heat. Low-E glass can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your windows.

Key Features of Low-E Glass:

Energy Efficiency: Low-E glass reflects heat, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
UV Protection: It blocks a large percentage of harmful UV rays, helping to protect your furniture, carpets, and curtains from fading.
Improved Comfort: Reduced heat loss and gain improve indoor comfort levels.

Pros and Cons Of Low-E Glass

Pros

Excellent energy efficiency.
Blocks UV rays to protect furniture.
Allows for more natural light.

Cons

Higher initial cost.
May require careful maintenance to preserve the coating.

What Is Double Glazing?

Double glazing consists of two layers of glass with a gap between them, typically filled with an insulating gas like argon or krypton. This design helps improve insulation by reducing heat transfer, making your home more energy-efficient and reducing external noise.

Key Features of Double Glazing:

Insulation: Double glazing provides excellent thermal insulation by trapping a layer of air or gas between the panes of glass.
Soundproofing: The additional glass layer helps reduce noise from the outside.
Condensation Control: Double glazing can reduce condensation, which helps prevent the build-up of damp or mould.

Pros and Cons of Double Glazing:

Pros

Great insulation and noise reduction.
Provides a higher level of security.
Lower initial cost than Low-E glass.

Cons

May block slightly more natural light.
Doesn’t offer the same level of UV protection as Low-E glass.

Low-E Glass vs Double Glazing – Key Differences

1. Insulation

When comparing Low-E glass to double glazing, insulation is one of the most important factors. Low-E glass provides excellent thermal performance due to its reflective coating, which prevents heat from escaping your home.

Double glazing, on the other hand, offers insulation through the air gap between the two panes, which can be further enhanced with an inert gas.

Low-E Glass: Keeps heat in during the winter and reflects heat out in the summer, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.
Double Glazing: Provides insulation through the gap between the two panes, reducing heat loss.

2. Security

Both Low-E glass and double glazing provide a level of security, but double glazing is often the superior choice due to the two panes of glass. This can make it more difficult for intruders to break through.

Low-E Glass: While Low-E glass can be toughened or laminated for added security, its primary benefit is thermal efficiency rather than security.
Double Glazing: The two panes of glass can be tougher to break, making it a stronger deterrent against break-ins.

3. Draughts and Ventilation

Both Low-E glass and double glazing help reduce draughts by providing a more sealed window. However, if ventilation is a concern, neither option offers built-in ventilation. You may need to consider additional features like trickle vents to maintain airflow.

Low-E Glass: Typically helps prevent heat from escaping, but does not directly improve ventilation.
Double Glazing: Also reduces draughts but is typically better for controlling temperature fluctuations.

4. Light Transmission

Low-E glass typically allows for more light transmission due to its thin coating. The coating reflects infrared light but allows visible light to pass through. Double glazing, depending on the type of glass used, may slightly reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home.

Low-E Glass: Offers excellent light transmission while blocking infrared light.
Double Glazing: Can reduce light transmission, particularly with tinted or frosted glass options.

5. Maintenance

Both Low-E glass and double glazing are relatively easy to maintain. However, Low-E glass may require a bit more attention to ensure that the coating is not damaged, as this can impact its performance.

Low-E Glass: Requires careful cleaning to avoid damage to the thin coating.
Double Glazing: Relatively low maintenance, though you may need to check the seals periodically for wear.

Cost Comparison: Low-E Glass vs Double Glazing

In general, the cost of new windows can vary significantly depending on factors like glazing type, size, and installation. To get a clearer idea of pricing, check out our comprehensive window installation cost guide, which breaks down expenses for different window types and materials.

When it comes to cost, both Low-E glass and double glazing have a range of options depending on the quality and brand. Below is a basic pricing guide:

Feature	Low-E Glass	Double Glazing
Installation Cost	£300 – £500 per window	£150 – £400 per window
Material Cost	£100 – £300 per window	£100 – £250 per window
Energy Savings (per year)	£50 – £100	£30 – £70
Maintenance Cost	Low, but sensitive to cleaning	Low, regular seal checks needed
Lifespan	20-25 years	20-30 years

Note: These prices are estimates and can vary based on factors such as the size of the windows, the type of glazing, and your location. Check out our double glazing cost guide for in-depth insights.

Compare Your Glazing Options: Find the Best Fit for Your Needs

Choosing the right glazing solution depends on various factors, including insulation, noise reduction, and cost. If you’re considering alternatives to Low-E glass or double glazing, these comparisons can help you make an informed decision:

Not sure whether to install an additional pane or upgrade your windows? Find out how secondary glazing stacks up against double glazing in terms of energy efficiency, pricing, and practicality.
If you’re still using older windows, see how double glazing compares to traditional single glazing in insulation, longevity, and overall value.
Looking for better soundproofing? Explore whether acoustic glass or double glazing offers superior noise reduction while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Time to Upgrade Your Windows?

Old, inefficient windows can lead to higher energy bills, uncomfortable drafts, and reduced home security. Replacing them not only enhances the look of your home but also improves insulation, noise reduction, and overall property value.

Need expert guidance? Our team is here to help you choose the perfect windows for your home and budget. Get a free window replacement quote today and start enjoying a warmer, more energy-efficient home!

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between Low-E glass and double glazing depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for the best energy efficiency and UV protection, Low-E glass may be the better choice. However, if you want a more affordable option that still provides great insulation and soundproofing, double glazing is a strong contender.

James Elston

Boiler Expert

James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.

Low-E Glass vs Double Glazing: Pros, Cons, & Costs