When you look outside on a sunny day, you’re seeing the visible part of the light spectrum.  The rest of the light is invisible and it could be making your energy bill higher than it needs to be.  

Low-e coatings are microscopically thin layers of metallic oxide bonded to the surface of the glass in windows. The coatings prevent heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through glass.  It works like an invisible mirror reflecting select portions of the light spectrum back in or out of the windows.
Soft, hard, and Heat Mirror are three major types of coatings on the market. Soft coat is not durable enough to be exposed to the elements, so it is applied to the inner surfaces of windows. Hard coat is resilient enough to be used on exterior surfaces but it is not quite as energy efficient as soft coat.  Hard coat is found primarily on storm windows and removable energy panels. Heat Mirror is applied to a thin polyester sheet suspended between the two panes of a dual pane window. The coating reflects radiant heat while the sheet decreases heat loss by splitting the air space in two.

For more information on low-e window coatings, visit www.bobvila.com.

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The Green Scene

Home owners are attracted to the idea that they can help the earth by making smarter purchases and lifestyle decisions.  Here are a few products you may not be familiar with:

Chemical-free lighting. LED (light emitting diodes) may just be a beacon for the future of residential lighting. They contain no hazardous chemicals like other lighting does.  In addition, a LED fixture uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and has the ability to last up to 20 years.

Green toilets.  You may have heard of the low-flow toilet, but here are a few you may be less familiar with.  A dual-flush toilet has two buttons giving a home owner the option of flushing with a half or full tank.  A pressure-assist toilet reduces water by using compressed air to assist with the flushing of the toilet, all without additional pumps or power.   

Nontoxic paint.  Some consumers are using paints that don’t contain toxic VOCs (Volatile Organic Components) to keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants.  These paints are offered in a variety of colors and finishes.

For more information on green technologies and trends for home owners, visit www.realtor.org.

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