When summer temperatures soar, the comfort of your home hinges more on your windows than you might expect. At Dayside Windows and Doors, we understand how intense the sun’s rays can be—especially when they stream through your windows in the afternoon. That’s why selecting the right Low-E glass isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a necessity for improving both energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
What Is Low-E Glass?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass features a microscopically thin, virtually invisible coating that reflects infrared heat while allowing natural light to pass through. This means it helps keep the heat inside during the winter and outside in the summer. Low-E coatings are designed to optimize comfort without sacrificing brightness, which makes them ideal for Canadian homes experiencing dramatic seasonal shifts.
But here’s the catch—not all Low-E coatings are created equal. Depending on your climate, window orientation, and home design, selecting the appropriate Low-E glass can significantly impact your home’s comfort levels and utility bills.
Why Low-E Glass Selection Matters in Summer
While Energy Star Canada and certain rebate programs often favour high solar heat gain glass like LowE8071, this type of glass is primarily engineered to let in more solar radiant heat—making it more suitable for south facing windows during winter months in colder regions. It can be beneficial for north-facing windows or homes that struggle to retain heat in winter.
However, using high solar heat gain glass in summer can lead to unwanted overheating. Rooms exposed to afternoon sun, especially with large south- or west-facing windows, can quickly become uncomfortably warm. This forces your air conditioning system to work harder and longer, leading to higher energy costs and reduced HVAC lifespan.
Better Summer Performance: LowE6227 and LowE7036
That’s why many industry experts, including leaders at Fenestration Canada, recommend upgrading to LowE6227 or LowE7036 glass for better summer performance. These types of Low-E glass have lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC), meaning they block a greater portion of the sun’s radiant heat energy. As a result, they help maintain cooler indoor temperatures, even on scorching July afternoons.
Let’s break down the difference:
LowE8071: Best for cold weather use when facing winter sun. Designed to allow more heat in, it performs well in winter but can contribute to overheating in summer.
LowE6227 & LowE7036: Tailored for hot sun exposure, these options reduce solar heat gain while still letting in plenty of light. They’re ideal for maximizing comfort and minimizing cooling costs during the summer months.
If you’ve ever said, “Our living room turns into an oven between 2-5 p.m.,” your current windows might be to blame.
Real-World Comfort and Energy Savings
Upgrading your Low-E glass isn’t just about keeping your home cooler in summer—it’s about long-term energy savings. Rooms that stay naturally cooler reduce your reliance on air conditioning. This not only lowers your monthly energy bills but also puts less wear and tear on your cooling system and is better for the planet saving energy in winter and summer.
At Dayside, we demonstrate this with simple but effective experiments. For example, we’ll place ice cubes behind different Low-E samples and observe how quickly they melt. The higher-performing glass keeps the ice intact longer—providing a tangible, visual example of the difference better glass makes.
The Right Time to Upgrade Is Now
July and August are the hottest months of the year across much of Canada. If your windows let in too much heat, they could be turning your home into a greenhouse. But the good news is, there’s still time to act.
By upgrading now, you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of high-performance Low-E glass throughout the remainder of the summer—and for many years to come. You’ll notice cooler indoor spaces, lower AC use, and a more relaxing, comfortable home environment.
Tailored Glass Solutions for Canadian Home
Every home is unique, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. At Dayside Windows and Doors, we take a personalized approach. We assess your home’s orientation, sun exposure, and existing insulation before recommending the ideal Low-E coating.
Canada’s climate is constantly evolving, with extreme heatwaves and colder winters becoming more frequent. That’s why choosing the right window technology isn’t just about comfort—it’s about future-proofing your home against unpredictable conditions.
Trust Dayside for Expertise That Delivers
With over 60 years of experience serving homeowners across Ontario and beyond, Dayside Windows and Doors brings a deep understanding of local climate needs and industry-leading technologies. We stay current with Fenestration Canada guidelines and emerging trends to offer our clients top-performing glass solutions.
Whether you’re building new or retrofitting an older home, we’ll help you find a glazing solution that maximizes both efficiency and return on investment.
Take the First Step Toward a Cooler, More Efficient Home
Ready to feel the difference that high-performance Low-E glass can make in your home? Don’t wait for the next heatwave to make the change. Whether you need a full window replacement or just a glass upgrade, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Visit our showroom, schedule a consultation, or request a quote online. Let us help you beat the heat and enjoy your home this summer—just the way it should be.