What does low-emissivity (low-E) glass do?

Low-emissivity (low-E) glass is specifically designed to reflect heat while allowing visible light to pass through. This feature is accomplished through a microscopically thin coating that is applied to the glass surface. The coating reflects infrared radiation, which is responsible for heat, back into the room during the winter and reflects it away during the summer, thus helping to regulate indoor temperatures and enhance energy efficiency.

This energy-efficient property is significant for both residential and commercial buildings, as it helps to reduce heating and cooling costs, leading to greater comfort and sustainability in the built environment. The ability to let light in while minimizing heat transfer is one of the key advantages of low-E glass, making it a popular choice for windows and doors in various applications.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary function of low-E glass. For instance, while low-E glass can reduce UV exposure to some extent, it does not block all UV rays completely. Similarly, low-E glass is not designed primarily for soundproofing; its main focus is on thermal performance and energy efficiency. Lastly, while it does absorb some light, the critical feature of low-E glass is its capability to manage heat transfer rather than convert light into heat.