Welcome to Owner Notes, a free newsletter for anyone planning on (or dreaming about) building a custom home.

👉 If you enjoy Owner Notes, share this link with pals or read past issues.

Happy Holidays! ❄️

I hope you're doing well. There is a chance of snow in the forecast for our little corner of the Pacific Northwest. It may not stick around for Christmas, but we'll take what we can get!

Last week, we discussed how vernacular architecture helps a home fit into its location. Today, we're looking at technology that is helping windows be more efficient than ever before.

Note: this will be the last Owner Notes of 2022. See you in 2023!

A Window-Shaped Compromise

Every house is a compromise. Most big decision come with trade-offs in terms of price, aesthetics, efficiency, sustainability, and more. Our challenge is finding the balance that works for our project and budget.

Windows are a good example. They are inherently inefficient because they can't be insulated like a wall. We give up some efficiency to have beauty, convenience, and natural light. The good news is that windows are more efficient than ever before. By understanding why, you can make more informed decisions about window size, orientation, and more.

Low-E Windows Explained

Most windows sold today are called Low Emissivity or "Low-E" windows. Think about it like this: When a surface has high emissivity, it gets hot in the sun. An example is dark shingles on a roof. That's why we want windows to have low emissivity. If we can prevent the sun from making them hot, they can be more efficient.

Three Things to Know About Low-E Windows

1. Low-E windows have transparent coatings that reflect heat instead of allowing it to move through the window. They turn windows into transparent mirrors that decrease emissivity and increase efficiency.

Remember: thermal energy always moves from warm to cold. In the winter, when heat is trying to escape, the coating reflects heat back into the home. In the summer, when heat is trying to enter, it reflects heat back to the outside. All the while, it allows visible light into the home.

2. Sunlight can be harmful. A goal of Low-E windows is to block harmful rays (ultraviolet, infrared) from entering the home while allowing visible light through. In this way, they are like filters for sunlight. This protects skin and home furnishings like rugs, floors, and furniture.

3. Low-E windows are also more efficient because they contain harmless argon gas between the panes. This gas, which is denser than room air, helps with insulation.

The video (or animated GIF) below is from our Home Construction Navigator Course and walks through these features.

Bottom line: Low-E windows work because they reflect, filter, and insulate.

Sachi and I wish you and yours happy, safe, and warm holidays! See you in 2023!

Lee LeFever, Build Livable​

• Build Livable helps homeowners navigate custom home construction. Learn More.
• Please feel free to forward this email to a friend. Subscribe and view past issues.

​