> low-e glass windows
> South-facing windows are backed by local stone floors that capture and radiate heat in winter.
Have you done any analysis or testing on low-e vs normal glass windows in the wintertime? In summer, obviously you want the low-e glass to block the radiant energy. But in the winter, you'd want to allow that radiant energy through, which the low-e glass is not doing.
It seems like low-e glass is only good for summer, and not winter. Have you put any thought into this? Maybe I am missing something crucial about the situation though.
> But in the winter, you'd want to allow that radiant energy through, which the low-e glass is not doing.
Low-E glass reduces inside heat radiating to the outside, too. You can find many articles online discussing the advantages during winter/heating season if you look.
I tested a couple years with/without a tinting film on my west-facing windows (under mini-blinds) and noticed a very, very small increase in winter heating costs, with a big decrease in summer cooling costs, and more consistent temperatures throughout the day in both seasons, which is a benefit in itself (you can use a lower-capacity HVAC system). I suspect a proper upgrade to low-E windows (or at least tinting ALL my windows) would have done much better.
Have you done any analysis or testing on low-e vs normal glass windows in the wintertime? In summer, obviously you want the low-e glass to block the radiant energy. But in the winter, you'd want to allow that radiant energy through, which the low-e glass is not doing.
It seems like low-e glass is only good for summer, and not winter. Have you put any thought into this? Maybe I am missing something crucial about the situation though.