I am buying a new patio sliding door today for my kitchen. I am buying from Lowes and have two options. One is $300 and has "Glass Insulation: Insulated Glass". The other one is the exact same except it is $420 and has "Glass Insulation:Low E".
My question is, is Low E worth the extra 100? What am I getting here? I am confused. I live in Michigan with cold winters and warm summers in case that matters.
Thanks!
How long do you think this door will last you? What brand? Do have kids or use the door a lot. I would recommend the PS 510 Andersen patio door over the hollow vinyl...but you get what you pay for... I would at least get a price on the PS 510 ...A/W has made this exact door since 1960's and I still today can get parts for it...How long do you plan on living there? Are you close to the lakes? I would highly recommend spending a little extra, so you do not have too do this again in a couple of years... I lived in the U.P. for 6 years...It's cold up there, in the winters...I would highly recommend low-e it will pay for it's self.....never ever use WD40 on any patio door track...it will cause dirt build up and gum up the track..I would not buy a Pella Vinyl Patio Door..I used to sell them at Lowes.. again you get what you pay for...
Government Requirements are:
.30 u-factor or lower
.30 Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient or lower
you will qualify for a 30% tax credit
and you if you make more than $250,000 a year-it's pro rated