[djmcmath]

I'm getting ready to put a handful of new windows into the old house -- replacing 80 year old windows -- and there's some discussion about low-e glass (or, technically, I guess, low-e glass _coating_). Specifically, there are two windows with south-facing exposure, and two with north-facing exposure, and I'm thinking it will be prudent to put in the low-e glass for the southern pair.

My thoughts:
1 - Reduce heat load on a south-facing room, thus reducing A/C load and hopefully reducing the delta between upstairs and downstairs temps. I think it will still be bad, but I'm hoping that good windows will help.
2 - Ignore the fact that less heat will be let in during the cold months; the room is upstairs, and heat rises.

My wife's thoughts:
1 - Cosmetic -- is there a discernible difference between low-e and normal glass? Will people look at the south room and say "What's wrong with the glass in there?"
2 - Warmth -- she always liked to play in the warm sunny spot from the window when she was a kid, and is concerned that we'll be producing a cold and lifeless child's bedroom. Does the low-e glass still let in some warmth, or is it really that efficient?

Thoughts from the board? Anyone have a wife with strong opinions on the cosmetic effects of window glazings? Head load impact -- will it make any difference, or is this just a wasted battleground?

Thanks in advance,
Dan