Energy efficient windows - a new level

The energy efficiency of a window is its basic characteristic. But the level of protection of windows from heat loss is radically different depending on the quality of the assembly, profile, fittings and double-glazed windows.

In the modern world, people are increasingly talking about conscious consumption of goods and rational use of resources. In Ukraine, next to these issues, the issue of energy prices is also acute. Expertly selected windows will help consumers significantly reduce annual heating costs.

Through the windows, a significant part of the heat is lost by the building, and below we will tell you how to minimize this loss with the help of modern window technologies.

Window profile and its role in energy saving

Although the profile does not occupy the maximum area in the window structure, significant heat losses are possible due to its incorrect selection.

To choose the most energy efficient profile:

• Pay attention to the number of air chambers. For an apartment or other living space, you need a profile with at least 5-6 cameras. Each chamber is an obstacle to heat transfer, and the use of a three– or four-chamber profile in the glazing of residential premises will lead to an increase in heat loss.
• Profile width is another important parameter. The optimal width should be at least 70-82 mm. Today, a profile with an increased width is used for energy-efficient solutions. This allows you to install a wider double-glazed window, which will additionally retain heat. Among the solutions that will maximize energy efficiency are the profile systems WDS 8S, WDS 7S and WDS 6S
• Do not forget about pressing the sash to the frame. Even the widest profile in the presence of a gap between the frame and the sash will not provide thermal protection. Therefore, when choosing a window configuration, take into account seals and accessories. You should not skimp on their quality. Only a high-quality seal around the perimeter and properly configured fittings will help the metal-plastic structure to keep warm.

Pay attention! Fittings and seals require proper installation and maintenance. This will significantly prolong their operation and help to minimize heat loss

The middle contour of the seal is located between the window sash and the frame, its main purpose is the maximum sealing of the window. If your goal is a minimum of heat loss, then the middle contour will help in achieving it. An example of a system with a medium sealing circuit is the WDS 8S profile.

Double-glazed windows in an energy-saving design

A double–glazed window is the largest part of any window by area, through which the main part of heat transfer occurs. Today, a number of indicators of window resistance to heat transfer have been developed. These indicators are calculated based on the climatic zones in which the residential facility is located. So for the 1st zone, the minimum resistance is 0.75 m2 ° C / W, and for the 2nd - 0.6 m2 ° C / W. Modern windows are produced taking into account the principles of energy efficiency, and each client can choose the characteristics based on their requirements and financial capabilities.

What are the ways to deal with energy losses through double-glazed windows?

• Increasing the number of cameras in the package. Even old wooden window designs used this obvious method. Modern double-glazed windows are more complicated. They not only have an additional air layer, but it is also maximally isolated from the first chamber — so that heat transfer inside the double-glazed unit itself is also difficult.
• Filling the air gap with an inert gas (for example, argon) reduces heat loss. Thus, the diffusion of molecules in such gases is much less intense than in ordinary air — therefore, heat is transferred more slowly.
• Installation of special energy-saving glass (low-e or i-glass). In the production of such glass, a thin layer of metal is applied to its surface, which reflects thermal energy back into the room. The technology increases the cost of a double-glazed window, but even one energy-saving glass in the design significantly reduces heat loss.
• Another modern solution is the use of multifunctional glasses. They don't just reflect infrared (heat waves) back into the room. In the warm season, they do not let the heat from the sun into the apartment, and in the cold season, they do not let the heat out. Using this technology will help you significantly save on utility bills — you save both on heating and air conditioning.

Based on the above methods, the most energy–efficient double-glazed window is two-chamber, filled with argon and energy-saving or multifunctional glasses.

Formulas are used to describe the design of a double-glazed window. An example of such a formula:

4i-16Ar-4-16Ar-4i.

How are these designations deciphered?

• 4 – glass thickness in mm
• i – a mark that glass is energy—saving
• 16 – the distance between the glasses in the package (the size of the distance)
• Ar – indicates that the chamber in the double-glazed window is filled with the appropriate gas

Control of the energy efficiency of a double-glazed window

There are two ways to check whether the installed structure retains heat in the room:

• A simple, everyday way is to bring an open fire to the glass (a lighted match, lighter or candle). If one of the reflections of the flame changes its hue, it means that there is a layer of spraying on one of the double—glazed windows. This method is rather conditional, and does not show the objective characteristics of the double-glazed window
• It is much more accurate to test a double-glazed window using a special tool. The device reacts to metal spraying and will accurately show whether an energy-saving coating has been applied to the glass.

Independent testing does not give an accurate result, and the device that fixes metal spraying is quite expensive. Therefore, the main advice for buyers of energy–efficient window structures is to contact manufacturers and suppliers of PVC structures with a proven reputation. Only companies with a base of positive reviews can provide a guarantee of maximum quality of all energy-efficient solutions.

Installation of a window structure according to DSTU standards

Another advantage when contacting a trusted supplier will be a high-quality installation of the structure. Even if the manufacturer is not engaged in installation, over the years he probably had a list of proven installation teams.

No matter what heat-saving characteristics the design has, installation with defects, cracks and gaps will reduce all the efforts of the owner to zero. But even if the installation was done carefully, and the masters blew out the gaps between the frame and the window opening soundly with foam — this will not provide maximum energy efficiency.

There are a number of regulatory requirements for the installation of window structures, which will help to keep the heat in the room:

1. From the street side, vapor-permeable materials (special tapes or sealants) should be used. This will help protect the gap from moisture, but water vapor will be able to freely go beyond the mounting seam.
2. In the middle part, the mounting gap is filled with polyurethane foam as tightly as possible — without voids, cracks or cavities.
3. On the inside, a vapor barrier tape is used. Vapor barrier (foil material) will protect the mounting seam from moisture ingress from the room.

The use of vapor—permeable and vapor-insulating tapes will protect the structure not only from heat loss, but also from possible penetration of moisture, and as a consequence - the development of mold.

For maximum insulation of the structure, you should also take care of the thermal insulation of the slopes

Of course, such installation is not very simple and costs more than usual, but by paying and checking the quality of the installation only once, you will receive a guarantee of high energy efficiency.

Conclusion

If you decide to install energy-efficient window designs, then the costs may increase. However, financial losses are covered by a number of advantages:

• Heat saving in the cold season.
• Savings on utility bills – including electricity for air conditioning during installation of multifunctional glazing.
• Increasing the level of comfort.
• Humidity control during installation according to DSTU.

With the right choice of window configuration and compliance with the installation rules, the cost of improving energy efficiency will pay off quickly.