Energy-saving double-glazed windows: principle of operation

In Ukraine, the use of energy-saving double-glazed windows began relatively recently. About 15 or even 10 years ago, even a standard single-chamber double-glazed window was considered quite efficient, and the level of energy saving was increased only by increasing the number of cameras. Energy-saving glass was considered a kind of exotic, and its effectiveness was questioned by many.

As of 2021, the situation has changed dramatically. Almost all double-glazed windows that are installed in residential premises have at least one energy-saving glass. This allows you to comply with the standards for thermal conductivity, fixed in the DSTU.

But to this day there are people who do not know how an energy-saving double-glazed window works, and therefore do not trust this technology. Below we will describe the principle of operation of such constructions and give arguments in their favor.

How to reduce the thermal conductivity of a double-glazed window

 A double-glazed window lets in less heat than a window with two separate panes, due to its tightness. The efficiency of a double—chamber double-glazed unit is even higher - an additional thermal insulation layer becomes a barrier to thermal energy. Alas, in most climatic zones of Ukraine, even a double—glazed window will not provide the necessary energy savings - more heat will pass through the window than specified in the DSTU regulations.

The problem of reducing thermal conductivity is solved in two ways.

Method 1. Modification of glass

In order to reduce the permeability of the double-glazed window for thermal energy, energy-saving glass is installed in it. This is an ordinary glass, on which a thin coating of metal oxides is applied:

• Either tin or silver is used as the base.
• The oxide film turns out to be transparent and does not interfere with the view.
• Metal ions act as a thermal mirror — reflect infrared (thermal) rays back into the room.

Previously, the coating was applied by pyrolytic method — it was not very effective, but durable. Today, strength is sacrificed to efficiency, and therefore a soft energy-saving coating (the so-called i-glass) is used in the production of double-glazed windows. To extend the service life of the coating, the glass is placed so that the layer with metal oxides is inside the double-glazed window.

An alternative to energy—saving double-glazed windows is a double-glazed window with multifunctional glass. Such glass is produced according to a similar, but more complex scheme. At the same time, the glass gets an additional function:

• Firstly, like ordinary energy-saving glass, it reflects heat rays into the room, protecting it from the cold in winter.
• Secondly, the multifunctional glass reflects the infrared radiation of the sun, which allows you to protect the room from overheating in the summer heat.

It is very important that multifunctional glasses retain high transparency. At the same time, they are often tinted: in addition to protection from the bright sun, a tinted double-glazed window with a mirror effect also fits perfectly into the design of the facade.

Method 2. Reducing the thermal conductivity of the chambers

In the production of double-glazed windows, its sealed chambers are filled with dried and purified air. The air itself is a good thermal insulator, but to reduce the thermal conductivity, it is possible to replace the air with an inert gas:

• To pump an inert gas — argon or krypton — a valve built into the remote frame is used.
• A chamber filled with argon lets in less heat.
• In addition, in the argon environment, the metal does not oxidize, because the energy-saving coating lasts longer.

Pay attention! Both argon and krypton are inert gases. They do not enter into a chemical reaction, and therefore are completely harmless. This applies not only to human health, but also to indoor plants.

Energy-saving double-glazed windows: the advantages of the configuration

There are several benefits from completing a metal-plastic window with an energy-saving double-glazed window:

• The lower the thermal conductivity of the double-glazed window, the less heat the room loses. The apartment will be warmer, in addition, you will be able to save on heating — for example, refuse to turn on the oil radiator or reduce the temperature of the coolant in the pipes of the autonomous system.
• Reducing the thermal conductivity of the double-glazed window protects the window from condensation. The inner surface of the window cools down more slowly — because there will be few drops of water on it, even in severe frosts with high internal humidity.
• The cost of air conditioning in the summer months can also be reduced. To do this, install multifunctional double-glazed windows.
• It is also worth considering that the installation of energy—saving double-glazed windows is a requirement of DSTU for residential premises.

Debunking the myth: do energy-saving double-glazed windows harm flowers

Stories that the installation of energy-saving windows led to the death of plants sound quite often. And here you need to keep in mind this:

• The double-glazed window itself does not harm plants in any way. It transmits sunlight in sufficient quantity, and the spectrum of transmitted rays will be optimal for the growth and development of plants. So there will be no shortage of lighting when replacing glass plants.
• But if the plants are on the windowsill, and they are covered with a dense curtain from the side of the room, then after installing a window with an energy—saving double-glazed window, they may become worse. The reason is an increase in temperature: the double—glazed window does not let heat through on the one hand, the curtain on the other. In such a "greenhouse" many flowers may begin to wither — but periodic ventilation or replacement of curtains will solve the problem.

Today, the use of energy—saving double-glazed windows is one of the prerequisites for high energy efficiency of the whole house. The price of such structures is constantly decreasing, because the energy-saving window will pay off very quickly due to savings on heating and air conditioning.

You can order a high-quality professional installation of metal-plastic windows by following the link