Energy Efficiency

It can be said that today energy efficiency has become imperative. People began to think about the pollution that primarily affects their health and then on natural resources. For saving energy is not only good for our environment (and hence health) but also for the family budget.

Windows are an extremely important element when it comes to energy efficiency of each building. Their main function is to pass the daylight and allow ventilation, but also to provide medium for visual communication with the outside world. For every building, according to some research, the weakest point for energy loss are the windows.
During the heating season, the windows are the main portal for unwanted heat loss, a source of inconvenience if it does not seal properly, as well as causing problems with condensation and consequently mold in the room.

INSULATION

Losses due to conduction takes place through the frame and the glass windows. Thus, one can say that these losses depend on the thermal properties of windows. Measure used to express this loss is called index of thermal conductivity, marked with a "U". By definition, the heat transfer index - "U" indicates the amount of heat in watts that pass through 1 square meter of material of a certain thickness for one second.

The unit in which the value of heat transfer index is expressed is W / m2K. As the index of heat is smaller, the thermal insulation properties of a material or elements are larger. Depending on the window frame and glazing of windows, this index can have different values - from 0.8 W / m2K with the highest quality windows up to 5.2 W / m2K in old single wooden windows with single glazing. The European recommendation is that this ratio does not exceed 1.8 W / m2K.

FRAMES AND GLASS

The window frames are most commonly made of plastic, metal and wood. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. However, today`s window technology tryies to minimize the negative properties of the material and get the best of it. Materials are often combined together during the frame construction to reach the best and most effective results

Glazing can be mono-paned or it can be applied more panes.

By applying a more pieces of glass, the heat transfer index decrease accordingly. When windows are double or triple glayed, gaps between the panes are filled with a moisture absorber. A minimum distance between the two glass pieces is 12 mm and the space is filled with air or inert gas - argon, krypton or xenon. Such glass is called "IZO" glass.
These glass surfaces can be coated with a special coating on the basis of vanadium oxide in the form of a thin film on the inside of the inner glass. Glasses with these special coatings are called Low-E glass, and they pass the visible part of the spectrum of sunlight and reflect low-frequency radiation and thus prevent the loss of heat.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Another important detail for maximizing energy efficiency of old, but also the new windows, is the use of elements such as blinds, curtains and drapes. These elements not only contribute to the aesthetic impression of space, but it can play a significant role in preventing heat loss in winter and excessive overheat in summer.

The application of energy saving measures at our facilities such as adequate insulation, waterproofing, repairing the roof, installation of energy efficient equipment, replacement of windows, all achieve financial savings. If we look at the funds that should be invested, installation of new windows is certainly not one of the most economical solution, but when you take into account the fact that the openings in the building are usually the weakest point in terms of thermal insulation of the building, it is a worthwhile investment.