Window insulation reduces heat transfer from one side of the window to the other. In the US, U-values ââare used to refer to the amount of heat that can pass through the window, with lower scores being better.
Video Window insulation
Energy Efficiency Technology
Below is a list of technologies that reduce heat transfer in windows.
Double-glazed and three-prong windows
Clear single glass has a U-factor of 1 (R-1); Double glazing clearly has a U-factor of 0.5 (about R-2), while triple glazing has a U-factor of about 0.333 (R-3). Double glazing and triple glazing are essential for energy efficiency. A single glass window is a thing of the past.
Anyway, the insulation provided by double glazing or triple glass falls very short of the best. We need to further improve its performance, which can be done by selecting a window with a low layer, a heat breaker and argon or other similar gas between panels; and also by selecting windows with high energy-saving frames.
Low-e layers
Modern double and triple glass windows have a low-e coated glass panel having a thin metal layer, can significantly improve the performance of their thermal insulation.
Another area where low-e films are used is a thermal barrier. Some thermal barriers (such as LEF insulars) reduce thermal loss due to radiation by the lower folio applied to the thermal insulation profile.
Profile of thermal insulation
To reduce heat flow and U factor, the metal frame must have an insulating plastic profile placed between the inside and outside of the frame and sash. These profiles are also called thermal breaks and they are made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66. The glass fiber part is 25%. The material used for this insulation bar is prominent because of its low thermal conductivity value = 0.30 W/mK and good mechanical properties - even at higher temperatures.
A non-thermally-separated frame of the aluminum window has a Uf thermal transmission coefficient of 6.8 W/m2K. If the system is thermally separated with an insulating profile of 42 mm width, the thermal transmission coefficient can be reduced to 1.3 W/m2K
A product introduced by Ensinger, called insulbar LO is a lambda optimization solution (thermal conductivity) for thermal insulation profiles. The lambda value is only 0.18 W/m.K
Spacer warm
Most modern windows use a glass spacer to keep the distance between the panels and for sealing purposes. Many of these spacers are made of aluminum, which is a highly conductive material. There is a better alternative to higher insulation performance: a special plastic spacer, mostly referred to as a warm-edge spacer.
Fill inert gas
Double and triple-glazed windows also use argon or krypton or other inert gas between the panels. This is another key element for better thermal insulation.
Most windows use argon (which is cheaper), but krypton is a better choice whenever the distance between the panels should be smaller (the distance should be about 13 mm (½ inches) for argon, and about 9 mm (3/8) inches) for krypton, increase or decrease the space will decrease the performance).
Window frames
The type of window frame and insulation of the sockets are also important for energy efficiency and thermal performance (or for strength, durability and maintenance).
Aluminum frames are excellent for strength, durability and maintenance but they are a poor choice from a thermal insulation standpoint. Aluminum is a highly conductive material. Therefore, thermal insulation profiles are used to create thermal separation from the inner and outer skin frame. Various insulation profiles allow low UF values ââ(eg 1.3 W/mÃ,òK using 34mm insulation profiles and up to 1.1 W/mÃ,òK with contemporary aluminum systems) to be achieved. Profile of polyamide insulation with 25% glass fiber content is the right choice for optimal thermal insulation and mechanical properties.
Wooden frame windows provide better insulation value, but they are a poor choice for endurance or maintenance (unless you choose wooden windows).
Vinyl and fiberglass better insulation and noise reduction materials. Certain windows have a vinyl or fiberglass frame that has space, to further improve insulation and noise reduction.
High insulation performance window
The performance of windows insulation is measured by the U/value factor coefficient, which should be as low as possible. To know the U-factor of the window you can see the rating label (the label often shows the U-factor of the window).
If you live in a cold climate, and you plan to build an energy-efficient home, you should look for triple-glazing windows with a U value between 0.19 and 0.26; in temperate and hot climates, also looking for windows with low U values; but because, in general, quality double glass windows are a more competitive and effective option for mixed and hot climates, consider windows with a U value of about 0.30, if possible.
Another way to improve window insulation
- Using glass with heat reflective properties
- Paste on thermal reflective plastic
- Double glazing using heat-shrink plastic film and double sided tape
Frames can also be significant especially if they are made of high thermal conductivity materials such as metals. In this case a plastic spacer should be used to make a thermal break between the inside and outside of the frame.
Maps Window insulation
See also
- window film
- window insulation film
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia