2024-08-27 11:04:52
According to Ademe, in older homes, up to 15% of heat loss comes from poorly insulated windows1. Good insulation guarantees thermal comfort and reduces energy bills. Therefore, when renovating or building a new home, it is important to carefully select windows. There are multiple solutions, and it is important to find the best one to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home.
The key role of thermal windows in energy comfort
Windows make up about one third of the facade of a house. Their waterproofing contributes to improved environmental and energy performance. In fact, thermal insulation helps to minimize heat losses in winter. These heat losses lead to low thermal comfort and significantly increased energy consumption. Therefore, it is imperative to eliminate all thermal bridges that affect the energy efficiency of the heating system.
Good window insulation is also a great way to avoid high summer temperatures. This significantly reduces cooling requirements.
In all cases, the quality of the windows affects living comfort and also affects the owner’s energy costs (gas or electricity). To save costs and achieve optimal comfort, windows with adequate thermal insulation should be installed. This is a sustainable investment that will generate savings over the years.
Window selection for improved energy efficiency
There are many types of windows: casement, sliding, fixed, inward opening, etc. The type of glass varies according to its thermal properties. The joinery material can also vary: PVC, aluminum, wood or mixed. learn more About the materials you might choose for your new or renovation windows.
Therefore, there is a wide range of window options, but for thermal comfort only energy-efficient models should be preferred. Glass and frame materials are two elements that need to be considered in terms of thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Glass Windows
Double glazing is suitable for all climates and different house constructions and is the most common type of glazing. It effectively limits heat loss. It consists of two glass panels with a blade filled with gas or air sandwiched between them. It is important to note that gases such as krypton and argon have better thermal insulation efficiency compared to air.
Double glazing with reinforced insulation (or VIR) is slightly more insulating than standard double glazing. It has a lower emissivity due to a layer of silver placed on one of the two panes.
Double glazing with enhanced thermal insulation (ITR) is more effective than the previous two types of glazing. It is reinforced by a treated inner window.
Triple glazing offers superior energy performance than double glazing. It contains three panes of glass and two gas blades and is therefore heavier. However, it requires specific carpentry.
3 Main Materials for Thermal Insulation Windows
The framing material also affects how well a house insulates. Wood, PVC, and aluminum each have their own advantages when it comes to energy efficiency.
Wooden windows
Wood acts as a natural insulator and is a recyclable material. When combined with double glazing, it provides excellent thermal comfort. It has the advantage of not rusting, giving the house a nice and warm look, and can be customised with a custom finish. To ensure its durability, certified grade 3 or 4 wood is recommended, however wood is expensive and requires regular maintenance, including the use of stains, to protect it from the elements.
PVC Window
PVC is a material known for its excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. This plastic is widely used in woodworking due to its versatility, strength, and durability. PVC comes with air intake grilles to reduce the effects of condensation. Additionally, it is easy to maintain and offers customization options to fit your home’s aesthetic. PVC is also an economical choice that offers good value for money.
Thermal insulation aluminum window
When equipped with an insulation system, the thermal performance of aluminum is comparable to that of PVC. It is popular for its lightness and ease of maintenance. Due to the thinner thickness of aluminum windows, you can get more light in the room. It is also a corrosion-resistant and very strong material, perfect for large windows (bay windows). It resists solar radiation and strong winds. In terms of aesthetics, aluminum offers a modern look and a wide range of color options.
High Performance Computing Window
Hybrid high-grade composite (HPC) is a hybrid material containing glass fibers that has high strength, high fineness and excellent rigidity. It makes it possible to manufacture windows with excellent thermal insulation properties, thus helping to reduce energy bills. In addition, HPC also provides good sound insulation.
How to understand the thermal performance of windows?
The heat loss coefficient Uwindow (Uw) is expressed in W/m² K. This indicator allows quantifying the thermal performance of the window (glass and frame). The closer the value is to zero, the better the insulation effect. It is recommended to choose a coefficient less than or equal to 1.3 W/m². A low index allows you to benefit from eco-financial assistance.
Financial assistance for window installation
Window energy retrofits entitle you to certain bonuses or financial assistance, subject to certain conditions:
- MaPrimeRénov’: up to €100 per window for the replacement of old joinery, depending on the resources;
- Energy bonus (CEE): a bonus offered by energy suppliers;
- Zero interest ecological loan: up to €30,000, depending on the extent of the work carried out;
- Reduced VAT: 5.5% or 10% depending on the thermal performance of the windows;
- Assistance provided by local authorities.
To improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider energy-efficient models to optimize the insulation of your windows. Glass and frame materials are the most important things to consider when making your choice.
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