As a passive house consultant, I am often asked about the types of windows that are used in passive houses and the benefits of each option. Windows are an important element of passive house design, as they provide natural light and can be opened for natural ventilation. In order to minimize heat loss and gain, passive house windows are typically highly insulated and have low levels of solar heat gain.
There are a number of window types and materials that can be used in passive house construction, including:
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Wood windows: Wood is a popular material for windows in passive houses, as it is a good insulator and can be easily shaped to fit different window openings. Wood windows are also attractive and can be stained or painted to match the exterior of the house.
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Vinyl windows: Vinyl windows are a popular choice for passive houses, as they are energy efficient and require little maintenance. Vinyl windows are also durable and can be molded to fit a variety of window openings.
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Fiberglass windows: Fiberglass windows are a good choice for passive houses, as they are strong and have a high insulation value. Fiberglass windows are also resistant to rotting and warping, and can be painted or stained to match the exterior of the house.
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Aluminum windows: Aluminum windows can be used in passive houses, but they are not as energy efficient as other materials due to their low insulation value. Aluminum windows are lightweight and durable, and can be molded to fit a variety of window openings.
In addition to the material, the type of window can also affect the energy efficiency of a passive house. For example, double- or triple-paned windows with low-e coatings and gas fills can provide better insulation than single-paned windows.
Overall, the choice of windows for a passive house is an important consideration in order to achieve the desired level of energy efficiency and comfort. It is important to carefully consider the specific design and energy efficiency goals of the building, as well as the local climate and other factors, in order to choose the best window option for the house.
The difference between double- or triple-paned windows, low-e coatings and gas fills windows.
Double-paned windows, also known as “double-glazed” windows, have two panes of glass separated by a small air space. Triple-paned windows have three panes of glass separated by two small air spaces. The air spaces between the panes of glass act as insulation, helping to reduce heat loss and gain through the windows.
Low-e coatings are thin, transparent coatings that are applied to the surface of the glass. These coatings reflect heat, reducing the amount of heat loss or gain through the windows. Low-e coatings are particularly effective at reducing heat loss through windows in cold climates, and can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building.
Gas fills are gases, such as argon or krypton, that are used to fill the air spaces between the panes of glass in double- or triple-paned windows. Gas fills are denser than air, which makes them better insulators. Using a gas fill can help to further reduce heat loss and gain through the windows, and can improve the energy efficiency of a building.
Overall, double- or triple-paned windows with low-e coatings and gas fills can provide better insulation than single-paned windows due to the multiple layers of insulation provided by the air spaces and coatings, and the use of a gas fill. These windows can help to reduce heat loss and gain through the windows, and can improve the energy efficiency of a building.