Sustainability and energy efficiency: how the windows and doors energy efficient can reduce the energy consumption in the home

Sustainability and energy efficiency: how to windows and doors energy efficient can reduce the energy consumption in the home

In recent years, the sustainability and energy efficiency have earned a prominent place in the construction and renovation of housing, and this is not surprising given the growing environmental awareness and rising energy costs. The windows and doors are essential components of any home and its design, materials and location can influence drastically the energy consumption. Through windows and doors, well-designed, we can reduce the transfer of heat, which allows to keep the temperature nice interior without relying on excess heating or air conditioning.

This approach not only benefits the owners, who can enjoy a significant reduction in their energy bills, but also promotes more sustainable practices. The energy that we use in our homes is responsible for a significant portion of our emissions of greenhouse gases. When you choose products that meet high standards of energy efficiency, we're not just investing in the comfort and the value of our home, but we are taking active measures to reduce our carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.

In this article, we will explore in detail how the windows and doors energy efficient help to reduce the energy consumption, the benefits provided to households and the environment, and how to select options that are sustainable and suitable for every need. To understand the options available and the factors that influence the efficiency of energy, we can make informed choices and decision-makers to benefit both the planet and our personal well-being.

What is the meaning of energy efficiency in windows and doors?

The energy efficiency in windows and doors refers to its ability to maintain the interior temperature of a space as stable as possible, minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer. This reduces the dependence of air-conditioning systems, heating and air conditioning, which results in lower energy consumption and, consequently, in a savings on energy bills. In addition, when you use less energy, they also decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases, thus contributing to sustainability.

To achieve this efficiency, the windows and doors are designed with materials and specific technologies that limit the heat transfer between the inside and the outside. The heat transfer occurs when there is a temperature difference between two spaces, and the heat tends to move toward the area cooler. In a home poorly insulated, the heat can escape in the winter and enter in the summer, which requires a greater effort of the air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The main components that influence the energy efficiency of windows and doors include:

1. Type of glass

The glass is a fundamental element in the construction of energy efficient windows. There are options like glass, low-emissivity (Low-E), which has a metallic layer ultrathin reflects heat, helping to keep the heat in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer. Also available are double glazed or triple, which incorporate one or two chambers of air or gas between the layers of glass, provides a greater thermal insulation. These gases, such as argon or krypton, have insulating properties superior to the air, which further optimizes the energy efficiency.

2. Frame Material

The material used in the frame of the window or door also influences your ability to prevent loss or gain of heat. Frames made of PVC, for example, are excellent thermal insulators and require little maintenance. The aluminum frames with thermal break contain a non-conductive material between the parties internal and external to the aluminum, which prevents the transfer of heat. For its part, the wood, in addition to being a natural material, and renewable, and offers good insulating properties and aesthetic appearance very much appreciated.

3. Type of gas between the glass panes

The windows are double or triple glazing contain a layer of air or gas between the panes of glass, which significantly improves insulation. The argon gas is commonly used for its insulating properties superior to the air; its density allows to reduce the transfer of heat, maximizing the energy efficiency. In some of the windows of the high range is used krypton, a gas still more dense, which provides a level of thermal insulation even greater.

4. Seals of high quality

A good seal is essential to the energy efficiency of a window or door. The seals prevent hot or cold air to escape through small cracks or spaces, which helps keep the indoor temperature and to avoid energy losses. The rubber stamps or high quality silicone, ensuring that the structure is completely sealed to minimize air leaks. Over time, these seals should be inspected and replaced if necessary, as the wear and tear can reduce the energy efficiency of the installation.

By understanding how these elements together, the owners can make informed decisions when choosing windows and doors that are most appropriate for your home, optimizing the energy efficiency and contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Advantages of windows and doors, energy efficient

The investment in windows and doors efficient brings with it a number of significant benefits that go far beyond the cost savings. These advantages not only contribute to the welfare of the home, but also to care for the environment and the improvement of the quality of life of the occupants. Below, we will explore some of the salient advantages of having windows and doors optimise the use of energy in housing.

1. Cost reduction in energy bills

One of the main reasons for choosing windows and doors, energy efficient, it is the potential savings on energy bills. To provide a thermal insulation top, reduces the amount of energy required to keep the temperature inside comfortable, both in summer and in winter. With windows and doors that keep the heat inside during the cold winter months and block the heat outside during the summer, it minimizes the need for heating or air conditioning constantly. Depending on the climate and the region, these improvements in energy efficiency can result in a savings of up to 30% on the costs of electricity and gas, directly benefitting the family budget. This saving is not only obvious in the short term, but long-term, these improvements can provide a significant reduction in energy costs per year.

2. Lower carbon footprint

The benefit of reducing the energy consumption also has a positive impact on the environment. When less energy is required to keep the home comfortable, reducing the demand for fossil fuels and, consequently, reduces emissions of greenhouse gases. These emissions are one of the main causes of climate change, and every action which decrease the use of energy helps to mitigate this global problem. The installation of windows and doors-efficient is, therefore, a simple and effective way to contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of the home, helping to create a more sustainable environment. In addition, with the time, the homes that incorporate energy efficiency improvements contribute to the social awareness, promoting a style of life more respectful with the environment and encouraging others to follow this example.

3. Improvement of thermal comfort and acoustic

Beyond the cost savings and the environmental impact windows and doors, energy efficient, they also contribute to creating an environment of comfort within the home. These items are designed not only to improve the internal temperature, but also to reduce the entry of external noise. In urban areas, or residential close to transit routes, airports, or noisy areas, the acoustic insulation for extra becomes an essential advantage to enjoy a calm home. The thermal insulation provided by these windows also contributes to the comfort, as it prevents cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature, allowing for an interior environment stable. As a result, the residents experience an improvement in their quality of life, with spaces quieter and pleasant that are best suited to your needs of comfort and well-being.

4. Increase the value of the property

Energy efficiency not only gives immediate benefits, but also improves the long-term value of the property. As more buyers are looking for sustainable homes and energy efficient homes that include windows and doors, high-efficiency stand out in the real estate market. This kind of improvements are not only an investment in energy savings, but also in the recovery of the property, as prospective buyers see in them an opportunity to acquire a property that will provide savings and comfort in the future. In many cases, the resale value of a house with sustainable elements, and efficient can be significantly larger than the one without these improvements, making the investment in a strategy of growth in assets in the long term. Therefore, install windows and doors, energy efficient, not only is it a smart choice to reduce costs and improve comfort, but also to valorize the home and ensure a return on investment future.

How to choose windows and doors energy efficient?

Select windows and doors right is crucial to ensure that the home maintains an optimal level of energy efficiency. Not all of the products on the market comply with the same standards, and it is important to take informed decisions based on factors that maximize the energy savings, comfort, and sustainability. Below, we will review the essential aspects which should be considered when choosing windows and doors that are efficient for the home:

1. Certifications and standards

One of the safest ways to make sure that the windows and doors meet energy efficiency requirements is to check your certifications. In Europe, the CE marking is essential, since it indicates that the product complies with the standards of quality and safety set by the European Union. In addition to the CE marking, some manufacturers include specific tags that provide detailed information on the performance of the product.

For example, the values of thermal insulation, known as U-valueindicate the product's ability to retain the heat in the home. The lower the U-value, the better the thermal insulation. The gain coefficient solar (SHGC)on the other hand, measures the amount of solar heat the glass to let it pass into the interior; this value is especially important for homes in warm areas, where you want to minimize heat gain. The visible light transmission (VT) it is also important, since it indicates how much of natural light allows the glass. These values help to the buyers to compare different products and select the one that best suits your needs and climatic comfort.

2. Consider the climate and the orientation

The climate and the orientation of each window or door are factors that directly affect its performance and energy efficiency. In areas with cold winters, it is preferable to opt for glass, low emissivity (Low-E), which help to keep the heat in the interior of the housing, reducing the need for heating. In contrast, in warm areas, it is recommended to use glass with sun protection to block direct sunlight and prevent heat from entering the home.

The orientation also plays a key role: the south-facing windows tend to receive more sunlight, so that a glass with a high coefficient SHGC can be useful to take advantage of the natural heat in the winter. On the other hand, in orientations where it receives a lot of direct sunlight, as the west, it is better to choose options that block the sun's rays to prevent overheating in the summer. Adapt the choice of windows and doors to the climate and orientation ensures a better use of energy and greater comfort in the home throughout the year.

3. Options for solar control

To maximize the energy efficiency, many of the windows and doors include technologies of solar control that contribute to regulate the entry of heat according to the season of the year. The special coatings, for example, may reflect a portion of the solar radiation, helping to keep the home cool in the summer and allow the heat to keep it during the winter. Built-in blinds are also a great option to manage the amount of light and heat that enters the home, because they can be easily adjusted depending on the time of day or season.

Some windows include films for solar control which are applied on the glass, and provide an additional barrier against uv radiation and heat. These technologies not only help to reduce energy consumption, but also protect the furniture and wall coverings interior from damage caused by UV rays. Have options of solar control built-in allows you to adjust the home environment, and to maintain a constant level of comfort without over-dependence on air-conditioning systems.

Maintenance and durability

To maintain the performance of windows and doors-efficient, maintenance is essential. Modern materials, such as PVC and aluminum, have been designed to be durable and withstand adverse weather conditions without the need for constant maintenance. However, it is important to perform certain tasks on a regular basis to prolong its life and ensure that they continue to be energy-efficient.

Keep surfaces clean allows the glass to retain their properties of light transmission and solar control. The PVC frames and aluminum require only an occasional cleaning with soap and water to remove the dust and dirt accumulated. Check the sealing of the frames is another key measure; the rubber seals and silicone can deteriorate with time due to exposure to weather conditions and constant use. If the seals are damaged, can cause air leaks, which would compromise the insulation and increase the energy consumption.

Finally, it is recommended to perform an annual inspection of the windows and doors to identify any sign of wear. Often, manufacturers will offer maintenance services professional to ensure that products continue to meet with their standards of efficiency. To properly care for your windows and doors help to prolong its durability, ensuring they provide energy savings and comfort for many years.

Invest in windows and doors energy efficient it is a smart decision that brings benefits both for the pocket and for the environment. To reduce energy consumption, decrease emissions, and contributes to a more sustainable environment. In addition, the comfort of home improvement markedly, resulting in a living space more enjoyable and healthy. If you're looking for an option long-lasting, sustainable and efficient, consider consulting professionals in the field, as Windows and Doors Calpe, which offer a wide range of high quality products adapted to different needs and styles.