18 Aug How Do Insulated Windows Actually Work?
Knowing how insulated windows work can help you choose the best ones for your home. Insulated windows are standard on any house construction, but that does not mean that all of them are alike. Cheaper windows are not the best option, nor does high price mean you are getting the best quality.
How do you know you are getting the best product when fitting or refitting the windows in your home?
A little examination of how the windows work is an excellent place to start. Often when we choose a product we are not familiar with, we tend to follow what the salesperson tells us. This is not always a good policy, and how many people regret not doing their research? Getting the facts together may help point you in the right direction.
Understanding how do insulated windows actually work includes:
- Knowing the science bit about insulated windows
- Keeping the heat in, and out
- The frames are a key part
Let’s take a closer look at each point.
Knowing the science bit about insulated windows
The glass in your windows conducts heat through the surface. Depending on the thickness of the glass, you can lose a lot of heat through the windows.
Insulated windows work by building up layers of protection against the heat loss. Double glazed windows are two layers of glass, sealed into the frames. Inserting a third panel, between the outer and inner ones, is how triple glazed windows work.
Pumping a filling of Argon or Krypton gas into the space between the panes of glass adds further protection. In some manufacturing styles, the space is evacuated, creating a vacuum between the panes of glass.
The sealing of the glass in the frames is crucial to the effectiveness of the insulated windows. Keeping the unit airtight will keep your home protected. A sealing mixture of aluminum and foam will keep the space filled with gas and free of air.
Some insulated windows do not contain gas, nor is there a vacuum. They are not as effective at keeping your home insulated.
Keeping the heat in, and out
The manufacture of insulated windows includes the coating of the glass with a heat reflecting material.
In the summertime, the transparent metal oxide compounds in the coating reflect back the heat of the sun. This keeps the house fresh and allows you to run the air conditioning less and helps to keep utility bills under control. In the winter, the coating reflects heat from the home back into the room, reversing the process of the summer months.
When buying your windows, always ask about the heat reflection quality of the glass.
The frames are a key part
With any window choice, always pay attention to the frames. When it comes to insulated windows, the frames are where the quality lies.
The right frames will keep the unit sealed. Knowing they will not deteriorate and cause heat leakage will help your peace of mind.
Always discuss in detail the quality of your window frames with your architect or contractor.
Putting It All Together
The best insulated windows today combine the best of all these features into energy efficiency far beyond what was possible even a few years ago. Between the materials and the construction technology, you’re able to get windows that not only insulate extremely well, they also are more durable and require less maintenance than traditional models.