Why does windows get so much attention in the green building space? Windows play a significant role in a building’s carbon footprint. The specifications can lower energy loss by up to 50% through thermal regulation, the type of windows and their location — all crucial in design.
Many people might not think much about the windows in a home or office, but builders design them with various specifications. Technology has come a long way in recent decades, allowing different coatings, frames and glass types to benefit different environments.
Depending on their construction, windows can allow or resist heat flow in a building. In cooler climates, thinner-paned windows allow the sun’s rays to penetrate through them, warming the structure with less need for a heating system.
A window’s U-value and R-value can determine the thermal transfer. The U-value is the amount of heat transferred by a window. The R-value describes the ability of a window to resist heat penetration. Both of these factors are vital to finding a suitable balance between natural warmth and cooling.
Construction professionals will look for a higher R-value when using windows to assist with insulation. Including these reduces the work for heating and air conditioning units, saving energy while keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The more panels a window has, the higher its R-value will be.
If an owner wants windows for heat transfer, their placement is vital for everyone’s comfort. Offices can place these windows near desks for employee comfort. At home, the windows should be in places near seats or beds. The same goes for thermal-resistant windows — placing them throughout the house provides plenty of natural light while regulating the building temperature.
