German windows, just like their cars have a very good reputation for their craftsmanship and overall quality. This has only been growing in recent years. Passivhaus windows work best in colder climates, as homes in colder climates need a very good window. One that will protect them from the elements and keep the heat within the home.
You may have heard about Passivhaus windows and have been wondering if these high quality windows are right for your home? After all, it’s a solid investment. However, it’s an investment that will allow you to reap the rewards for a very long period of time.
What are Passivhaus windows?
Passivhaus is a style of building that emphasizes extremely high energy efficiency, and is one of the highest energy efficiency standards that exists today. Buildings built with the Passivhaus standard are able to provide a high level of comfort, while using very little energy for both heating and cooling. Homes built in this way are designed and constructed with principles from the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.
Heat losses are reduced so dramatically, that the house hardly needs any heating at all. Most of the heat comes from passive sources, such as, the humans occupying the building, appliances, and heat from an extract air cover.
Passivhaus windows play a large role in this style of design. Windows are constructed with the highest energy efficiency standards. For example, Passivhaus windows must be triple glazed with a U-factor of 0.14. The lower a window’s U-factor, the greater the window is at resisting heat flow with the outside air.
Most often, the greatest temperature differential in a home is the space on the interior of the window. There can even be a 3 degree Celsius difference between the window and the rest of the room.
Passivahuas windows must maintain the highest standards. This means triple-paned windows, filled with Argon gas, surrounded in a beautiful wooden frame. These windows are usually very large, and aside from being energy efficient are also incredibly beautiful.
What type of climates are these windows best suited for?
Passivhaus building standards can be used anywhere in the world. However, they’re used most often in colder climates. Or at least climates that experience a range of seasons throughout the year. Since, the Passivhaus standard was developed in Germany the obvious focus is for colder climates. Of course, this style of building and the Passivhaus windows can be used for any climate, it might be a waste of materials.
If you live in a colder climate, then Passivhaus windows will greatly extend your quality of life. Instead of dealing with your skyrocketing energy bill you’ll be able to sit in your home comfortably, even while the temperature dips below freezing. Overall, the Passivhaus standard is about increasing the comfortability in your home, and Passivhaus style of window plays a crucial role in this.
I hope this article has been illuminating and you have a better understanding of Passivhaus windows and how they can make for a completely energy efficient home. If you live or are thinking of building a home in a colder climate, these windows are a great investment.