As many of you already know, the architecture of Arquifach Arquitectos is committed to efficient and ecological design and construction, with windows playing a major role. We want to do our bit to halt the climate catastrophe, always striving to maintain maximum comfort. The recent war conflict between Russia and Ukraine, among other factors, has disproportionately increased gas, electricity, and fuel bills. More than ever, we need to design and build trying to ensure consumption is fair and necessary, making energy saving our ally and leading us to more efficient and intelligent consumption.
The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) estimates that the energy consumption of our homes equals one-fifth of the consumption of all Spain. This same body calculates that, of all the energy our home consumes, heating occupies one of the highest percentages in our bill, specifically 47% of it. That is why this winter we want to offer you a series of changes and renovations that can help you reduce your expenses and, furthermore, improve the environment.
How to design and build contributing to energy saving?
There are many key factors that influence energy saving. The most important are the following:
- Guarantee airtightness against outside air, minimizing the so common infiltrations.
- Eliminate thermal bridges where thermal transmittance is higher, resulting in considerable energy loss.
- Use optimal and quality windows.
- Efficient thermal insulation for conditioning a home.
- Mechanical or intelligent ventilation that forces air extraction to renew it and thus guarantee indoor air quality.
In this article, we are going to review the requirements and characteristics that windows must have to be optimal and efficient. Why windows? Because they are one of the key pieces to guarantee several of the previous points. Using quality windows guarantees insulation and airtightness. They also guarantee very low thermal transmittance, great acoustic insulation, and reflection or maintenance of energy in the different seasons.
Another reason to focus on windows is the way they influence our mental health. Why? Natural light directly influences our health and mood. At an immunological level, it helps eliminate bacteria typical of dark and humid scenarios. The best way to generate natural light is through windows in ceilings and walls, as well as a correct selection of color and/or materials that reflect it.
Before talking about windows, we must consider their components to make a good choice:
The glass: According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), glass occupies three-quarters of the opening, so it is the part most exposed to thermal exchange with the outside. There are two types:
- Low-emissivity glass, which loses less energy than conventional ones.
- Selective glass: designed for areas where both energy losses in winter and gains in summer need to be controlled.
Double glazing, known as IGU (Insulated Glass Unit). These include an air chamber capable of providing insulation between the inside and outside.
The frame is also very important. The best insulators are wood and PVC, especially when it has a hollow profile with six chambers (this is also the most expensive option). It is not advisable to opt for metal frames, as this material is a good thermal conductor and does not work well as an insulator. If choosing frames of this type, it is important to ensure they have a thermal break.
What is PVC and why is it a good material for windows?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a material obtained from the chemical mixture of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. One of its advantages is its lightness and the low environmental impact of its manufacture.
Advantages of PVC windows
- Resistance: for interiors and exteriors, resisting the passage of time and extreme weather conditions.
- Acoustic insulation: important for mental health.
- Functionality: you will find a variety of windows with different types of openings, which add different functionalities and presentations.
- Thermal insulation: a good indicator of its effectiveness as an insulator is the energy label indicated by its manufacturer.
Smart windows
If we are seeking perfection on an energy level, we can complement the installation of good windows with smart devices that help us maintain control depending on the temperature. They work like blinds or with glass that changes opacity depending on the time of day. This way they regulate the amount of light and heat entering through the window. There are three different modes of use:
- Summer mode: the window lets all light through and blocks heat (allows you to do without electric light).
- Siesta mode: prevents both light and heat from entering.
- Winter mode: lets light and heat through and helps heat the house.
Arquifach Arquitectos Calpe
Contact Arquifach, Calpe architecture studio, without obligation. We study the viability of your project and offer advice on the renovation of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. Count on the support of a team specialized in the Costa Blanca. Arquifach handles the entire renovation process and planning, adapting it to the client’s needs and complying with municipal regulations.
