Using a calculation system known as the U value (or U factor), double glazing can be measured for its energy efficiency in comparison to other types of windows.
Any type of building can be analyzed by the U value, which is a measure of how well that component retains heat. Moreover, the lower the U value, the more efficient the window will be at conserving energy.
The U-value is used to measure the effectiveness of double glazing. What are the advantages of this technique?
Double-glazed windows reduce heat loss, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50%, thereby resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
By measuring the heat loss through your single or double glazed windows, you can identify where your energy bills are increasing.
As well as reducing noise pollution and enhancing security, double glazing is installed to reduce heat loss, however, the U value is calculated only based on heat loss.
U values for glazing under building regulations
Obtaining good thermal performance of glass installations is determined by the Uw value.
When it comes to adhering to the Building Regulations for thermal performance in glazing, the Uw value is of primary importance. When constructing or renovating a home, the glazing elements should have a Uw rating of at least 1.6 W/m2K. A newly build house needs to be considered in terms of its energy needs as a whole, but the glazing of the house cannot be below 2.00 Watts per square meter.
How to calculate U value
Are you planning to measure your home? There is no need to worry about heat loss as complicated as you might think. The U-values mentioned above can be used to measure how energy-efficient double-glazed doors and windows are.
Is it possible to determine each window using the formula below? Regardless of the season, heat loss occurs:
U Value x Temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the glass x Glass width x Glass height = Total Heat Loss per Hour (Watts).
With the help of a window-measurement system, you will be able to verify how much energy is being lost in your home and eliminate the problem.
The improvement of UW values of glazing
A minimum level of insulation must be achieved with double glazing as a minimum, as well as argon gas filling and low e coating. Low emissivity coatings reflect radiant heat away from the glazing, thereby lowering the amount of energy lost through the glass. Since argon is heavier than air, it reduces convection currents that carry heat away from the gas cavity.
IQ specifies this standard as a minimum for all insulated glass products. Glass produced in accordance with this specification will have an Ug Value of 1.0-1.1 W/m2K.
The UW value of an installation can be improved in a number of ways. The thermal performance of a building will be improved by improving the U factors in the calculation.
You can also read How to choose double glazing and Condensation in windows.