Table of Contents
Windows
Windows are an essential factor in assuring pleasant indoor conditions. In cold climates, poorly insulated windows will cause relatively cold surfaces at the facade and will require active heating near the windows to compensate for cold air drops, draughts and “cold radiation” caused by the cold surfaces. Highly insulated windows, on the other hand, will make an active contribution to increasing the level of comfort. High performance windows, specifically developed to meet the requirements of Passive Houses, are offered by an increasing number of manufactureres across the globe. A list of PHI Certified Passive House windows can be found here.
Passive House windows - requirements
Types of glazing and their specific values
Required U-values for Passive House windows
Thermal protection & thermal bridging
Window installation
Proper installation not only maximizes energy efficiency but also ensures long-term comfort and durability. This requires minimizing thermal bridges and maintaining strict airtightness. Window frames must be well-insulated and perfectly aligned with the building’s thermal envelope. Additionally, high-performance glazing should be combined with precise sealing to prevent heat loss and condensation.
Thermal bridges of transparent components – Installation thermal bridges
Window installation (read also in Spanish )
Simplified calculation for window installations
Improving the glazing
Insulating window frames
Installation-based thermal bridges Ψinstall
Tool: Window Installation Thermal Bridges Catalogue
Fact sheet: Is it problematic if the window is better than the wall
Fact sheet: Extending Wall Insulation Over Window Frames – But What About Aluminium
Webinar: Do-It-Yourself energy efficiency measures
Comfort
A high level of thermal comfort is a key feature in Passive House. The windows must meet the criteria to prevent cold air pockets, drafts, temperature variations, and heat losses.
Adapted window qualities
Fact sheet: Comfort criteria for windows in PHPP 10
Tool: Window tool
Tool: Hygiene tool
Certification
Window certification provides highly energy efficient components according to international criteria in order to meet comfort, hygiene and efficiency requirements .
Certification criteria for Passive House Transparent Building Components
Criteria for Certified Passive House Components: Transparent Building Components and Opening Elements in the Building Envelope
PHI window certification: previous success and new climate zones
Ventilation
Ensuring sufficient air replacement is the main task. Properly designed openings can be used when needed, ensuring comfort, hygiene, and consistent indoor temperatures.
Home ventilation
Passive House - 6 reasons why you still need opening windows
Shading
Shading is crucial concept to prevent overheating and maintain thermal comfort during warm months. Properly designed external or internal shading devices, such as overhangs, blinds, or shutters, control solar gain while allowing winter sunlight to warm the interior.
Insulating roller shutter boxes
Optimization of roller shutters and exterior blinds
Tool: Reduction factor for shading
Windows in refurbishment
Replacement of windows in step-by-step refurbishments of existing buildings
Windows in refurbishments
Windows in a step-by-step retrofit
Fact sheet: Windows in step-by-step retrofits - windows first, then insulation
Fact sheet:Windows in step-by-step modernisations – First the thermal insulation, then the windows