Passipedia EN

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====== 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. .

[[.:windows:requirements_for_windows|]]\\
[[.:windows:types_of_glazing_and_their_specific_values|]]\\
[[.:windows:requirements_for_windows:required_u-values_for_passive_house_windows|]]\\
[[https://database.passivehouse.com/en/components/list/group_4|Certified Passive House windows ]]


===== Thermal protection & thermal bridging =====

==== Window installation ====

[{{ :picopen:passive_house_window_u.png?250|Passive House windows allow for major energy savings and offer a superior level of comfort.}}]

Thermal protection in windows refers to their ability to reduce heat transfer, helping maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and improving energy efficiency. On the other hand, thermal bridging occurs when heat bypasses insulation through highly conductive materials, such as poorly insulated edges, leading to energy loss and condensation risks.  Minimizing thermal bridging and ensuring airtight installation become essential factors. Below we list how high-performance glazing, insulated frames, spacers and  advanced frame materials ensure the better performance and comfort.

[[:basics:building_physics_-_basics:thermal_bridges:tbcalculation:thermal_bridges_of_transparent_components|]]\\
[[.:windows:window_installation|Window installation]] (read also in {{:picprivate:puente_termico_de_la_instalacion_ψinstal_.pdf|Spanish}}  )\\
[[.:windows:windowinstallationcalculation|]]\\
[[:efficiency_now:building_envelope:glazing|Improving the glazing]]\\
[[:efficiency_now:building_envelope:insulation_of_window_frames|]]\\
[[.:windows:window_installation|]]

Tool: [[:basics:building_physics_-_basics:thermal_bridges:window_installation_thermal_bridges_catalogue|]]\\
Fact sheet: {{:picopen:microsoft_word_-_01_fact-sheet_en_window-better-wall_kk.pdf|Is it problematic if the window is better than the wall }} \\
Fact sheet: [[:phi_publications:2025_vo1_extending_wall_insulation_over_window_frame|Extending Wall Insulation Over Window Frames – But What About Aluminium]]\\
Webinar: [[:webinars:do-it-yourself_energy_efficiency|]]


==== Comfort ====

Thermal comfort is a defining living quality. The cold air pockets, drafts, uneven temperatures, and heat losses can all influence the comfort. With PHPP circulation, these factors can be calculated and controlled, ensuring balanced air circulation and meeting the comfort standards.

[[:basics:passive_houses_in_different_climates:study_passive_houses_for_different_climate_zones:adapted_window_qualities|]]\\
Fact sheet: [[:phi_publications:2023_vo4_comfort_criteria_phpp|]]\\
Tool: [[..:window_tool|]]\\
Tool: [[..:hygiene_tool|]]





===== Ventilation =====

Window ventilation ensures the sufficient fresh air replacement. However, if ventilation is insufficient, the air quality will be poor and there will be a risk of condensation occurring. If too much ventilation takes place, the air will become too dry and energy consumption will become excessively high.  Read more about [[https://passipedia.org/planning/building_services/ventilation/basics/types_of_ventilation#purge_ventilation_through_windows|Purge ventilation through windows]]

[[..:refurbishment_with_passive_house_components:prospects_for_the_modernisation_of_existing_buildings_using_highly_efficient_components:home_ventilation|]]\\
[[..:building_services:ventilation:passive_house_-_6_reasons_why_you_still_need_windows|]]

===== Shading =====

Window shading is important, but roller shutters and exterior blinds can create thermal weak points. Proper calculation and careful planning are needed to optimize their performance.

[[:efficiency_now:building_envelope:insulating_a_roller-shutter_box|]]\\
[[.:windows:optimization_of_roller_shutters_and_exterior_blinds|]]\\
Tool: [[..:tools:reductionfactor_shading|]]

===== Certification =====

Global growth in energy-efficient construction is driving demand for certified, high-performance windows.We certify energy-efficient components to international standards, ensuring they meet the criteria for energy performance, comfort, and hygiene.


[[https://passivehouse.com/03_certification/01_certification_components/02_certification_criteria/02_certification_criteria.htm|Certification criteria for Passive House Transparent Building Components ]]\\
{{ :picopen:03_certification_criteria_window-installation-system.pdf |Criteria: Transparent Building Components and Opening Elements in the Building Envelope}}\\
[[.:windows:window_certification:start|]]\\
===== Windows in refurbishment =====

[[.:windows:replacement_of_window|]]\\
[[..:refurbishment_with_passive_house_components:thermal_envelope:windows|Windows in refurbishments]]\\
[[..:refurbishment_with_passive_house_components:windows_in_a_step-by-step_retrofit|]]

Fact sheet: {{:picopen:microsoft_word_-_07_window_step_by_step_retrofit_kk.pdf|Windows in step-by-step retrofits - windows first, then insulation }} \\
Fact sheet:{{:phi_publications:microsoft_word_-_08_thermal_insulation_step_by_step_retrofit_kk.pdf|Windows in step-by-step modernisations – First the thermal insulation, then the windows }}

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===== See also =====

[[:certification:passive_house_suitable_components|]]\\
[[:basics:passive_houses_in_different_climates|]]\\
[[.:windows:passive_house_windows_completely_redesigned|The next generation of Passive House windows]]\\
[[.:windows:passive_house_windows_completely_redesigned|]]\\