Passive houses are designed to be highly energy-efficient and comfortable, and the choice of windows is an important factor in achieving these goals. High-performance windows are specifically designed to be more energy-efficient than standard windows, and they play an important role in the overall energy efficiency of a passive house. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at high-performance windows, their benefits, the materials used in their construction, and the cost considerations of installing them in a passive house.

What are High-Performance Windows?

High-performance windows are windows that are specifically designed to be more energy-efficient than standard windows. They are characterised by high levels of insulation, air-tightness, and solar control, which help to reduce heat loss and gain, improve indoor comfort, and reduce energy costs.

What are the Benefits of High-Performance Windows?

1. There are several key benefits to using high-performance windows in a passive house, including:
   Energy Efficiency: High-performance windows help to reduce heat loss and gain, which can result in lower energy costs and improved energy efficiency for the building as a whole.
2. Comfort: By reducing heat loss and gain, high-performance windows help to improve indoor comfort, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.
3. Durability: High-performance windows are typically more durable than standard windows, which can help to extend the lifespan of the building.
4. Improved Air Quality: High-performance windows help to improve indoor air quality by reducing drafts and reducing the amount of pollutants that can enter the building.

What Materials are Used in High-Performance Windows?

1. The materials used in the construction of high-performance windows vary depending on the specific type of window and the manufacturer. However, some of the most common materials include: Low-E Glass: Low-E glass is a type of glass that has a special coating that helps to reduce heat loss and gain. It is a common feature of high-performance windows and can help to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
2. Dual-Pane Glass: Dual-pane glass is a type of glass that consists of two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space. The air space acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss and gain and improving the energy efficiency of the building.
3. Argon Gas: Argon gas is a type of gas that is commonly used to fill the sealed air space between the panes of glass in dual-pane windows. It is a more effective insulator than air, which can help to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
4. Aluminum windows are the most well known window material in Australia, aluminum windows perform terribly from a thermal conductivity standpoint and aren’t used in a passive or high performance home.
5. uPVC, also known as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, is a low-maintenance building material used as a substitute for timber and aluminum. The main advantage of all high quality UPVC products is that they never need painting. uPVC is a cheaper alternative to expensive hardwood timber and aluminum.
   uPVC is a material with low thermal conductivity.
6. Timber has two distinct advantages, firstly it is a natural material and has low thermal conductivity. Timber requires ongoing maintenance but can be improved using hybrid aluminum and timber windows, the window is clad with aluminum on the outside of the window to protect from the elements.

What are the Cost Considerations in Installing High-Performance Windows?

The cost of installing high-performance windows can vary widely depending on the specific type of window and the manufacturer. However, it is generally more expensive than installing standard windows. However, the increased cost of high-performance windows is typically offset by the long-term energy savings they provide, making them a cost-effective investment over time.

In addition to the cost of the windows themselves, there are also labour costs associated with installation, which can be more complex installations. However, the investment in high-performance windows is typically recouped within a few years through the energy savings they provide, making them a cost-effective investment over the long term.

High-performance windows play a crucial role in the energy efficiency of a passive house. They are designed to be more energy-efficient than standard windows and provide several key benefits, including improved indoor comfort, increased energy efficiency, and improved air quality.

Learn more in our Passive House FAQ