A study by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt confirms that significant energy savings can be achieved by using SWISSPACER plastic spacers in windows with insulating glass units.
The spacer in a thermally insulated double -glazed unit may be a small component of the window, but it has a huge impact on the energy intensity of the entire building. This component is available in a "cold" version made of metal ( aluminum or steel ) or in a version of the so-called warm plastic spacer. A study conducted by the independent German Institute for Passive Housebuilding Darmstadt proves from the figures presented that 100% plastic spacers significantly increase the energy efficiency of windows. In addition, the warm frame reduces energy consumption,CO2 emissions and heating costs for the entire house.
The analysis carried out and the results obtained are representative of the cool or cold temperate climate zone, and thus can be related to conditions in western and eastern Poland, respectively. The study compared spacers made of aluminum, stainless steel and plastic - SWISSPACER Ultimate used in windows of low-energy houses and corresponding to the standards set by the German regulation on energy savings in new buildings (EnEV 2016). The result that was obtained unequivocally confirms the thesis that by using high-energy-efficiency spacers made of plastic like the SWISSPACER Ultimate instead of aluminum - in the case of low-energy houses with double glazing ( single glazing) located in moderate cold climates, about 5.6% of the total heating energy of the building can be saved, while in moderate cold climates about 4.8%. For triple glazing ( double glazing unit), the savings are as high as 8.6% and 7.1%, respectively.
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This means much lower heating costs. In this simple and inexpensive way, homeowners can enjoy lower bills for many years, although the warm frame window itself is marginally more expensive.
Warm spacers with high insulating efficiency made of plastic also have an advantage over analogous elements made of other easily heat-conducting materials. According to a study, the thermal conductivity of the former is 0.14 W/(mK). In the case of frames made of stainless steel, the value reaches 0.60, and in aluminum - as much as 160 W/(mK), and is more than a thousand times higher than plastic frames. In addition, plastic spacers provide greater comfort in the room, as they significantly reduce the formation of condensation on the edge of the glass, reduce the risk of mold formation and maintain the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the window at an optimal level.
For more information, visit the company's SWISSPACER page on the A&B portal.
