Is There a Downside to LowE?

MANUFACTURERS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT WOODEN WINDOWS, DOORS AND MOULDINGS Is There a Downside To LowE? Not according to the many glowing testimonials I have read on the Internet coming from the USA where LowE glass has been on sale for over 20 years. The prime concern with the early products seems to have been if solar heat gain would be limited and therefore not keep the house warm in winter months. Today, the high performance LowE glass products deal with that and other requirements. Another concern is the initial cost but the long term savings in money spent on power in the home outweigh the increased cost over untreated glass and make LowE an economic choice. How Can You Become More Energy Efficient? There are often different needs based on where you live, the orientation, your goals and how the sun's rays shine in your living room/s and other rooms. There could be a change in how you look at the usage of different areas of the house. How lighting might change, or how curtains and widow treatments will change. There are many aspects to consider. Once you have done an assessment of your needs in each room in your home we can advise on how you can best achieve your ideal in regard to light and heat to make your home as bright and comfortable as possible in every season of the year. What can you expect from LowE glass? In summer, temperatures on the Highveld can rise to 30°C on the outside. LowE keeps damaging UV out and will limit the transfer of heat from direct sunlight to about 23°C or less and maintain it, thus reducing or removing the need for A/C 89°F= 30°C. 75°F= 23°C In winter, when the High Pressure returns to the Highveld, inside temperatures can be maintained at about 20°C on sunny days, thus avoiding the need for heating. On overcast cloudy days it will be necessary to use the heater for short periods to make the home comfortable 70°F= 20°C It is not only the infrared (which causes the heat) that is blocked but also the ultra violet (which causes fading) Change to LowE and live in a Brighter and More Comfortable Home

Does Shading Make LowE Glass Less a Effective?

Does Shading Make LowE Glass Less Effective? I have been asked about the effect of shading on LowE glass and I feel I should make a comment. The Building Regulations SANS 204 requires that the roof overhang is capable of restricting at least 80% of summer solar radiation from going directly into the building. Of course, there are other forms of shading e.g. curtains, blinds etc. but how does this affect the benefits of LowE glass? If we look at the aim of energy efficient glass we judge it by the internal effect of the comfort it gives to a room. Whatever the external flow of infrared radiation in summer or winter, LowE glass will either reflect or absorb it according to its U value ( Heat Transmission) and we know this glass will help to maintain room temperature at optimum levels in summer and winter. Your decision whether or not to opt for LowE glass has a cost consideration. What is the alternative? KPJ is a SAFIERA accredited manufacturer of energy efficient windows so you have a choice of whether to go for the optimum or something slightly less optimum. You can still meet the deem-to-satisfy requirements of the New Building Regulations The Energy Efficient Solution Install KPJ Quality Wooden Windows, Doors and Mouldings. We include glass in all our products

The Scorecard Made Easy

SARIERA Accredited Manufacturer of Energy Efficient Windows The Scorecard Made Easy We have acquired some useful experience in quoting and supplying our clients with energy efficient windows so I can share a few helpful tips that may save you time when preparing plans for new buildings, additions and alterations so that they comply with SANS 204 in climatic zones 1 and 2 Windows in naturally ventilated buildings must comply for conductance, solar heat gain and the SANS 613 SAFIERA tests for air tightness An assessment must be made for each floor level separately 1. SANS 204 applies when the total of the windows area m² exceeds 15% of the habitable net floor area m² Assessments must not exceed the constants listed in SANS 204 2. For assessment of Conductance: List: a) Window sizes, the type of glass in each window and the U Value of each window b) Area m² of each window c) Net habitable floor area m².of building Here are some examples of glass U Values and SHGC in Timber window frames. TIMBER TIMBER Glass Description frame U Value SHGC Glass Description frame U Value SHGC Single Clear 5.6 0.77 Clear Double 3. 0.68 Single Tinted 5.6 0.65 Clear Double LowE 2.41 0.62 Single LowE 4.06 0.63 Clear Double Tinted 2.41 0.51 d) You can now calculate the conductance: Am² (glazing) x U Value (glass + frame) for each window to get a total) e) You can then compare the result with the Conductance constant in SANS 204 f) A(net floor area m² ) x C (zone 1 = 1.2 zone 2 = 1.4) How to calculate shading. P is measured horizontally from top of glass to the edge of the projection. H is measured vertically from the base of the glass to the edge of the projection. The P Value is calculated by dividing P with H. G is measured vertically from top of glass to the edge of the projection. Example: P = 500mm H = 2000mm P/H = 0.25 How to calculate P/H when G exceeds 500mm. The H is halved. 3. For assessment of Solar Heat Gain List: a) Area of each window m² = A b) The SHGC = S for the type of glass in each window c) Orientation (8 possible sectors) N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW., d) Shading – see graphic above (from unshaded to total shading by adjustable means) e) Get the P/H value and convert to E (Solar Exposure Factor) (see Table C1 and C2 in SANS 204) f) You can now calculate the solar heat gain. A(glazing) x S x E (for each window to get a total) g) You can then compare the result with the SHGC constant in SANS 204 A(net floor area) x SHGC (zone1 = 0.15 zone 2 = 0.12) 4 Air Tightness of windows per SANS 613. I have a compliance certificate for windows from SAFIERA SANS 613 KPJ windows are air tight

How to become more energy efficient

Where Can You Get Information On Energy Efficiency? I am hoping that my blogs have helped to explain how the future of new and renovated buildings will be impacted by the new regulations in SANS 10400 XA and SANS 204 particularly with regard to fenestration. The most important part of the building is the fenestration because that is where you can save the most on energy bills. KPJ expertise in this area has been proven in several tests. I have made sure our window and door frames meet the highest standards of manufacture. KPJ is an accredited quality manufacturer having passed three levels of tests for windows - A1, A2, and A3 - by an independent laboratory and results certified by SAFIERA. The regulations only require A1 so KPJ is superior and supplies the best possible product in wooden windows and doors. Always ask your supplier to let you see his certificates I have now summarised all the knowledge we have acquired and made revisions to our website. Please visit us at www.kparkerjoinery.co.za I have left out much of the technical details so you can see the easy way of ordering energy efficient glass. SMART GLASS has reduced their range of LowE glass to two products that are available ex stock. ENER G SMART Laminated Single Glazed and InsulVue SIG Double Glazed These LowE products are the result of taking the best of Solarvue and Solar Shield, which were part of their previous range, to satisfy the requirements of the new Building Regulations SANS 10400 XA and SANS 204 Plans of windows and doors have to be assessed for regulation compliance of conductance and solar heat gain.

LowE Fenestration Simplified

SARIERA Accredited Manufacturer of Energy Efficient Windows LowE Fenestration Simplified Energy efficient fenestration appeared quite complex when we first heard about it. If you look at the European or the USA situation it does seem that architects and material suppliers have to accommodate a large number of factors when complying with building regulations. However, in South Africa we are fortunate that the climate makes it easy to decide on fenestration planning although architects do have to consider all parts when designing energy efficient buildings. Low E glass means that windows have to be as large as possible because the coating on the glass reduces light transmission but that brings a benefit in winter as there is a larger area to reflect heat back into rooms. You only need to decide between two types of LowE glass - Single Glazed or Double Glazed. Then there is the window frame and KPJ works with wood which is the ideal insulator for energy efficiency. Compliance with SANS 613 is essential and suppliers of fenestration have to be able to show a certificate from SAFIERA. It means windows and doors have to pass tests for air tightness, water resistance and structural strength. KPJ has had its windows tested extensively by an independent laboratory and we have proven that our products meet the highest international standards. KPJ is the leading manufacturer of energy efficient windows, doors and mouldings in South Africa

LowE FAQ

SARIERA Accredited Manufacturer of Energy Efficient Windows I am going to cover two important questions that have arisen lately. 1. The frame+glass U values KPJ has complied with SANS 613 achieving an A3 status for KPJ side, top hung and fixed range of windows. This means every product has passed independent laboratory testing for air tightness, water resistance and structural strength (minimum deflection). According to published data no other joinery in South Africa has achieved a rating of A3 for single glazed windows. Tests results are rated according to the European (EU) Code A-G. A Rating is the most energy efficient. A1 is the rating required for residential buildings in Gauteng. Heat Transmission (HotBox) testing is needed to establish U values for frame+glass. Numerous studies in the northern hemisphere have shown that all types of wood are used for windows because it is an excellent insulator. Wooden frames in Europe have been given U values that can match the U values of LowE glass available on the South African market. 2. Pricing To get the best price of single or double glazed LowE windows and doors you will need to choose sizes of windows that can be optimized within the size of sheets of glass (3210x2250mm) as supplied by the manufacturer, so it is advisable to get a quote on a full schedule to see the effect of costs.

Retrofit For Energy Efficiency

SARIERA Accredited Manufacturer of Energy Efficient Windows Retrofit for Energy Efficiency Since 2012 the interest in retrofits increased with energy efficiency in mind. We benefited from an increase in the demand for steel to wood conversion in windows and the popularity of outdoor living gave us the opportunity to supply more patio wooden folding and sliding doors. KPJ now supplies folding and sliding doors with lowE glass bringing much needed temperature control to outside living. KPJ is in its 17th year in business and we use the experience we have gained to offer the very latest technology in our products and installation support. This avoids common difficulties homeowners can experience with installations. South African homes generate about 35% of all carbon gases in the country. I would welcome feedback from clients as retrofits do appear to be a lucrative market. The terrific heat wave we are having on the highveld this summer offers an exciting opportunity for new business. The saving on energy bills would help to offset the cost of any home improvements. Your Guarantee of Excellence KPJ windows have been tested and certified by AAAMSA, SAGGA and SAFIERA