All About Windows - Self Study

The thoughtful selection and application of windows is crucial in meeting the challenging Passive House Space Heat Demand criteria in cold climates. This session will discuss the anatomy of a window, mechanisms that transfer heat through windows, and window design and application strategies. We will compare and contrast two window performance characterization systems, discuss how windows impact comfort, how they can be used to supplement a heating system - and possibly help avoid use of a heating distribution system – as well as assisting with ‘passive survivability’ when the power fails, illustrated with actual data.

This session is of general interest, but the focus will be on the details associated with the use of windows in Passive House designs.

By the end of the lecture you will:

• Understand the different heat transfer mechanisms associated with windows
• Learn about strategies used in window design and installation to reduce heat loss
• Understand differences between US and European window performance rating systems to avoid incorrectly interpreting window performance
• See how, and by how much, window selection and application can assist with passive survivability
• Understand the impact of shading, shading strategies, building orientation, etc. with respect to the Passive House Space Heat Demand criteria