Energy Efficiency in Buildings. An Increasingly Important Trend
Energy efficiency in the home is important to reduce electricity consumption, optimize thermal comfort and reduce environmental impact. In recent years, builders, architects and engineers have made energy efficiency a priority when accepting a project.
However, many people are unaware of the role that thermal performance plays in the efficiency of their home. From insulation to air sealing to the type of windows used, every element contributes to minimizing heat loss in winter and preventing overheating in summer.
Let’s learn how to improve home thermal performance, the most effective strategies for sealing air leaks and how small investments can translate into big savings on your energy bills, especially in buildings, stores and homes in extreme locations.
What is Thermal Performance and Why is it Important?
Thermal performance refers to the ability of a home, building or store to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without relying excessively on heating or cooling systems.
This is achieved by reducing heat transfer through good insulation, proper air sealing and the choice of efficient materials.
But it’s also important to have a barrier, either doors or windows. This allows outside heat to stay out or extreme cold to stay out.
Improving the thermal performance of the home brings numerous benefits:
- Reduced energy consumption: Less need for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
- Increased thermal comfort: Indoor spaces with more stable temperatures throughout the year.
- Decreased CO₂ emissions: Contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.
- Savings on electricity and gas bills: A well-insulated home significantly reduces energy costs.
Why is Insulation Important in Energy Efficiency?
One of the main factors influencing thermal performance is thermal insulation. Without adequate insulation, much of the interior heat escapes in winter and outside heat penetrates in summer, forcing air conditioning systems to work harder.
Critical areas to apply thermal insulation:
- Entry doors: The vast majority of thermal or frigid air enters and exits through entry doors, like you and me.
- Windows: The more windows you have, the greater the possiblity for temperatures to enter and escape.
- Roofs and attics: Up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof if it’s not well insulated.
- Exterior walls: They represent 35% of the total heat loss of a house.
- Floors and basements: Contribute up to 15% of temperature leakage.
When we control interior temperatures with glass or aluminum insulating doors, external elements that use gas or other pollutants aren’t required. Additionally, kilowatt usage will be lower, offering substantial savings.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in-home air sealing can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Air leakage is another factor that reduces a home’s thermal efficiency. Cracks in windows, doors, walls and vents allow unwanted outside air to enter, forcing heating or air conditioning systems to overwork.
Impact of Thermal Performance on the Environment
Optimizing thermal efficiency not only benefits homeowners but also has a positive impact on the planet. According to studies, poorly insulated homes generate up to 50% more CO₂ emissions due to increased use of heating and air conditioning.
Much of today’s cooling equipment uses hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases and consume a lot of energy, making them a double burden for climate change.
Additionally, heating or cooling equipment expends a lot of electrical energy. With an average of 900 and 1440 watts per hour (for just one floor), they‘re the biggest energy consumers in the world.
Now if we transfer the above numbers to buildings or stores, the climate expenditure will be much higher than before.
Reducing energy demand in the home helps mitigate climate change and promotes the responsible use of natural resources.
Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors. Your Best Option
Another key aspect of thermal performance is the quality of windows and doors. Conventional models allow air to flow in and out, while modern double-glazed or thermally broken options are highly efficient.
- Fit doors and windows with materials that allow for high thermal efficiency window benefits:
- Reduced heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
- Reduced condensation and moisture seepage.
- Better sound insulation, blocking outside noise.
Investing in efficient windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and thermally insulated frames can generate savings of 30% in annual energy costs.
PRL Glass: Your Best Option for Energy Efficient Homes
At PRL Glass we specialize in temperature insulation solutions. Thanks to our experience working in California, where extreme climates are common, we have developed systems that will help you maintain even temperatures in your home, building or store.
We’re primarily known for our advanced insulated glass. PRL’s insulating glass units enhance thermal performance, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort, offering greater value when combined with low-E or reflective coated glass.
PRL’s insulating glass (IG) units, also known as double-pane glass, are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. In many regions, building codes mandate the use of IG units as an essential energy conservation measure. These units consist of two or more glass panes, hermetically sealed and separated by a dry airspace, enhancing thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
We also have our new thermally broken systems. These are advanced aluminum doors that are unique in the U.S. market and have superior insulation capabilities.
Our thermally broken systems are found in our flagship aluminum doors such as storefronts and bifold doors. We guarantee fast delivery and the best prices for your project.
PRL’s complete thermally broken systems include tempered glass or insulating glass (IG) units to improve the energy efficiency of any building. Each entrance and commercial storefront door is shipped pre-glazed and ready to install, incorporating all customer-specified hardware and materials.
