Replacing skylights as energy costs continue to rise across Europe is a hot topic. "Eurostat" data show that in July the energy price in the European Union reached 41,1%, which is 14,1% higher than at the beginning of the year. The biggest price increase is for gas. Energy inflation is currently the highest since 1997, when the single consumer price index was first published in the European Union. This means that residents across Europe have to expect high utility bills this winter, especially in Northern Europe and the Baltics, where it's usually colder and there's less daylight.
In order to reduce bills, households need to think about how to save energy resources. Warming houses, replacing the heating system, installing more efficient lighting are the first things that come to mind when we think about saving energy resources in households. But there are other solutions, such as window replacement, which can also provide significant savings.
Housing costs are a challenge for many Europeans, as even before the pandemic, 9,4% of people spent 40% of their income on housing. Currently, 15% of Europeans live in unsatisfactory conditions and 50 million households are affected by energy poverty, unable to adequately heat their homes in winter. Window insulation and energy efficiency significantly affect the home's energy consumption and indoor climate. Energy-efficient glazing – whether double or triple-glazed – helps reduce heat loss, reducing carbon emissions and utility bills.
Our research shows that replacing two windows with more energy-efficient solutions can reduce the required heating energy in the room by up to 11% and the heat loss through the window by up to 60%. On a sunny day, on the other hand, glazing provides additional heat, but it is important that the total benefit of the house from the sun is greater than the energy losses through the windows. In addition, during the heating season, skylights are generally more energy efficient than facade windows, for example, skylights with a double-chamber glass package allow you to lower the temperature in the room by 1-2°C without losing the level of comfort.
When replacing roof windows, it is important to pay attention not only to the energy efficiency of the window itself, but also to the insulation , so that thermal bridges do not form, which may occur due to poor performance of works or due to the peculiarities of the building construction. Therefore, he recommends entrusting the replacement of windows to professionals, because improperly performed work can contribute to the formation of condensation, the development of mold and increase the consumption of heat energy.
Replacement of roof windows - automation and accessories
The introduction of various modern technologies and window accessories can also contribute, for example, automated blinds and shutters can also ensure a reduction in heat loss by adjusting them to the season. Automated systems are also available that adjust the closing of windows and blinds to the weather or temperature for maximum efficiency.
Indoor climate has been proven to affect not only our health, but also our life satisfaction. Therefore, it is important that we maintain optimal heat in the premises without paying an excessively high price for it. Therefore, improving the energy efficiency of the home should not be postponed at this time, for example, a professional can do window replacement in one day without causing too much inconvenience. The benefit is a healthier home and smaller ones heating bills.
- Author: Dmitrijs Astashonoks, general director of "Velux" in the Baltics
