Windows for Passive House, LEED, Zero Energy & Passive Solar Homes - All there is to know about choosing & fitting windows

High Performance Windows & Doors are an essential part of all homes when building new or renovating, & especially when going for Passive House certification & Designs, Passive Solar heating design, LEED certified homes & Zero Energy Homes - Learn everything here about Windows & Doors & how they contribute to Passive Solar heating.

Windows and doors

Our top tips for buying high-performance windows

The quality of windows you install will have a big impact on both your comfort and your heating bill. Here is a guide to help you choose the best windows for your high performance home. Which windows are best? Windows are essential to our homes, so getting the choice of window right is important . They give us…

Windows and doors

The ultimate guide to low-e glass: benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s right for your home

Low emissivity (low-E) coatings on windows reflect heat in and out of your home that can help to keep it warmer and cooler if they are specified correctly. Read here about why low-E glass can be a good choice for a high performance home. The challenges of specifying glass for windows, what are Low-E coatings? When…

Windows and doors

Suspended-film insulating glass windows - A definitive guide for these high-performance windows

High-performance suspended-film insulating glass windows may offer the perfect solution of window performance, window cost & window weight. As early versions of suspended coated film windows had issues, we took another look & review the LiteZone units. Why suspended-film insulating glass windows may be a…

Windows and doors

Product feature: window film treatment to reflect heat and lower air conditioning bills

Passive cooling techniques such as reflective window films can increase comfort, home durability and lower energy bills at the same time. E xtreme summer temperatures pose a very real health risk to the most vulnerable members of society. There are some tips to help keep a home cool during a heat wave , but faced…

Windows and doors

When should you replace old windows?

Replacing old windows in all but the most extreme cases will not save money in your lifetime. Repairing old windows or adding layers may be a more cost-effective solution. Windows, replace or repair? We often get asked if it is a good idea to replace old windows with new and better performing windows to save money…

Windows and doors

Are skylights an asset or a liability?

Skylights offer natural light in a home but account for a lot of heat loss and can cause problems in cold climates. Here are some tips for selection and installation. So are skylights a good or bad idea? It has been said that there are two kinds of skylights; those that leak, and those that are going to leak . This…

Windows and doors

How to install windows

Tips for window installation that will give you the best performance and durability. How to install windows correctly to avoid air or water leaks Watch more green building videos here The Edelweiss LEED Platinum V4 Demo House has been oriented towards the south to increase passive heat gain and reduce energy demand…

Windows and doors

Installing doors & windows for the best performance in high efficiency homes, LEED & Passive House

Top tips for installing windows & doors to prevent water leaks & air infiltration, helping them perform better & last longer, especially in LEED, Passive House & ZNE homes. The importance of installing doors and windows correctly: Window and door openings are breaches in a building envelope that need to be carefully…

Windows and doors

Choosing windows - which window frame? wood v aluminum v vinyl

The energy efficiency of your home is greatly affected by doors and windows, so choose well. Here are some tips about what to look for and what to avoid. Material choices for window frames: Window frames can be made from a variety of materials offering different levels of performance and insulation values. Air in…

Windows and doors

This is where to discover How to Choose & Fit your Passive House certified Windows & Doors Correctly, or which type of window frame is best between Wood v Aluminum v Vinyl (PVC)? and even our Top Tips for Choosing High Performance Windows. Also When to change Windows when Renovating? And Are Skylights a Bad Idea? Learn what type of windows are best for a LEED certified home, or simply which type of windows are going to last the longest in any new home build or renovation because the best windows are ones that keep bad weather out, whilst letting the light stream in - all in balance with keeping your home comfortable year-round wherever you are in the USA or Canada.