Heated plastic windows. Operating principle and scope

Plastic windows with heated double-glazed windows have become an innovative product on the window construction market.

This is a new solution for the Russian market, which has become quite popular among buyers. Electrically heated glass is used in the production of double-glazed windows for window structures, enclosing elements, and it can also be used to construct a roof for a winter garden.

Is a heated plastic window really better than the standard design, what is it and how is it different? We will try to consider in detail all the advantages, disadvantages and features of double-glazed windows, the design of which has a built-in heating system.

What is a heated window

Design features and operating principle of heated windows:

The window profile can be any: plastic, wood, aluminum

The current-carrying wire is recessed inside the frame

The transparent conductive coating is located on the glass itself

The system is equipped and controlled by an external temperature sensor, which allows you to set the required glass heating temperature

The heating element operates from a 220 V power supply.

Heated double-glazed windows are single-chamber or double-chamber windows equipped with an automatic heating system. The first models were developed to combat condensation.

To avoid moisture formation, it is necessary to warm the surface. The heating temperature must overcome the dew point and only in this case there will be no unpleasant manifestations.

The reason for the release of moisture on the glass lies in two factors:

• temperature difference in the room and on the surface of the glass, if the room is warm and the temperature outside is sub-zero;
• During the day, unstable temperature in the home and its sudden changes lead to the appearance of streaks on the glass.

To prevent moisture from accumulating on the glass, it is necessary to increase the circulation of air masses or heat the glass. This problem is relatively successfully solved by placing radiator grilles directly under the window. Warm air rises and warms the temperature of the window surface. To do this, it is necessary to intensively heat the rooms, which leads to excessive consumption of fuel. Considering the fact that the window has a window sill and warm air must bend around the barrier, not as much heat reaches the surface of the glass as we would like.

A modern option - a heated window or warm glass will help you not to worry about the condition of the window glass and slopes. Electricity is connected to the glass unit and warms the window surfaces to comfortable temperatures. Special glass is used, which retains heat when the electricity is turned off , as it has energy-saving properties.

The operating principle of energy-saving structures.

Over the past half century, the window industry has made huge strides forward. The first windows were a simple wooden frame with one, rarely two layers of glass - their thermal conductivity was high, they were susceptible to drying out, rotting and subsequently required additional insulation. Double glazing provided better protection from the cold; the air gap between the glasses reduced thermal conductivity by almost half, but this design was still far from ideal.

Further development led to the emergence of multi-chamber sealed packages with voids filled with an inert gas, usually argon or krypton. Such windows not only provided excellent protection from the cold, but also better resisted heat leakage from the room.

From the point of view of the laws of physics, the operation of a heat-saving window can be explained as follows. In nature, heat can spread in the following ways: conduction, convection and radiation. In the case of a window frame, the main heat losses occur through thermal conductivity and convection - cold air from the street cools the glass, and it already cools the air in the room. An emissive layer 5–7 mm thick appears on the surface of the glass. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce the influence of air in the heat exchange between the glasses.

For this purpose, a multi-chamber double-glazed window design and filling of voids with inert gas are used. Argon has a lower molecular speed than air, so the speed of heat propagation from wall to wall will also be lower. The distance between the glasses should also not be less than 15 mm to eliminate emissive heat loss, while one of the glasses may have a special silver oxide coating to reduce thermal radiation, while sunlight passes through unhindered. It is also important to use high-quality window seals that do not lose their properties over time. Such windows are considered to be heat-saving. More often they are made of PVC (mass production), less often of wood (premium segment).

How does a heated plastic window work?

Professionals and ordinary users highly appreciate the capabilities of heated double-glazed windows, and therefore give preference to plastic windows equipped with such glass.

Unlike a conventional double-glazed window, a heated window design combines two functions at once : it lets daylight into the room and heats air flows passing in close proximity to the glass. Why is heating needed? The biggest problem for all types of windows is the formation of ice and condensation on the glass due to temperature changes. High-quality modern technologies made it possible to combine the function of transmitting light and at the same time heating the window structure. In addition, an electrically heated double-glazed window is an additional source of heat, and in some cases, the only effective way to heat rooms of different sizes. One could only dream of this 5-7 years ago!

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In this double-glazed window, the glass is heated by electricity supplied to the window structure. But it's not that simple. For such a solution to become a practical reality, the designers had to use special technology. Without going into detail, the operating principle of such a window can be described as follows: the surface of the glass is heated by a thin film of metal oxides. This substance is applied to glass at the production stage. The microscopic coating layer does not in any way impair the light transmittance of the glass, but at the same time has the ability to heat the surface.

Advantages of heated systems

It has been proven that almost forty percent of heat leaves the room through windows. When installing special double-glazed windows, heat loss can be significantly reduced, up to complete heat retention and zero losses.

Among the main advantages of heated double-glazed windows are the following:

pros

The ability to independently regulate the heating temperature, the temperature rises quickly and is set within the required limits, up to a maximum of fifty-five degrees

Reduced costs for the heating system, despite the fact that heating the glass requires electricity, the name of the package “energy saving” fully justifies itself. Thanks to the package's ability to prevent heat loss, heating costs are minimized. Electric heating of a room in the off-season using packages is a reality

Using heated glass as a source of additional heating. The opinion that double-glazed windows need to be constantly turned on is wrong; even when turned off, they effectively maintain the microclimate in the room, protecting it from cold air attacks

Saving money - in the summer, the double-glazed window works like an air conditioner, it reliably protects the room from heat penetration and does not require additional cooling of the home

Minimizing the likelihood of condensation appearing on glass - there is no temperature contrast between inside and outside, the temperature is above the dew point, so condensation is basically impossible

Electric window heating is a solution that allows you to create comfort. The maximum temperature on the glass surface is 55 degrees. Power consumption varies from 50 to 430 W per square meter, depending on the desired result. On average, the energy consumption of one window is equal to the consumption of a sixty-watt light bulb.

According to negative reviews, the disadvantages of heated windows:

Minuses

More expensive compared to standard designs

Difficulty in installation with a non-standard window opening shape

Electricity consumption will inevitably increase. Current power – 30-100 W per sq.m. glass

Before installation, preliminary preparation is required: dismantling the window sill and part of the wall, supplying electrical communications. After installation is completed, restoration repairs will be required.

What types of heat-saving double-glazed windows are there?

The most efficient and common are windows with two or more chambers; the distance between the panes is different for greater heat savings. The glass used must also have a number of requirements: thickness - 4 mm; a thin layer of metal oxide can be applied to one surface, preventing the penetration of ultraviolet radiation, but transmitting infrared light. In this case, heat from the room is retained by this layer and returned back.

Depending on the application technology in an energy-saving double-glazed window, two types of glass are distinguished:

• I-glass , soft coating provides the necessary level of protection and thermal conductivity, but the service life of such glasses is limited - no more than 10 years, which can be a significant drawback in certain conditions;
• K-glass , the thermal protection coefficient is one and a half times lower, but the service life, due to the harder coating, can reach several decades.

Such glasses perform well in winter, significantly reducing heat loss, but in summer, additional technology must be used to reduce heating. We are talking about reflective glasses that reflect the sun's rays and prevent objects in the room from heating up. You can use regular tinting, but such glass will get very hot and distort sunlight, although the heating will undoubtedly decrease. To achieve maximum effect, you should use multifunctional double-glazed windows that combine all these technologies.

What are the benefits of installing electrically heated windows?

Advantages of equipping a window with heated glass:

Heating adjustment

Anti-icing

Comfort in the room

Removing condensation

Optimal temperature support

NO wiretapping

Possibility of heating adjustment

The glass is heated very evenly over the entire surface, as a result of which patterns do not form on the windows. The surface is heated according to the desired temperature; you can set the indicators to the desired degrees. The great advantage of the method is that there are no heating devices visible on the glass. In appearance, the frame has the most ordinary double-glazed window installed.

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About forty percent of the heat that leaves our homes through window openings is returned by heated double-glazed windows. The absence of condensation will not only give the window surface an attractive appearance, but will also allow light to penetrate much more efficiently.

You can combine warm heated glass with additional decorative elements .
When connected to a network, a special layer of liquid crystals can make the glass matte or darkened. This is very convenient for protecting your privacy from prying eyes. If it is not yet time for the heating season, and the room is uncomfortable and cool, using heated windows will be an excellent alternative for creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere in the room. Related articles:
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Anti-icing

The heated window is protected from icing. The packages heat up and increase the temperature of the entire structure: glass, sashes and trim. This prevents snow from sticking and icing on the surface of the windows. There is no longer any need to clean the outer surface of the frame.

It is important to note that external waterproofing must be done as efficiently as possible, otherwise melted snow will form puddles on the windowsill.
This can lead not only to the need for cleaning, but also to a short circuit. In this case, a complete replacement of the window frame will be required. Related articles:
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Creating comfort in the room

Windows that do not have a constant coating of moisture allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature and microclimate in the room. But this is not the only main advantage of heated bags. Indoors in winter, the most uncomfortable place is the window. Even with the plastic windows sealed, the glass can feel cold in cold weather, which is very uncomfortable for living. Often in winter, a rearrangement is even made to remove the bed, table or chair from the window openings and to be further away. Heated windows help you forget about this trouble and even make the window seat no less comfortable.

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Demisting a window

With heated windows, the concept of “condensation” no longer bothers those living in the house. Thanks to the stable temperature, the windows will never be damp or even wet again. A common phenomenon for plastic windows, such as blackening of the slopes or the bottom of the glass, is not relevant for heated surfaces: the glass is always dry, warm and clean without the slightest sign of condensation.

Maintaining optimal temperature

It is a mistaken belief that in winter, double-glazed windows should be constantly working.
When offline, the bags still reflect heat back into the home and maintain an optimal, comfortable temperature. The same option works during the summer heat. Hot air cannot enter the room, and the house remains pleasantly cool. There is a kind of cost savings on cooling the room with air conditioners. The plastic double-glazed window performs the function of keeping cool. Related articles:
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Ability to withstand listening devices

This feature of double-glazed windows is not relevant for most private homes, but for serious organizations and offices the thermal package function is of certain interest. The method of listening with a laser beam does not work on heated double-glazed windows. The cost of equipment covers many times the possible losses from leakage of confidential information.

Additional glass protection function

The heated glass unit consists of a special laminated glass that is extremely resistant to mechanical damage.
It is not easy to break it, but if this does happen, the alarm immediately goes off due to the failure of the system. Related articles:
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Average cost in the Russian Federation

Considering that many manufacturing companies supplying heated glass window units actively compete with each other, the average cost in the Russian Federation for such translucent elements is approximately the same :

1. Solid structures with PVC profiles – from 9 – 12 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
2. Wooden double-glazed windows with heating - from 15 - 17 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
3. Warm aluminum window frames with heating cables - from 16 - 18 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
4. Dormer windows with mid-turn sashes and heating - from 20 - 25 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
5. Metal-plastic portal door structures with translucent filling and contour heating - from 20 - 22 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.

The final price of a finished window, which is installed in residential and public buildings, depends on the following factors :

1. Glazing area.
2. Heating system power.
3. The number of cameras in a double-glazed window.
4. Profile material.
5. Thermal and noise insulation characteristics of double-glazed windows and profile structures.
6. Glass type.
7. Availability of reflective films.
8. Category of fittings and number of degrees of freedom of moving elements.
9. Type and number of movable sashes.
10. Availability of additional options.
11. The quality of the decorative coating - paint composition, laminated film, powder paints.
12. The window unit is equipped with overhead slopes, ebbs, and window sill boards.

Note. One of the main criteria influencing the price is the supplier's internal marketing policy.

Electrically heated glass is the basis of the design

Heated glass structural elements:

Conductive coating

Film

Glass

Electrodes

Thermal radiation

A special electrically conductive coating is applied to electrically heated glass, which acts as a heating element. It is a thin layer of solid low-emissivity material that has light transmission and energy-saving properties comparable to ordinary glass.

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To connect the coating to the electrical network, special current-carrying bars are applied to the glass in the edge zones. The coating reflects IR radiation from inside the room, thus reducing heat loss during the cold season, and UV radiation from the outside, thereby reducing the penetration of excess heat in hot weather and protecting interior items from damage.

The glass undergoes a mandatory heat strengthening operation and/or is laminated, therefore it is safe for use in any glazing systems. The electrically conductive coating is always located inside the glass unit or triplex, which eliminates the possibility of touching the conductive layer. If the glass is cracked, the contact is interrupted and voltage is no longer supplied to the glass unit. Using integrated sensors, a special electronic system monitors the integrity and temperature of the glass.

Expert commentary

Vladislav Dobronravov

Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company

The impetus for the development of translucent electric heating element technologies was the aviation need for safe glazing in pilot cabins that provides sufficient visibility and can effectively remove ice and condensation in all weather conditions.

Manufacturing and installation features

If electrically heated glass is part of a triplex, then one of the technologies of autoclave or non-autoclave lamination is used using special polymers or polymer films between two glasses. It can be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), photocurable polymer.

Installation of electrically heated glass or double-glazed windows can be done using any standard profile systems - Dorma, Schueco "Eurotitan" or similar. In profile and window systems, there are almost always gaps between the glass or double glazing and the structure, in which the wiring is laid. In tilt-and-turn sashes, flexible transitions such as GP-01, KL-486, ABLOY EA 280 are usually used for wiring installation.

Electrical installation of products with heated glass usually does not cause difficulties, provided that the work is carried out by qualified specialists. The heating can be controlled by a manual switch, using a remote device, a temperature controller, etc.

Electrically heated glass can be easily integrated into the “smart home” system, and its operation will be coordinated with other home devices

Pros of heated glass

Heated glass can be used in a cottage in a variety of designs. It is used for glazing windows (including panoramic and attic windows), loggias and balconies, in translucent roofing and skylights, in winter gardens and swimming pools.

We list the main advantages of such glazing:

pros

absolute transparency, absence of any visible heating coils or threads affecting light transmission

The glass is heated evenly over the entire area, which speeds up its heating and reduces energy consumption

Low-e coating prevents heat from radiating outward, resulting in lower heating costs

reliable thermal insulation and efficient use of solar energy entering through the glazing allow you to turn on the heating for a shorter period of time, saving heat

high specific power up to 3 kW/m² ensures rapid heating and eliminates fogging of the glass and the formation of condensation on it

the possibility of combination with smart glass adds the function of an electronic curtain that creates an optically impenetrable barrier, due to which harmful UV radiation is blocked by more than 99.5%

Heated glass is especially important during the off-season, when the average daily temperature has not yet fallen below the threshold level for turning on traditional heating systems, or the heating was turned off earlier and frosts struck. Usually in such cases it is necessary to install electric heaters in the rooms.

When using heated glass in a translucent roof, skylights, greenhouses and winter gardens, there is no need to clear hard-to-reach surfaces from snow and ice, the temperature in the rooms is significantly improved, and much more natural light enters them.

Varieties

There is a wide range of heated glass window units on the market, which are classified according to a number of characteristics, described in detail below.

Depending on the profile material

Depending on the profile material, these window structures are divided into the following types.

Plastic

Multi-chamber polymer frame parts are manufactured on an extruder in the factory. They can be equipped with a reinforcing profile to prevent the development of deformations under the influence of wind load.

Varieties:

1. With 4, 5 or 6 internal chambers.
2. With frame element thicknesses of 70, 75, 890 or 90 mm.
3. With reinforcing steel profile.
4. With carbon reinforcement insert and thermal break.

Scope of application:

• apartments in multi-storey buildings;
• office buildings class B or C;
• shopping centers;
• kindergartens;
• schools;
• hospitals.

Advantages:

• the lowest price among the windows in the category under consideration;
• ease of installation;
• high degree of maintainability;
• can be equipped with textured lamination or dyed in bulk.

Flaws:

• low environmental friendliness - when heated, they can release harmful toxins;
• Not all designs meet increased thermal requirements.

Wooden

Profiles are made from natural materials by processing the edges and side surfaces with the desired configuration on CNC machines in the factory.

Varieties:

1. Profiles are made from pine, oak, larch, birch, teak or red meranti.
2. Thickness ranges from 70 to 90 mm.
3. They are coated with varnish or tinted stains to match the color of the building facade.

Scope of application:

• wooden private residential buildings;
• premium class apartments;
• attic window blocks.

Advantages:

• the highest level of environmental friendliness;
• the increased porosity coefficient provides excellent thermal properties.

Flaws:

• products are destroyed under the influence of an aggressive environment;
• require periodic care and restoration;
• profiles made from valuable wood species are much more expensive than their plastic counterparts.

Warm aluminum

A thermal break is created in a closed profile, which eliminates the formation of a cold bridge; some modifications of the profiles are insulated with bulk materials.

Varieties:

1. For installation in offices, public buildings, shopping centers.
2. For installation in residential premises.
3. Combined structures with wooden or MDF exhibitions for installation in private residential buildings.
4. Swing or sliding structures.
5. Warm aluminum for glazing a balcony or loggia, if this space is combined with living quarters.

Scope of application:

• office and shopping centers;
• sport complexes;
• swimming pools;
• winter gardens;
• skylights;
• greenhouses;
• warm verandas and terraces.

Advantages:

• increased resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
• durability;
• reliability;
• ease of operation.

Flaws:

• high thermal conductivity coefficient;
• increased cost of material;
• risk of mechanical damage to the powder coating.

Important. When choosing a profile from the desired material, it is necessary to pay attention to the design of the walls, the installation location, the nature of the use of the premises and other important parameters.

From heating type

Depending on the type of heating of the translucent element, these window units are also divided into several types.

With constant

Equipped with a manual switch. The design is equipped with a standard circuit breaker, which does not make it possible to change the temperature and intensity of heat output.

Varieties:

1. With push-button switches.
2. With toggle switches.
3. With integrated circuit breakers in the panel.
4. With power from 100 to 500 W.

Scope of application: apartments and private residential buildings with the need to maintain a set temperature for the entire period of heating the premises.

Advantages:

• low retail cost;
• ease of installation, connection, maintenance and repair.

Flaws:

• may cause excessive heating of the cable;
• the impossibility of lowering the temperature when weather conditions change.

With thermostat

They are equipped with an on/off toggle switch, as well as a rotary or push-button rheostat for the ability to adjust the intensity of thermal radiation.

Varieties:

1. With rotary rheostat.
2. With push-button control.
3. With programmable control panel.
4. With on/off timer.

Scope of application:

• private residential buildings;
• two-light spaces;
• apartments;
• attic floors;
• lofts;
• offices;
• shopping centers;
• educational and medical institutions.

The advantage is the ability to adjust the heating intensity, depending on changes in weather conditions outside the window.

Flaws:

• risk of regulator failure;
• the need to constantly adjust settings;
• increased complexity of installation and connection.

With temperature sensor

Temperature adjustment is carried out automatically, according to a pre-selected program, with the setting of boundary conditions.

Varieties:

1. With automatic room temperature scanner.
2. With temperature sensor installed outside.
3. With automatic heating intensity adjustment function.
4. With remote control and sensor feedback.

Scope of application: any used space of a residential building or public building, when installing a “smart home” system.

Advantages: the ability to connect the device to a GSM module, remote control of heated glass using an application on a smartphone.

Flaws:

• unreasonably high cost of the device;
• risk of settings failure;
• complexity of repair work;
• Most of the device functions are not required in practice.

With thermal air curtain

A separate device with an electric coil or water heat exchanger is mounted above the window at the lintel level. When the fan operates, a heat flow is directed towards the translucent structure, which promotes heating.

Varieties:

1. With water circuit and steel heat exchanger.
2. With electric coil.
3. With gas heating element.
4. With built-in fans or with convection function.
5. Device power from 500 W to 2.5 - 4.0 kW.

Scope of application:

• panoramic windows;
• balconies;
• terraces;
• winter gardens and other exploited spaces with large heat losses through enclosing structures.

Advantages:

• the curtain can be combined with a built-in glass heater;
• provides additional heating of the room in winter.

Flaws:

• requires free space above the window;
• may not fit into the interior;
• when installing a water heater - the complexity of piping with the installation of shut-off valves;
• the need for periodic maintenance.

Important. It should be taken into account that for each type of heating there are boundary conditions for achieving the maximum temperature, which must be included in advance in thermal calculations.

From design

There are several types of design of window units with heated glass available for sale.

For living rooms

Classic window blocks are supplied in a solid design, or are equipped with movable swing or tilt-and-turn sashes.

Varieties:

1. For installation in standard openings.
2. With balcony doors.
3. Panoramic glazing “on the floor”.
4. With blind doors or with opening mechanisms.

Scope of application:

• private residential buildings;
• apartments;
• dormitories.

Advantages:

• relatively low cost;
• increasing the energy efficiency of the space being used.

Flaws:

• the need to install a separate machine in the apartment panel;
• increased utility costs;
• violation of the frequency of air exchange, in the absence of centralized supply ventilation.

Attics and pitched roofs

They are integrated between the rafters, at the level of the finishing covering of the pitched roof, equipped with mid-turn sashes, as well as outer triplex glass, which can withstand increased static loads from a snow bag.

Varieties:

1. Solid, without movable doors.
2. With a mid-turn sash, with a shifted opening axis.
3. With combined mechanisms.
4. With electric drive or manual opening type.
5. Wooden, plastic, aluminum.

Scope of application: pitched roofs with an angle of inclination to the horizontal from 15 to 60 degrees.

Advantages:

• provide insolation of the attic space;
• The heating cable reliably protects the enclosing structure from the formation of a cold bridge.

Flaws:

• requires disruption of the roofing pie during installation;
• high retail cost of the design;
• the need for periodic maintenance.

Balconies, terraces, winter gardens

They are strip or panoramic glazing, consisting of blocks that are interconnected by vertical and horizontal imposts. They can be equipped with sliding or turning doors. Most often, they are made of warm aluminum.

Varieties:

1. For balconies and loggias - strip glazing.
2. For terraces and winter gardens - panoramic glazing
3. With swing doors.
4. With sliding portal structures.
5. Solid translucent elements.

Scope of application:

• winter gardens;
• swimming pools;
• sport complexes;
• heated terraces, verandas, balconies, loggias or porches.

The advantage is an attractive appearance.

Flaws:

• a large heating area entails increased energy consumption;
• the system may require increased electrical power, depending on the total glazing area.

Important. To achieve maximum energy efficiency, it is recommended to take into account the Finnish technology of the device, because it provides almost absolute thermal insulation and can be freely integrated into the innovative Passive House system.

Glass heating power and temperature

Let's consider the power of electrically heated glass:

1. Main or additional heating. Power consumption will be 350-500 W/m2, glass heating will be 45-55 degrees.
2. To create a comfort zone, you will need a power of 200 to 300 W/m2; it will allow you to heat the packages up to 30-40 degrees.
3. For the prevention and destruction of condensation, 100 - 200 W/m2, a temperature of 25-30 degrees, is sufficient.
4. Finally, it is possible to clear bags of ice crust and snow with a power of 300 to 600 W/m2; it will provide heating up to +40-60 degrees.

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◾How windows are made

◾Bay windows

Technical characteristics of heated double-glazed windows

Table of technical parameters of warm double-glazed windows:

Parameter	Meaning
Size (minimum), cm	30x40
Size (max), cm	240x480
Glass unit thickness (1 chamber), mm	17
Glazing thickness (2 chambers), mm	30
Noise insulation, dB	31
Thermal insulation, m2xS/W	100
Power (minimum), W/m2	50
Power (maximum), W/m2	800
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	+55
Level of protection against UV rays, %	95-98

Features of a “warm” plastic window

Double-glazed windows with a heating system are used for installation in window structures made of aluminum, plastic or wood. Heated double-glazed windows come in completely different shapes: round, triangular, trapezoidal, etc.

The installation of “warm” plastic windows is especially important for attics, since in the cold season, it is with these rooms that the issue of heating and creating a comfortable temperature arises. After all, in winter, snow always accumulates on such windows and ice forms, as a result of which the light transmittance of the glass is significantly reduced.

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If heated windows are installed under the roof, then the problem is completely solved due to heating. No person is involved in clearing windows of ice and snow, since the entire process occurs automatically. When heated, the temperature of the frame and window sashes rises, melting ice and snow along the entire perimeter of the structure.

Wire supply to the window structure

Heating completely cleans the glass, allowing the structure to fully transmit natural light into the room. Another undeniable advantage of heated plastic windows is the reduction of load on the entire structure of the building. Timely removal of ice and snow crust from glass reduces the overall load.

Wires are buried in the wall and under the windowsill

Many people are interested in the issue of condensation forming on windows . This is a negative phenomenon that causes a lot of trouble: accumulations of moisture must be removed in a timely manner to avoid contamination and mold formation. Installing heated plastic windows completely solves this problem. The glass heating temperature exceeds the dew point, which eliminates the possibility of the formation of condensing moisture. This is possible thanks to the use of a special technology for applying a metal layer on top of a glass sheet.

The principle of operation of a “warm” double-glazed window is very similar to the operation of an infrared heater, but the power in the first version can be independently adjusted. The main power source for double glazed windows is electricity. Such products belong to the energy-saving category: the flow of cold air is cut off from the window, which reduces heat loss, therefore, you can save on heating costs. Thanks to the presence of such a function, the heating of the room is carried out evenly; for example, it is adjusted taking into account the presence of a heated floor.

Expert commentary

Vladislav Dobronravov

Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company

Heated plastic windows are characterized by selectivity. That is, in winter there is no need to keep the windows constantly connected to a power source. When switched off, the products maintain an optimal indoor microclimate, since the glass surface reflects heat.

In the summer, the principle of operation remains the same: heat cannot penetrate into the room, so there is no need to use air conditioning, since the optimal temperature and microclimate . Such windows allow you to save on heating and air conditioning.

Window block installation

When installing such window units and double-glazed windows, it is necessary to take into account a number of important nuances :

1. When sealing the installation seam, it is necessary to fill the entire gap space with foam, and then install sealing tapes on both sides.
2. To achieve maximum insulation, it is necessary to additionally insulate the slopes around the entire perimeter.
3. The heating cable is connected to the power network with the installation of an individual circuit breaker in the panel.
4. When installing several windows, it is recommended to combine the cable connections into a group with a thermostat device.
5. To ensure reliable fixation of the heating cable, it is recommended to secure it with cable ties around the entire perimeter.
6. When installing windows with heated glass, the cable will need to be sealed in the wall to prevent mechanical damage during operation.
7. The wire must be laid in such a way that when closing the movable flap does not touch its insulation.
8. When connecting a power cable to a busbar, it is necessary to reliably insulate all exposed contacts.
9. Electrical products should not come into contact with moisture, which requires double sealing of each crack.
10. If there is no factory metallized coating on the inside of the glass unit, it is recommended that immediately after installing the window unit, stick energy-saving films over the entire plane of the glass, or install a “third glass” polymer membrane.
11. To reduce heat loss when the heat transfer resistance of the outer wall enclosing structure is insufficient, it is necessary to insulate these façade elements on the cold side.

Note. When sealing installation gaps, it is recommended to leave as much of the surface of the heating cable in sight as possible in order to notice and correct any problem in time.

How to install a heated double-glazed window yourself:

Difficulties and errors

When installing, adjusting and operating heated window units, a number of difficulties may arise that are associated with some errors :

1. Skewed movable sash - a problem that occurs when there is no periodic adjustment of the fittings. In some cases, such defects are caused by deformation of mechanisms, which requires their replacement.
2. Blowing from under the bead or sash - it is necessary to replace the sealing tapes, or adjust the pressure by turning the trunnions or counter plates.
3. Excess heat when heating is turned on - during installation of the heating cable, it is recommended to integrate a reducing rheostat into the circuit in advance to be able to adjust the temperature, depending on the climatic conditions outside.
4. Breakage or depressurization of the conductive bus - to avoid the formation of such problems, it is necessary to inspect the condition of the heating cable, as well as the integrity of the insulation, once every 3-6 months.

If you follow the instructions described above, the operation of such window structures will last no less than the period stated by the manufacturer.

Opening options

The opening principle for heated plastic windows can be in the following options:

• Vertical;
• Deaf;
• Combined (horizontal).

Caring for “warm” window structures does not require special skills and tools; it is the same as caring for PVC windows.

User reviews

their reviews with other property owners :

1. If there is heat loss, such window designs almost never pay off.
2. They effectively reduce heat loss and provide a comfortable indoor microclimate even at a temperature of -30 °C.
3. The electrical cable may fail after several years of use.
4. Condensation may collect on the surface of the double-glazed windows; when the heating is turned on, all traces of high humidity disappear.

Reviews from real users are provided here, here and here.

Possible design solutions

At the request of the customer, the glass in heated double-glazed windows is made in different designs: its surface is made mirror, tinted in the desired color, stained glass is made, and the Tiffany technique is used.

In short, in the manufacture of heated double-glazed windows, any modern glass design technique is used.