Do you know about the design and selection of energy-efficient doors and windows?
Release date:
2025-09-01
Here are the key design considerations and selection tips for energy-efficient doors and windows during the renovation process:
1. Restrict "large window" designs
Currently, open, airy bay windows and floor-to-ceiling windows are everywhere in residential developments—they’ve not only become a popular choice for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of homes but also a compelling selling point for developers. Some projects even feature innovative designs like extra-long or curved corner windows, leading to an alarming trend: increasingly larger and more numerous windows in new housing complexes.
While these expansive windows certainly offer attractive visual appeal and abundant natural light indoors, they also come with significant drawbacks, such as poor energy efficiency and inadequate insulation—issues that are now sparking growing concerns. To address this dilemma, experts recommend imposing strict limitations on large-window designs, both from an energy-saving perspective and in terms of homeowners’ practical interests. They suggest categorizing bay windows and extensive floor-to-ceiling windows as key design elements that should be tightly regulated during residential development. Specifically, the ratio of south-facing glass areas to wall surfaces in new homes should not exceed 50%, while north-facing areas should remain below 30%. After all, energy-efficient doors and windows are essential—and limiting overly large window designs is crucial to achieving sustainable, high-performance housing.
2. Increase the "live window" ratio
Some residential windows, though large in area, are mostly designed as expansive glass bay windows with limited functionality—few of them can actually be opened. In fact, many "dead windows" account for less than a quarter of the total window space. Unsurprisingly, these "dead windows" significantly block or reduce the natural airflow within the home.
Take Shanghai as an example: according to the city’s residential building design standards, the ratio of room area to window area should ideally be no lower than 7:1. However, there’s no specific regulation distinguishing between "dead windows" and "live windows" within this framework.
In terms of window design, local authorities stipulate that windows below 0.9 meters above the ground must remain closed and cannot be opened—this is the legal basis for the prevalence of "dead windows." Additionally, to prioritize residents' safety, "live windows" are restricted to a maximum width of just 0.3 meters. The rationale behind this limitation? It ensures homeowners won’t easily climb out of the window, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental falls.
Of course, developers’ cost considerations also play a role in shaping these design choices. Nevertheless, to ensure proper ventilation, it’s crucial that the actual opening area of the windows remains substantial—ideally exceeding 45% of the total window surface.
3. Shading and ventilation are key
"The key to building energy efficiency lies in effective shading and indoor ventilation. Windows designed with both excellent ventilation capabilities and thoughtful shading solutions can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, ultimately leading to lower electricity consumption," said an energy-saving expert.
When designing homes, it’s crucial not to overlook indoor ventilation—aiming to ensure that newly built living spaces are filled with plenty of fresh air. Typically, 70% of indoor heat exchange occurs through windows. Yet, some residents mistakenly believe that windows should simply allow light in and open easily, often wishing they could fully swing open—or at least tilt halfway, like sliding windows—to maximize airflow.
Experts have conducted experiments demonstrating that, in the morning, opening both doors and windows—even under low wind conditions—can achieve healthy indoor air quality within just 2 to 8 minutes if there’s a cross-breeze. However, without proper air circulation, it may take as long as 40 to 60 minutes for the air to meet hygiene standards.
Experts emphasize that future window designs must prioritize not only lighting, energy efficiency, and safety but also indoor ventilation. While maintaining security remains essential, "dead" or non-ventilating windows should be kept to a reasonable minimum. Additionally, designers should actively incorporate strategies that encourage cross-ventilation, ensuring continuous air movement throughout the home. Particularly, upper-level vents above doors and windows are vital—balancing functionality with the need for fresh air intake, rather than prioritizing security at the expense of comfort and health.
Latest News
Contact Information
Contact Address: No. 7, Industrial Avenue East, Songxia Industrial Park, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City
Warren Doors and Windows, south of Fangshan Road and west of Dongtai Road, Dongcheng Subdistrict, Linqu County, Weifang City, Shandong Province
Become A Deaters :Info@wolunmc.com
National customer service hotline:+86 400-676-9888
WhatsApp:+86-18866798677
Beijing customer service phone number:+86 010-68319888
Douyin
Xiaohongshu
E-mail：
Tel：
400：
The Little Red Book：
Tiktok：
WeChat：
在线客服添加返回顶部
页面顺滑的滚动
右侧在线客服样式 1,2,3 4
图片alt标题设置： Beijing Warren Doors and Windows Co., Ltd.
循环体没有内容时： Materials are currently being organized—stay tuned!
CSS / JS 文件放置地