1. Energy Efficiency & Insulation Explained

• Energy Efficiency in Malta’s Climate:
  Malta experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Energy-efficient doors and windows are essential to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without overusing air conditioning or heating, which can drive up energy costs. Energy-efficient glazing and insulated frames help reduce heat transfer, keeping interiors cooler in summer by blocking out excess heat and warmer in winter by retaining indoor warmth.
  
  
• Example
  For example, an energy-efficient door can reduce heat gain by up to 40% during the summer months, making your air conditioning work less and saving on energy bills.
  
  
• Understanding U-Values:
  U-value measures the rate of heat transfer through a door or window. The lower the U-value, the better the product is at insulating. For instance:
  
  
• Single glazing: U-value typically > 5.0 W/m²K (poor insulation)
• Double glazing: U-value around 2.8 - 2.0 W/m²K (without coated glass)
• Double glazing: U-value around 1.8 - 1.0 W/m²K (with coating glass,  good insulation)
• Triple glazing: U-value can be as low as 0.6 W/m²K (with 2 coating glasses, excellent insulation)
  
  

  To demonstrate the energy efficiency benefits of upgrading from single glazing to double or triple glazing, we’ll use these U-values in energy savings calculations.

  Here’s an example that compares the potential energy savings for each type of glazing per m2.
  
  

  Summary of Annual Energy Costs per Square Meter

  • Single Glazing: 65.70€ per m² per year
  • Double Glazing without Coating: 31.54€ per m² per year (saves 34.16€ vs. single glazing)
  • Double Glazing with Coating: 18.40€ per m² per year (saves 47.30€ vs. single glazing)
  • Triple Glazing with 2 Coatings: 7.88€ per m² per year (saves 57.82€ vs. single glazing)

  
  
  

  To calculate the annual energy savings per room, let’s assume a 20-square-meter room with a 5-square-meter window area (typical for one or two windows in a room).

  We’ll calculate the energy costs with single glazing, double glazing without coating, double glazing with coating, and triple glazing with 2 coatings.

  Assumptions for the Calculations

  • Window Area: 5 square meters
  • Temperature Difference: 20°C (to reflect heating and cooling needs)
  • Heating/Cooling Season Length: 6 months (half the year, or 4380 hours)
  • Energy Cost in Malta: 0.15 per kWh/€

  
  

  Switching from single glazing to higher-efficiency glazing options offers substantial annual energy savings per room:

  • Upgrading from single glazing to double glazing without coating saves approximately 170.82€ per year.
  • Upgrading from single glazing to double glazing with coating provides even greater insulation, saving around 236.52€ annually.
  • Choosing triple glazing with two Low-E coatings maximizes energy efficiency, yielding savings of approximately 289.08€ per year compared to single glazing.

  These savings demonstrate the long-term financial and energy benefits of double and triple glazing, making them a smart investment for comfort and cost efficiency in Malta’s climate.