Passive houses refer to highly energy-efficient buildings that meet requirements laid out by the Passive House Institute (PHI). With its origins in Germany during the 90's, the passive house movement has become an influential benchmark for energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Passive houses are significantly less reliant on regular heating and cooling systems. Buildings with passive house design are rather secure constructions, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter, capable of saving up to 90% on regular energy usage.

A sophisticated fresh air ventilation system, solar technology and a heat recovery system are commonly used to achieve impressive savings, as are highly insulated windows and doors.

Key features and benefits

According to the Passive House Institute, to be classified as a "passive house window", profiles should be excellently insulated and feature low-e glass with argon or krypton gas. The windows' Uw-values, defining the amount of heat lost each hour per square meter, should then not exceed around 0.8 W/(m²K). With passive house experts onsite at our German base, multiple window profiles available at Neuffer are passive house certified and fit these requirements perfectly.

Superior glazing

Also known as passivhaus windows, Neuffer passive house windows, such as the Eco Idealu model, can feature triple passive house glazing consisting of three panes of glass. The spaces between panes are then filled with the required sealed unreactive gas, which has a low thermal conductivity to reduce energy loss and achieve passive house U-values.

To meet passive house standards and maintain a steady interior temperature that does not exceed 77 °F for more than 10% of hours annually, passive house windows feature angles which reduce solar gains in summer while maximizing them in winter.

Reduced energy costs

Well-insulated passive windows ensure that warmth is kept in during winter whereas undesirable heat is prevented from entering during summer. Considerable savings on energy bills can therefore be expected due to reduced usage of regular heating and cooling systems.

Additional chambers

A multi-layered profile ensures that passive house certified windows are well insulated and allows buildings to effectively self-regulate interior temperatures. Our best passive house windows, such as the Energeto 8000 model, feature a 6-chamber system with carbon fiber inserts to prevent heat transfer via conduction, or the creation of a so-called thermal bridge.

Durable low-maintenance

European passive house windows from Neuffer are available in vinyl and aluminum as well as aluminum clad vinyl and aluminum clad wood. The aluminum clad models feature an aluminum exterior while wood or vinyl show on the inside. All of these options are durable and weather-resistant materials which make the resulting passive house window a versatile and long-lasting product. The metallic and vinyl exteriors require little upkeep, just needing a cloth and some soap to remove any build-up of dirt, which saves costs and time.

Our certificates and awards

The Neuffer difference

High performance windows from Neuffer that meet the passive house standard can be bespoke made. The exact RAL color finish, handle type or an additional fly screen and roller shutter can be chosen, for example. Just head below to explore the options or contact our expert window team to discuss the possibilities and receive a free quote.

Opt for expertise – Choosing Neuffer means choosing 150 years of German window expertise and tried and tested products developed with the latest innovative and energy-efficient technology.

A selection of profiles

Aluminum, vinyl, aluminum clad wood and aluminum clad vinyl passive house triple-glazed windows all effective material choices which each bring their own unique benefits. Where vinyl impresses with the best thermal performance, aluminum provides stronger impact resistance, for example, whereas aluminum clad wood adds a warm touch to interiors. With multiple profiles on offer from our passive house window manufacturers, it's just a matter of personal requirements and taste.

FAQs

How much do passive house standard windows cost?

The best passive house windows with an excellently low u-value come with initial expense. This investment becomes highly worthwhile, however, in terms of the long-term energy savings and durability provided. Because windows at Neuffer can be bespoke-made, such as with a wide selection of colour and handle options available, prices vary and also depend upon the profile model chosen – contact us to discuss this further with the team and receive a free quote.

What U-value can a passive window from Neuffer achieve?

U-values define the amount of heat lost each hour per square metre and all our passive house windows can achieve the required low u-values. The exact values differ depending on the profile and material. The aluclad uPVC Energeto 8000ED profile is our best insulators, achieving a Uw-value of 0.73 W/(m²K), for example.

Can passive house windows be opened?

Windows used in passive house systems can be opened and this can help to balance humidity levels. At Neuffer a choice of openings available, such as the secure, user-friendly tilt and turn mechanism.

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