Thermal conductivity: glass vs. wall
| Wall / window type | U, W/(m²·K) | Heat loss at -25°C over 10 m² |
|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber glass unit | 2.8 | 1,260 W |
| Double-chamber, standard | 1.6 | 720 W |
| Double-chamber with i-glass | 1.0 | 450 W |
| Triple IGU with argon | 0.6 | 270 W |
| Brick wall, 380 mm | 1.2 | 540 W |
| Timber frame with 200 mm insulation | 0.25 | 113 W |
Takeaway: a properly designed glass house with a triple IGU loses half as much heat as a standard brick wall.
Heating systems for a glass house
- Hydronic underfloor heating — the optimal choice: concealed, with even warmth across the floor
- Convectors integrated into the frame profile — eliminates the cold downdraft along the glazing
- Gas boiler with smart-home integration — heating plus hot water, automated scenarios
- Air-to-water heat pump — premium option, payback in 4–6 years
Automation for energy efficiency
- Temperature sensors in each zone → independent control
- Automatic shading for south-facing façades in summer (motorized roller blinds)
- Electrochromic glass — tint on demand at the touch of a button
- App control with Morning / Evening / Away scenarios
Heating running costs
A 100 m² glass house with double-chamber glazing and an insulated frame in Moscow uses roughly 14,000–18,000 kWh per year for heating. At a tariff of RUB 6/kWh, that is RUB 85,000–110,000 per year. With a gas boiler, the figure is 2.5 times lower.
Tip. Do not cut corners on the IGUs — the premium for a triple unit pays back in 6–8 years through lower heating bills, and winter comfort is substantially higher.