High gas prices create uncertainties. Therefore, many are looking for inexpensive ways to insulate their home. A trick can help with Windows.
Kassel – Temperatures in Germany are gradually dropping. Many are already asking the question: is it time to turn the heat back on? But the massive rise in gas and energy prices is likely to provoke lengthy discussions in many households over the answer. And indeed: sometimes even small steps can be taken to keep the temperatures in the apartment a little higher.
Windows are often a weak spot that can lead to heat loss and cold drafts. Here, by the way, gaskets can be an approach that can be tackled without too much effort and high cost.
Glass insulation: paper test on the frame, cigarette lighter check and air cushion trick on the glass
To die Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia recommends a simple test here: “Touch a sheet of paper between the window frame and the window sash. If you can’t pull the paper out when the window is closed, the window is stretched at this point.” Of course, the test of paper should be done in several places.The material for repairing window seals is already available for little money in the hardware store.
Savings on heating – this is how much heat is lost in the apartments through the windows
Replacing entire windows is significantly more expensive. If in doubt, a lot of heat is lost even through poorly insulated windows. This doesn’t have to be. The gives an overview Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia. Relevant here: the heat transfer coefficient – the so-called U-West – of the components. The higher it is, the greater the dispersion of the heating heat. The comparison shows differences:
| component | U-west |
| tempered glass | 5.6 |
| 2-plate insulated glass | 3.0 |
| 2-plate thermal insulating glass | 1.2 |
| 3-plate thermal insulating glass | 0.6 |
| non-insulated wall | 1.4 |
| well insulated wall | 0.2 |
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Incidentally, the U (w) value – i.e. the heat transfer coefficient of the entire window with glass and frame – must be specified by the manufacturer and is printed on the window, often in the space between two panes.
However, there is also a special trick to find out before winter if heat-insulating glass is installed. The only tool you need is a lighter. This is lit in front of the window so that you can see different reflections of the flame. If this is discolored in one of the front mirror images, this indicates heat insulating glass. The background explains the Consumer Protection Center North Rhine-Westphalia: “This is due to the vaporization of the metal on the inner glass. It reflects light differently than an uncoated glass surface. If any of the rear view mirror images appear discolored, they are solar control glass.
DIY trend to save energy
Given the explosive gas prices, a stove made of tealights initially sounds like a good alternative to heating. But the creative trend of the internet can become dangerous.
Insulate the windows: bubble wrap, spray can and water are sufficient
–But what can be done with little money, for example, only single pane glass is installed? Against the backdrop of skyrocketing gas prices and approaching winter, the air cushion trick is circulating across various portals on the Internet. On chip.de For example, it says: “This way, the insulation can be applied in minutes and, if necessary, removed effortlessly and without residue in the spring and reused as often as needed.”
The idea: cut the bubble wrap to the size of the window, moisten the glass and the smooth side of the film with a spray bottle, press and that’s it. This should not affect the spatial lighting conditions. Obviously the sight has disappeared. (fd)
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