Stimulation-Based Comparative Analysis of Single-Glazed and Double-Glazed Windows in Residential Unit, Lahore Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of the study is to calculate the thermal response of different types of glazing windows used in buildings to achieve a sustainable environment. However, buildings experience a significant amount of heat gain or loss through and this will affect the thermal comfort of the building’s occupants. One of the essential parts of the window is the glazing. Selecting a window glazing is complicated when energy saving and day lighting aspects of a building are considered concurrently. The study involves the estimation of changes in the numerical values regarding the heating and cooling load of a residential unit in the case of replacing glazing from a double-glazed with a single-glazed window. A model of a single-story residential structure prototype has been taken as a case study in the climate of Lahore. The calculation has been compared with values of direct solar gains, heat gains, and losses throughout the year. A quantitative research-based approach has been used. Overall, the results indicate that during summers the Double-glazed window units have 37% less heat gain and during winters 36% less heat loss as compared to Single-glazed window units. Thus, double-glazed windows are more effective in terms of energy efficiency in comparison to single-glazed windows.