Grades 1 to 5 Based on Insulation and Airtightness Performance
Grade 1 Saves 40% More Energy Than Grade 5
If you look closely at the windows and doors in your home, you will see an ‘Energy Consumption Efficiency Sticker’ similar to those found on cars and home appliances. The energy consumption efficiency rating has been applied to windows and doors since 2012. The performance of sealing indoor and outdoor air through window gaps makes a significant difference in heating and cooling costs. Accordingly, there is fierce competition in the domestic window and door industry to expand sales of products with a Grade 1 energy consumption efficiency rating. To receive a good rating, the airtightness that effectively blocks outside air must be excellent, and the insulation performance, which prevents heat from escaping through the window surface, must be outstanding. This winter, concerns about cold weather and soaring heating bills have focused attention on windows with high energy consumption efficiency. In summer, the performance of windows and doors is also highlighted due to cooling costs.
According to the registration status of the window and door grading system by the Korea Energy Agency on the 6th, the companies that have registered the most Grade 1 products are LX Hausys and KCC. Hyundai L&C follows behind. LX Hausys and KCC have registered about 200 products each, while Hyundai L&C has registered about 90 products.
LX Hausys offers Grade 1 products such as the Super Save window and the Euro System 9 system window. The Super Save series applies a ‘Wind Closer’ that effectively blocks wind through the overlapping parts of the windows, enhancing the basic window performance of insulation, shielding, and airtightness. KCC has the Clenche brand. This series, characterized by quadruple glass single windows, applies a horizontal tight sliding opening method identical to the opening and closing method of aircraft doors to improve airtightness.
LX Hausys is actively targeting demand for window replacement and remodeling by conducting events to replace old windows at apartment complexes nationwide. This year, they plan to hold more than 700 complex events across the country. KCC also plans to aggressively target the market this year with its Grade 1 windows.
The reason companies put great effort into supplying Grade 1 windows is due to the clearly distinct energy-saving effects. Grade 1 windows save 30-40% more energy compared to Grade 5 windows. For example, if heating costs were 100,000 KRW in a space with Grade 5 windows under the same conditions, installing Grade 1 windows can reduce heating costs by up to 40,000 KRW. Grade 1 windows block the inflow of cold outside air in winter and help maintain the temperature of the warmed indoor air for a longer time.
Although Grade 1 windows excel in both airtightness and insulation performance, there are differences among products. In areas with strong winds or concerns about fine dust, it is advantageous to choose products with superior airtightness among the Grade 1 options. Conversely, in regions with less wind but severe summer heat and winter cold, selecting based on insulation performance is recommended.
An industry insider explained, "Before the application of the window grading system, many windows did not even meet the Grade 5 standard, resulting in more than 50% energy waste compared to Grade 1 windows," adding, "Replacing windows alone can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs."
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