An energy frame is the aluminium profile that features a thermal shut-off functionality. Simply put, the aluminium profile that comes into contact with the air of our room does not come into direct contact with the aluminium profile that is exposed to weather conditions, as polyamides are interposed between them. Thus, a good thermal break is achieved. In the most upgraded energy series, graphite polystyrene is placed between the polyamides for

even better thermal insulation. When exposed to temperatures close to 0°C, a high- performance energy frame can reach an internal temperature up to 18°C.

Polyamide is a synthetic -non-toxic- material, reinforced with glass fibers, which prevents the transmission of heat. In this way, the part of the aluminium that comes into contact with the outdoor air does not come directly in contact with the part of the aluminium that faces

the air in our room.

Aluminium is a metal with high thermal conductivity, as a result of which heat is transferred to its entire surface in a short period of time. This is the main disadvantage of common aluminium frames, also known as “cold frames”. In these cases, the profile consists of a

single piece of aluminium and as a result we get the same temperature on the outer and the inside surface the frame. Thus, on a cold winter day, when the outside temperature is -5°C, the frame will also have an internal temperature of –5°C, so the outdoor cold will radiate into the house.

If the house has heating, the internal side of the frame will be approximately 4°C. In both cases, the heat leaks are very high.

Let's explain this with a common example. If we have a room temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%, and the inner surface of the window has a temperature below 12°C, then condensation will occur. A cold profile (with Uf=7 W/m2K) shows condensation formation when the outside temperature is 10°C, while in a thermal shut-off profile (with Uf=2.8 W/m2K), water vapor will form when the outside temperature drops to -5°C. Condensation is a natural phenomenon and takes place when in a warm and humid environment, e.g. a room, there is a cold surface, such as an aluminium profile, a wall, or any other surface.

The U-value is the thermal transmittance coefficient with a unit of measurement W/m 2 K.

With this indicator we calculate the amount of heat that passes through 1m 2 of a construction element every hour, when the difference in the still air touching the two surfaces of the element is kept constant and equal to 1 degree Kelvin (or Celsius). Therefore,

the closer to zero the 00U coefficient is, the better the performance of our frame.

Depending on what we are referring to, the U-index expresses:

Ug= thermal transmittance coefficient of glazing [U-glazing]

Uf= thermal transmittance coefficient of frame [U-frame]

Uw= thermal transmittance coefficient of window [U-window]

Argon is a noble - non-toxic - gas found in the atmosphere. Its high gravity, significantly limits its movement within the glass, resulting to an increase in thermal insulation by approximately 30%.

In a double-sealed [Butyl-cold-seal] glass pane, there is no way for the gas to escape from inside, unless it cracks.

No. This is because the extrusion companies, such as Europa Profil, produce profiles that are used by the constructors. The way the frames are manufactured and the components used differ from constructor to constructor. As a result, there is a difference in the quality of the final product which is also displayed in the final cost.