IGLO 5 vs IGLO Energy 7: which to choose for your home

IGLO 5 vs IGLO Energy 7: which to choose for your home

Quick summary

• Comparison of two common PVC window systems.
• We cover thermal and sound insulation, sealing, fittings and price.
• Guidance when IGLO 5 is sufficient and when Energy 7 is worth the investment.
• Practical tips for Latvian climate and installation.

Introduction

Choosing windows is about more than looks — technical specs determine comfort and energy costs. IGLO 5 and IGLO Energy 7 share similar design language but differ in thermal performance. This article explains the main differences and helps you choose based on budget, building type and insulation goals.

Profile and construction

• IGLO 5: a standard 5-chamber profile with good price-to-performance. Typical frame depth ~70 mm.
• IGLO Energy 7: a more energy-focused 7-chamber profile with larger frame depth (often ~80 mm or more), aimed at improved insulation.

More chambers and wider frames usually mean lower heat loss and better capacity for thicker glass units.

Glass units and energy efficiency

• IGLO 5: commonly paired with standard double-glazed units (e.g. 4-16-4). Low-E coatings are available as upgrades.
• IGLO Energy 7: designed to work best with high-performance glazing: double- or triple-glazed units with argon filling and Low-E coatings to achieve lower U-values.

If lower heating bills are a priority, Energy 7 plus a quality glazing unit makes a measurable difference.

Sound insulation

Both systems can provide good sound insulation when paired with the right glass. For noisy streets choose asymmetrical glass thickness (e.g. 4/6/4) or acoustic glazing. Energy 7 has a slight advantage due to deeper profile and improved seals.

Seals and hardware

Seals and fittings quality often matter more than chamber count. Check:

• Number of sealing contours (2 or 3).
• Hardware type: corrosion-resistant, micro-ventilation, anti-burglary options.

Energy 7 configurations typically include upgraded seals and recommended hardware to preserve performance.

Price and payback

IGLO 5 is the budget-friendly option offering notable improvement over old windows. Energy 7 costs more but reduces heat loss.

In Latvia, the price gap can be paid back over several years through lower heating bills, especially in poorly insulated buildings or houses with long heating seasons.

When to pick IGLO 5

• Apartments with decent wall insulation.
• Limited budget but need reliable, standard windows.
• Non-primary rooms where maximal energy savings are not a priority (balconies, storage rooms).

When to pick IGLO Energy 7

• Poorly insulated houses or projects focused on energy savings.
• Renovations aiming to upgrade the building’s thermal performance.
• When combined with high-performance glazing for maximal comfort.

Installation and warranty

Even the best profile will underperform with poor installation. Ask the supplier about:

• Installation method (standard vs warm installation).
• Warm installation with foam plus vapor/wind barriers.
• Warranty terms and after-sales service.

Recommendations for Latvia

Given cold winters and moderate summers, Energy 7 is often justified for long-term occupants. For short-term rentals or already well-insulated buildings, IGLO 5 remains a practical choice.

Conclusion

The decision comes down to budget versus long-term savings. IGLO 5 offers balanced cost and quality; IGLO Energy 7 is an investment in energy efficiency and comfort.

FAQ

Q: How much more energy-efficient is Energy 7 in practice?

A: Paired with a high-quality insulated glazing unit, Energy 7 can reduce heat loss by roughly 10–25% versus IGLO 5, depending on window size and building envelope.

Q: Should I replace old wooden windows with IGLO 5 or go straight to Energy 7?

A: If budget is constrained, IGLO 5 already provides a significant performance boost. For maximum savings and long-term value, Energy 7 is recommended.

Q: Do Energy 7 windows require special mounting hardware?

A: Not necessarily, but installation must accommodate wider profiles; fixation points and mounting sets might differ.

Q: What glazing should I choose?

A: For energy efficiency choose a double- or triple-glazed unit with Low-E coating and argon fill. For noise, select acoustic glazing or asymmetrical thickness.

Q: Can IGLO 5 be upgraded later?

A: You can improve IGLO 5 by replacing the glass unit and upgrading seals, but structural thermal benefits of Energy 7 cannot be fully reproduced.