Sealed window units - replacements colder than originals

[fooman]

I replaced two sealed units that had blown in out upstairs window, I didn't know what spec the originals were but I figured as they were blown anything would be better. I've noticed that that water is condensing more on the replacements than the originals still in use. Touching the panes the new defiantly feel colder than the old, so I'm a bit disappointed but I did go for the cheapest spec, not knowing if the upgrades would be worth it.

Did I buy the wrong units? They are smaller panels so I've not spent much, and don't mind spending more if it guarantees better performance. I'd like to keep as much heat in as possible in winter but I'd also like them to reflect as much as possible the morning sun in summer, what should I be looking for?The old panels have a slight green tinge compared to the new which I've read is just iron contamination.

At some point I'm assuming I'll need to swap the larger units I'd like to get it right for those.

[Rough101]

Did you get the K-Glass type stuff?

[Vsix and Vtec]

Rough101 said:

Did you get the K-Glass type stuff?

Further to this, did you install them with the correct surface facing the outside world. If you put them in back to front I suspect they might not work as well.

[wolfracesonic]

If they were low e units like K glass or Planitherm, there is a right and wrong way round to install them, there is usually a sticker telling you which pane goes where; maybe they’re the wrong way round?

[fooman]

No just clear glass inside and out, so I didn't think there would be a way round to install, certainly nothing to indicate front or rear on them. I could have optioned Planitherm on the inside but didn't because to be honest I'm not sure what and what isn't worthwhile, but maybe I should.

[wolfracesonic]

Low e glass just looks like normal glass, it’s been around for a while, so that’s what the originals may have been and you’ve just replaced them with normal glass; I’m surprised your glazier didn’t mention it to you and that you can still get units made without it. If you do replace them (again) ask for a low e glass, warm edge spacer bars and argon gas filling: and pay attention to any stickers on the glass

[bimsb6]

fooman said:

No just clear glass inside and out, so I didn't think there would be a way round to install, certainly nothing to indicate front or rear on them. I could have optioned Planitherm on the inside but didn't because to be honest I'm not sure what and what isn't worthwhile, but maybe I should.

The stickers and the blue foam squares indicate the inside of the pane .

[fooman]

Thanks they are definitely installed the right way round then as the stickers are inside, but my mistake was to insist on the cheapest glass, just surprised they performed worse than blown units.

I've more to replace, I'll pay more attention to the type of glass next time.

[J6542]

fooman said:

Thanks they are definitely installed the right way round then as the stickers are inside, but my mistake was to insist on the cheapest glass, just surprised they performed worse than blown units.

I've more to replace, I'll pay more attention to the type of glass next time.

Sticker is usually outside, but it sounds like they are just cheap units with no coating.

[cliffords]

I did a few at my previous house and actually I have a few to do here .
Mine had the blue sticky pads on both sides , helpful, however they are protection when stacked, not an indication of inside outside.
I did have stickers showing room side . However two of the 8 or so I did were stickered wrongly. I had two wet windows the next day . Swapped them around and they were fine .
Our conservatory roof had a panel put in the wrong way around. When I called them back in they showed me where the glass was etched indicating the outside. They had put it in the wrong way around.

[GasEngineer]

You didn't say - is the condensation inside or outside?