Understanding U Values: A Quick Comparison and Concerns Addressed

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The discussion centers on confusion regarding the notation of U values for windows, specifically the units presented as W/(m²/C). There is concern about the implications of this notation, as it could be interpreted in two ways: either as W/[(m²)/(C)] or as [W/(m²)]/(C). The participants agree that the notation is poorly constructed and could lead to misunderstandings. The unusual small U values associated with the bottom notation raise further questions about its accuracy. Clarification on the intended meaning of the units is sought to ensure proper calculations.
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Hello,

My first post! Thank you for any replies!

When looking at U values for windows (= 1/R) they are 99% of the time in the units

W/(K*sq meters)

A certain manufacture has their units in

W/(sq meters)/(degree C)

Now, the degree C to Kelvin should have no effect on my calculations (because the Heat flow formula subtracts temp), but the fact that the temperature unit is being divided twice (or just multiplied) instead of just being divided causes me some worry.

Has anyone seen this before, can you convert from the bottom units to the top? Do you think its just a mistake?

The bottom units have unusually small U values compared to the normal.

Thank you!
 
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What does "W/(sq meters)/(degrees C)" mean? That's just bad notation. It could mean either "W/[(sq meters)/(degrees C)]" which would be better written "[W(degrees C)]/(sq meters)", which seems to be they way you are interpreting it, or "[W/(sq meters)]/(degrees C)" which would be better written "W/[(sq meters)(degrees C)]" and is probably what was intended.
 
HallsofIvy said:
What does "W/(sq meters)/(degrees C)" mean? That's just bad notation. It could mean either "W/[(sq meters)/(degrees C)]" which would be better written "[W(degrees C)]/(sq meters)", which seems to be they way you are interpreting it, or "[W/(sq meters)]/(degrees C)" which would be better written "W/[(sq meters)(degrees C)]" and is probably what was intended.

Thank you for your reply!

Sorry, that's how I typed it, here is how they have it

(W/m²/C)

But you think they mean

(W/m²*C) ?
 
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