A Guide to Energy-Efficient Windows
30th October 2024
Make your home more comfortable with energy-efficient windows.
Windows are one of the most important elements of any home allowing sunlight and fresh air in while providing views of the world outside. However, they can also contribute significantly to unwanted heat gain in warmer months and heat loss during cooler months. If you’re looking to avoid these issues and create a more comfortable home, installing energy-efficient windows may be the solution for you.
What are energy-efficient windows?
Energy-efficient windows are designed with innovative framing and glazing materials and features that are tailored to minimise heat transfer. From low-emissivity coatings to multi-pane construction, these windows are engineered to keep your home comfortable year-round while reducing your energy consumption and costs.
How much energy is lost through windows?
Windows can have a significant impact on the cooling and heating abilities of your home. Did you know that around 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost, and about 87% of its heat can be gained, through windows? By opting for energy-efficient windows, you have the opportunity to reduce energy costs and improve your windows’ thermal efficiency.
Benefits of using energy-efficient windows
While the upfront cost of energy-efficient windows may be higher than standard windows, the long term advantages they offer make them a worthwhile investment. These benefits include:
- Better insulation: They can effectively minimise heat transfer, ensuring improved insulation and consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
- Lower energy costs: Enhanced insulation provided by energy-efficient windows leads to significant savings on utility bills over time.
- Protects your furniture and flooring from sun damage: Special coatings or glazing in these types of windows block harmful UV rays, preserving furniture and flooring from fading and sun damage.
- Noise reduction: The advanced design features help block out external noise, creating a quieter indoor environment.
- Less maintenance than normal windows: With improved insulation properties, they are less prone to condensation, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth and lowering maintenance needs.
- Increased comfort: Enjoy a more comfortable living space with better temperature control, reduced noise, and a cosier environment, regardless of external weather conditions.
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Types of energy-efficient windows
Glass windows:
There are various glass products available. While the thickness of the glass has a minimal impact on how much heat escapes the window, it significantly impacts the safety and strength of the glazing, and may also affect the amount of noise that is transmitted.
Double glazing windows:
Double-glazed windows utilise two sheets of glass with a space between them. This gap is usually 12mm wide and acts as an insulating barrier which slows down the rate of heat escaping or entering your house. Double glazing windows can be a particularly effective energy-saving alternative for your home.
Triple glazing windows:
Triple glazed windows are a superior window insulation choice. Their passive solar energy uses three sheets of glass to keep heat in during the cold months and helps your home stay cooler in summer.
Gas filled windows:
Windows are filled with gases like argon, krypton, or xenon, sealed to prevent condensation and optimise window and frame efficiency.
Frames:
Aside from glazing, the windows’ frames have the largest impact on your windows’ thermal performance.Aluminium frames are strong, light, and durable, and they come in various power-coated and anodised finishes. However, aluminium is a good heat conductor, which may decrease your glazing unit’s insulation value.
Other materials, such as fibreglass, composite, wood, and vinyl, are also durable and strong, and offer better insulation than aluminium.
Window energy ratings: Compare and evaluate energy-efficient windows
When deciding on the best windows for your home, it’s crucial to assess their energy rating.
The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), operated independently by the Australian Window Association (AWA), provides valuable insights. Windows carrying the WERS label have been tested for energy performance and rated on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 stars being a ‘perfect’ score.
These ratings assess a windows’ ability to insulate against heat loss in winter and conduct heat gain in summer, while also allowing or preventing the transmission of radiant solar energy depending on the season.
By utilising the 10-star scale, homeowners can easily compare windows for their energy-efficiency and overall performance, empowering them to make informed decisions when purchasing windows for their homes.
How to make existing windows more efficient
If you prefer not to replace your old windows and are looking to make changes to your existing windows instead, there are several ways to enhance their efficiency using window furnishings, curtains, films and blinds. These solutions can also effectively address any insulation issues with your existing windows.
Films:
Window films are a cost effective way of reducing solar heat increases through your windows. Comprising thin polymer films which contain a reflective metal layer or absorbing dye, these films have an adhesive backing which you attach to your windows.
Blinds:
Energy-efficient window coverings, such as blinds, can reflect heat out of the window, reducing heat gain. Opt for blinds in which the external surface is white or almost white, or those featuring a reflective metallic film on the outside surface. The area between the window and the outer blinds captures a lot of heat, and the ventilation in the window allows the heat to escape.
Curtains:
Convective heat – which transfers through windows – can be reduced by using snugly fitted curtains with pelmets. The pelmets trap still air next to the windows, so by removing air gaps around the edges of your curtains and pelmets, you increase their performance.
Fabrics:
Layering multiple heavy fabric curtains can increase room insulation by reducing heat conduction between the air near the window and the room. They also help to minimise air movement around the curtains, further improving insulation.
The final word
Keep in mind that the placement and orientation of windows play a crucial role in determining the appropriate window type for your home. Opting for energy-efficient windows and window treatments not only reduces your energy consumption but can also reduce your impact on the environment.
Whether you’re renovating or building your home, consider spending a little extra to reap the rewards associated with energy-efficient windows. Even for existing homes, upgrading to energy-efficient windows or window coverings can significantly enhance their efficiency and lead to long-term savings.
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References
- https://www.awa.org.au/documents/item/214
- https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing
- https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-solar-heating
- https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/seasonal-advice/winter
- https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/building-or-renovating/windows-and-shading/window-frames
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