Ready to transform your home into an energy-saving haven? This is your window of opportunity to find out how to do just that.
Meet energy efficient windows—they can slash your energy bills, boost your comfort, and shrink your carbon footprint. Whether you’re curious about double glazing, star ratings, or simple DIY upgrades, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to drafty winters and sweltering summers— it’s time to make your windows work smarter, not harder.
What Are Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy efficient windows are designed to minimise the amount of energy lost through your windows, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce your energy bills. These windows use advanced technology and materials, such as double or triple glazing, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, and gas fills, to enhance their insulating properties. The result? A home that’s cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and kinder to your wallet and the environment.
The Role of Energy Efficient Windows in Heat Loss and Heat Gain
To understand the power of energy efficient windows, let’s delve into the science of heat loss and heat gain. In winter, up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost through windows, making your heating system work overtime. Conversely, in summer, up to 87% of unwanted heat gain can occur through windows, straining your air conditioning.
That’s where energy efficient windows come in to act as a barrier, reducing heat transfer with high-tech features.
The Benefits of Using Energy Efficient Windows
1.Lower Energy Bills: By reducing the need for heating and cooling, energy efficient windows can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
2. Enhanced Comfort: These windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, eliminating cold drafts and hot spots.
3. Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption means lowering your carbon footprint, making your home more eco-friendly.
4. Noise Reduction: The insulating properties of these windows also help reduce outside noise. Say “hello” to a quieter indoor environment where the soothing sound of energy efficiency plays on repeat.
5. Reduced Condensation: Improved insulation reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on your windows. And we all know what type of trouble condensation brings: mould growth and damage to window frames.
6. Increased Property Value: Who doesn’t want to increase their property’s market value? Homes with energy efficient features are more attractive to buyers, making these fixtures a winning move while you live in the space and even when you decide to sell your house.
What Are All the Types of Energy Efficient Windows?
When it comes to energy efficient windows, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the main types:
1.Double Glazed Windows: These windows feature two panes of glass separated by a space filled with air or inert gas, providing excellent insulation that reduces heat transfer.
Check out our blog: How Do Double Glazed Windows Work?
2. Triple Glazed Windows: An upgrade from double glazing, these windows have three panes of glass, offering even better insulation and energy efficiency in places with more extreme temperatures.
Find out more here: Pros and Cons of Triple Glazed Windows and Doors
3. Low-E Windows: These windows have a special coating that reflects infrared light, keeping heat inside in winter and outside in summer.
4. Composite Frame Windows: Frames made from fibreglass, vinyl, composite materials offer better insulation than traditional wood or aluminium frames.
What You Should Know About Energy Ratings for Windows in Australia
In Australia, energy ratings for windows are crucial for ensuring you’re getting the most energy efficient windows. The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) is an independent, industry-recognised system that provides a star rating to help consumers compare the energy performance of different windows. Managed by the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), WERS assesses windows based on their ability to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Key Points about WERS
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Star Rating System | – Rated on a scale from 0 to 10 stars. – More stars indicate higher energy efficiency. – Considers factors such as type of glazing, frame materials, and features like Low-E coatings and gas fills. |
| Additional Metrics | U-value: Measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. Lower values indicate better insulation. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures how much solar radiation passes through the window. Lower values mean less heat gain from the sun. |
When you buy energy efficient windows, look for the WERS label to ensure you’re making an informed choice. This label not only shows the star rating but also provides the U-value and SHGC, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the window’s performance. When you choose windows with a high WERS rating, you can be confident that you’re investing in a product that will enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
How to Make Windows More Energy Efficient
But what if you’re not ready to say goodbye to your existing windows just yet? Here are some ways to improve their energy efficiency:
1.Add Window Films: Window films are thin layers of plastic applied to the glass surface. They are designed to reflect sunlight, significantly reducing heat gain during the summer months. This not only keeps your home cooler but also protects your furniture and flooring from UV damage. Window films can be clear or tinted and offer an affordable way to improve energy efficiency without replacing your windows.
2. Install Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping involves applying strips of material, such as foam, rubber, or metal, around the edges of windows. This seals gaps where air might leak in or out, reducing drafts and improving the overall insulation of your home. Weatherstripping is easy to install and can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
3. Use Heavy Curtains or Blinds: Heavy curtains or blinds act as an additional barrier to heat transfer. During winter, they help keep the warmth inside, and in summer, they block out the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler. At night, closing heavy curtains can provide an extra layer of insulation, further reducing heat loss through windows.
4. Apply Caulk: Caulking involves sealing cracks and gaps around windows with a flexible material. This prevents air leakage, which can account for a significant portion of a home’s energy loss. By applying caulk, you can improve your window’s insulation and reduce energy costs. It’s a simple, cost-effective measure that can be done as a DIY project.
5. Install Storm Windows: Storm windows are additional windows installed on the exterior or interior of your existing windows. They create an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Storm windows can be a more affordable alternative to full window replacement and can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of your home.
Buy Energy Efficient Windows in Melbourne Today
When it comes to energy efficient windows, Windows Tech stands out as the leading provider in Melbourne.
- Top-Quality Products: Specialises in double and triple-glazed uPVC windows and doors.
- Premium Materials: Utilises high-grade German-manufactured profiles by Aluplast and corrosion-proof hardware.
- Tested and Certified: Exceeds Australian standards, suitable for metropolitan, regional, and coastal areas.
- Local Manufacturing: All our products are made in our Springvale, Melbourne factory.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: Use of the latest automated European-made equipment for consistent quality and faster production.
- Continuous Improvement: Adheres to Toyota’s KAIZEN philosophy, ensuring cutting-edge technology and continuous enhancement in production processes.
Our range of the most energy efficient windows is designed to suit any home, providing maximum comfort, savings, and environmental benefits. Don’t just settle for any windows—choose the best for your home and the planet.
Contact Windows Tech today to learn more. Your journey to a more comfortable, eco-friendly home starts with us!
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