ENERGY
What are energy efficient windows??
One of the most significant ways that a home’s overall energy rating can be improved is by selecting the right energy efficient windows. This will improve the comfort of your new home, reduce your electricity consumption and may also improve the resale value.
5 important reasons why Energy efficient windows should be in your new home.
-
87% of heat that enters your home comes through the windows Ordinary windows have been identified in recent energy studies as a ‘thermal leak’ in an otherwise well insulated wall. Similar studies have shown that 49% of heat lost in homes during winter is transmitted through ordinary windows. Similarly, 87% of heat gained in summer is transmitted through these same windows. Instead, well orientated energy efficient windows can keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. Windows also play a significant role in improving the comfort of homes and reducing energy bills.
-
Only well ‘tuned’ windows will keep your home comfortable. When it comes to window performance, one size does NOT fit all. It is only by ‘tuning’ the windows and glass to your climate zone that you can achieve the maximum benefit that energy efficient windows can provide. The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) database can assist home builders in selecting the right energy rated window for their location. The heating and cooling stars found in the WERS database are a measure of the thermal properties for each window. For example, a window with 5 cooling stars and 1 heating star would be best suited for a very hot climate like Cairns as the main function of the window is ‘cooling’. Alternatively, the friendly staff at Lifestyle Windows would be happy to help you through this process free of charge.
-
6 star is here and 7 star is coming. Will your house be left behind? Queensland has moved to a 6 star energy rating on all new homes in Queensland since May 2010. Some people within the building industry have mistakenly suggested that the only way to achieve this higher rating is to remove or reduce the size of certain windows. With energy efficient windows you can have the windows you want while maintaining a very energy efficient home. Most home owners want the benefits of coastal living, including large windows and doors that maximise views, connectivity to the outdoors, and performance and colour options available with aluminium. By using energy efficient windows from Lifestyle Windows, these benefits are not compromised.
-
The right frames mean windows look better for longer and are low maintenance. Differing window frames (wood, pvc) provide different overall energy ratings compared to aluminium. The frame design (slider, awning) generally does not impact the energy rating of the window as the materials used are the same. Using plastic (pvc) or timber windows may give ‘better’ results in some climate zones. However, these products are more likely to swell, fade, become brittle and even warp, Hence, aluminium is the best and most suited product for the Australian climate. We also have ThermalHeart technology which delivers very high energy ratings, comparible to those of timber and PVC. The harsh UV rays produced by the sun in Australia require a tough powder coated or anodised aluminium frame that can stand up to our punishing environment. Aluminium has proven to stand the test of time in Australian windows for the past 50 years.
-
Energy efficient windows make good senseIt is inevitable that the minimum standards (and taxes) on energy will continue to rise over the coming years. This means that when it comes time to sell your home that it will most likely be below the new minimum standards at that time. Potential buyers may use a ‘substandard’ energy rating as a lever to negotiate a lower sale price (particularly if it is below the minimum standard at that time). The costs incurred to achieve a higher energy rating will be a powerful negotiation tool in the future, particularly as energy prices continue to rise. Many countries in Europe have announced that they are planning on 10 star homes as standard by 2020. It makes good sense to ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible to enhance the value of your investment and also reduce your energy bills as electricity prices continue to rise. Come and see for yourselfWe would like to invite you to visit our award winning showroom at Coolum. We have a huge range of windows, doors, Bi-folds and stacker doors on display. We also have an interactive glass display, photo galleries, and qualified technical staff that will provide you advice and those building a new home with a source of great ideas. Our showroom boasts the only Low E interactive glass simulator on the Sunshine Coast. This allows you to experience firsthand the reduction in heat transfer that performance windows provide. We often hear our customers say that being able to see and experience windows in real-life greatly assists them in making the right decisions for their windows.Energy efficient Glass has certain properties that can result in a phenomenon known as Thermal Fracture. If you are considering performance glass please download the following document so you are aware of the possible issues associated.