Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

Aluminium and steel frames meet most requirements for bushfire protection, but you will also want to consider thermal performance. Low-e coatings can also be tuned to reflect short-wavelength solar heat—the radiation that comes from the sun hitting your windows—to further reduce the SHGC. All low-e coatings will reduce SHGC to some extent, but the exact amount can be tuned for the particular use. For example, in warmer climates, low-e coatings with a  low SHGC can be used to minimise heat transmission, particularly in cases where the windows can’t easily be shaded.
This guide covers everything from what makes energy-efficient windows work to how they keep your home warm or cool. We also talk about the standards for energy efficiency and the materials used in windows. When it comes to window frames,Milgard’s Ultra Series fiberglass is the most energy-efficient material available today. While glass makes up roughly aluminium doors 80% of any window unit, installing gas-filled multi-pane glass won’t do much good without an equally efficient window frame. Triple-pane windows can save you money on your utility bill, but they usually cost more upfront. In general, windows with triple-panes are most effective in extreme climates that experience frigid winters or sweltering summers.

The Window Energy Rating tells you how energy-efficient your windows are. The rating system is based on a scale of E to A++, with A++ windows being the most energy-efficient. The scheme is similar to those seen on household appliances, white goods and light bulbs.
Opting for lower-priced windows to save money initially might not produce the expected energy savings for the homeowner. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable living. One area where significant energy savings can be achieved is through the installation of energy-efficient windows. Modern double, triple and quadruple-glazed windows have thin, metallic low-e coatings on the panes, which can significantly improve their thermal insulating performance.

I use a simple 50/50 white vinegar and water spray and a microfiber cloth. It allows you to save on your tax return, making window upgrades more affordable. Energy Star windows are evaluated based on climate-specific guidelines. Watch our buying guide video below for more information on how to find the best windows for your house, and handy shopping tips for when you’re at the store. They’re airtight and are available with decorative glass accents and textures, or in unusual  shapes.
In addition, energy-efficient windows can help to reduce the amount of dust and allergens that enter the building, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. Energy-efficient windows offer a range of other benefits, such as increased comfort and improved indoor air quality. Windows with low-e coatings stop unwanted heat gain and can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s heat, helping to keep the building cool and reducing the need for air conditioning. They are typically made with multiple panes of glass (such as double-glazing), low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, and insulating gas fills between the panes. Vinyl and fiberglass are better insulation and noise reduction materials.
But its effectiveness, and how much you notice these benefits, will depend on what you’re replacing and the quality of the product you buy. Find the best energy-efficient windows for your home in just a few clicks with the Window Selection Tool. The gap between the two pieces of glass should ideally be at least 12mm and filled with Argon gas for maximum performance. Housing affordability issues mean owners want to keep upfront construction costs as low as possible. Thermotek also combines world-class German engineering with local manufacturing in Melbourne, tailoring the uPVC window and door profiles to Australian conditions.

Our architect referred us to Window Film Depot, and we are very pleased with their services. Stephen and team were great to work with - very responsive and professional. They were able to come out and put in UV blocking tint, which took care of the heat coming off the windows.
A lower solar heat gain coefficient means less heat will enter your home. If you want higher performance, focus on casement, awning, and picture windows. Casement and awning windows have a single sash, as opposed to double-hung windows, which have two sashes. The combination of a simpler design and their seal, which tightens when the wind blows against them, makes them more energy efficient. And the most efficient windows of all are picture windows because they don’t open .

With these inert gases serving as additional insulation layers, double-pane windows can provide three layers of protection, while triple-pane windows can provide five protective layers. Electrochromic windows, for instance, can be several times more expensive than energy-efficient windows because of their complicated powering systems and lengthy installation processes. And though thermochromic windows are cheaper, they still cost more than regular windows. Most consumers would rather pick the cheaper option, even if they lack the energy benefits of smart windows.
One of the primary reasons for choosing thermally broken windows is their potential for energy savings. The improved insulation properties reduce the reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy bills. While the initial cost of thermally broken windows may be higher than traditional options, long-term energy savings can provide a return on investment over time. C. Install more energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights by looking for ENERGY STAR products and install storm windows and doors to save energy and improve the comfort of your home or building. Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack.
They had to weigh up material costs, existing supplier relationships and industry practices. Some told us it was cheaper at times to import from Europe or Asia than to buy Australian-made. But our research in Victoria found the main one is cost – double-glazing costs much more than a standard single-glazed window. Houses with double-glazing can add resale value and even improve occupant health. The inherent strength of uPVC reduces the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.

Moreover, recycling glass uses 40% less energy than manufacturing new glass and reduces related air pollution by 20%. As of today, the European doors and windows market, which includes sustainable glass windows, is projected to reach GBP 61.86 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.13%. The increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices drives this growth. For instance, Europe's acoustic insulation glass windows market is expected to experience a significant increase between 2023 and 2030. The global insulating glass window market was valued at approximately £10,139.36 million in 2021 and is projected to reach about £13,662.24 million by 2026. Insulating glass windows increase the thermal efficiency of buildings by minimising the transfer of heat/cold from within the building environment to the outside environment.
New windows cost $300 to $2,500 each, depending on the kind of window you choose. For a house with 20 windows, that equates to about $6,000 to $50,000. Energy-efficient windows cost between $150 and $2,000+ per window, with most people paying around $400 per window, according to home services website Angi. Professional installation usually costs an additional $100 to $300 per window. However, other factors such as airtightness and surface reflectivity also play a role in insulating capacity. As a result, R-values should be considered along with other factors when choosing windows for your home.