Windows that perform: A buyers guide

When combined with low-e glass on at least one pane and argon gas in between, double glazing provides the best thermal performance. U-values as low as 1.8 are possible, compared with about 5 in the case of a single-glazed clear window. Energy-efficient windows, also known as high-performance windows, are specially designed to minimise heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. They help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are composed of various components, most importantly, the glass, frame, and sealing, all of which work together to achieve optimal energy efficiency performance.
FENSA have accredited Everest's installation of replacement windows, doors and rooflights in existing dwellings. A house built with low U-value building components will aluminium doors use less energy and saves money on energy bills. Energy Bill Savings- Energy efficient windows reduce your energy consumption, which saves you money on your bills.

The magnetic seals eliminate draughts and help maintain a more comfortable and stable indoor temperature reducing the reliance on artificial heating or cooling. This will bring a faster return on investment, allowing you to lower your overheads and reach your savings targets faster. In Australia, energy ratings for windows are crucial for ensuring you’re getting the most energy efficient windows. The Window Energy Rating Scheme 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 , WERS assesses windows based on their ability to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Energy efficient windows reduce energy consumption, which is one step in the many-sided move towards environmental sustainability. An individual’s carbon footprint is primarily composed of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their activities. Residential energy usage can make up to about 25% of a person’s individual carbon footprint. Energy efficient improvements in the home can help lower that portion of the carbon footprint. To further optimize the thermal performance of a window, energy efficient glass panes are covered with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. Low-E coating is a microscopically thin layer of metal or metal oxide that resists infrared and UV light.

The window rating is usually lower than the glass rating and U values actually increase with the size of the window. The optimum L-value is zero (0.00W/m2k) which would mean your window is airtight and does not produce draughts or lose warm air through micro gaps. Wang, S. C.; Jiang, T. Y.; Meng, Y.; Yang, R. G.; Tan, G.; Long, Y. Scalable thermochromic smart windows with passive radiative cooling regulation. You can roll up adjustable or retractable awnings in the winter to let the sun warm the house. New hardware, such as lateral arms, makes the rolling up process quite easy. Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window.
Water heating is the third largest  energy expense in your home, typically accounting for about 12% of your utility bill. Also consider using less hot water, turning down the thermostat on your water heater, and insulating your water heater. An energy professional can use an infrared camera to pinpoint where air leaks and drafts are occurring in your home or building. These infrared photos clearly show in color where energy losses are occurring. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can also increase the value of the property.
Many countries with snowy winters have taken to double-glazed windows as a way to reduce heating costs. On a typical Australian home, these windows mean significant air conditioning is often required to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors during summer and winter. Filling the entire space that exists between insulated glass panes with a gas known as krypton is another technology that reduces heat transfer, thereby increasing energy efficiency of a window. The more energy efficient a pane of glass is, the more expensive it is to purchase. However, installing more energy-efficient doors and windows can save up to 12% on energy costs every year.

Our windows are manufactured to the highest quality standards, delivering superior energy efficiency and lasting performance. Poor quality can result in cracking or rotting that will allow drafts and energy losses. If you need to use a lot of energy to be comfortable, the windows in your home may be outdated and not able to insulate efficiently. Imagine if minimal heating or air conditioning could achieve an ideal indoor environment.
We surveyed thousands of double glazing customers to reveal what they really think about their double glazing firm. A dedicated team of professionals with an in-depth understanding of window and door solutions to help you from design to handover. In our research, many windows industry insiders told us they were ready to scale up production of higher performance windows. In 2016, only 6% of windows installed in new houses in Australia had U-values below 4. In 2024, that figure was 19%, indicating high performance windows are slowly becoming more common.

The variety of thermal insulation profiles allows low Uf values (for example 1.3 W/m2K by using a 34mm insulation profile and up to 1.1 W/m2K with contemporary aluminum systems) to be reached. Polyamide insulation profiles with 25% glass fibre content are the best commercially available choice for optimum heat insulation and mechanical properties. Energy-efficient windows help a lot in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency says these windows are key in fighting climate change. This prevents condensation and boosts the window’s energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient windows minimise energy loss, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs. Buildings account for an estimated 40% of global carbon emissions, with building operations producing 27% of total emissions. The industry can help reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental conservation by incorporating sustainable glass windows. Energy efficiency is an important consideration when shopping for new or replacement windows and doors. There are a number of energy efficient features and benefits to consider when researching windows, including cost, energy savings, comfort, and environmental sustainability.
However, in general, upgrading to energy-efficient windows can result in significant energy cost savings for homeowners and building owners. Choose energy efficient materials & profiles for the frame and focus on  thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Especially vinyl windows, aluclad vinyl windows and wood-aluminum windows have an advantage here. Double-pane (dual-pane) glass naturally performs better than single-pane glass for energy efficiency, as the space between each pane acts as an additional layer of insulation from the heat or cold. Low-E glass is optimal for conserving energy because it reduces ultraviolet and infrared light penetration to limit heat transfer. Retrofitted double glazing has better insulating properties than traditional double glazing because there is a larger insulating air gap between the panes of glass.

Using multiple panes of glass creates an insulating gap, often filled with an inert gas such as argon. The additional panes and air gaps serve to trap heat inside and prevent energy from moving from the inside to the outside. By reducing the stress on the glass caused by temperature changes, they can help to prevent cracks and other types of damage. The material used to build a window frame is critical for maximizing energy efficiency – wood, vinyl, composite (Fibrex® material) and fiberglass are some of the most common types.
The burgeoning demand for energy-efficient solutions in the residential and commercial sectors is breathing fresh life into the global sustainable glass windows market. This growth is driven by the rising trend of energy-efficient building construction, further accelerated by government regulations for energy-efficient buildings. If you’re looking to make your home energy efficient or need help shopping around for energy-efficient home windows, then this guide can help. Read on to know more about energy-efficient windows and the benefits they offer. J. Install energy efficient lighting by choosing ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and lighting fixtures for the most used fixtures or light bulbs in your home or building. An average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting.