How To Assess Energy Efficiency In Windows

If you're currently in the market for replacement windows or brand new window installation and looking for energy-efficient glazing options for your Australian home, you've come to the right place.

In this article, our expert glaziers explore the key factors that determine the energy efficiency of windows, specifically tailored to the unique needs of Australian homeowners.

By the end of this read, you'll be well-equipped to make informed choices for double glazed windows and other energy-efficient windows that enhance the energy efficiency of your Australian abode. You'll almost be educated enough on the topic to join our team of glaziers!

The Importance of Energy Efficiency

When it comes to the energy efficiency of windows, it's essential to understand what precisely defines the efficiency of a replacement window for Australian conditions.

To determine this, we need to address two fundamental questions:

1. How effectively does the window block heat, particularly under the Australian sun?
2. How well does the window insulate your Australian home to cope with the country's climate?

Blocking Heat: A Sign of Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant indicators of an energy-efficient window is its ability to block solar heat and harmful UV and infrared rays, which are especially intense in Brisbane and the rest of Australia.

When sunlight and solar rays penetrate through a window, they can heat up the interior of your home and potentially damage its contents. To assess how well a window performs under Australian conditions, consider three essential energy rating measurements:

1. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
2. UV Percentage
3. Infrared Percentage

These energy ratings are directly related to a window's ability to block solar heat, UV rays, and infrared rays. When evaluating these ratings, remember that lower numbers are better.

The lower the number in the window's rating, the less heat and harmful rays can penetrate through. This means your Australian home remains cool during the scorching summer, and your interior is protected from potentially damaging radiation.

What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

SHGC is a value between 0 and 1, with lower values indicating better heat blockage.

SHGC measures the amount of solar heat that enters through a window and contributes to heat gain within a space.

A lower SHGC means that less heat from the sun is transmitted through the window, reducing the need for air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

For Australian homes, especially in regions with a hot and sunny climate, choosing windows with a low SHGC is essential to keep interiors cooler and reduce energy consumption.

What is UV Percentage

The UV (Ultraviolet) Percentage refers to the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun that penetrates through a window.

Excessive UV exposure can lead to fading and damage of furniture, flooring, and interior decor.

Choosing windows with a low UV Percentage means that you're effectively reducing the harmful UV radiation entering your home, preserving the quality and appearance of your furnishings. This not only helps protect your investments but also contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

What is Infrared Percentage

Infrared radiation refers to the heat energy that is part of the sun's spectrum. The Infrared Percentage measures the amount of this heat energy that passes through window glazing.

An excessive influx of infrared radiation can cause interiors to heat up quickly, leading to uncomfortable living conditions and increased cooling costs.

Therefore, selecting windows such as double glazing or Low-E Coatings with a low Infrared Percentage is crucial.

This type of glazing will effectively block a significant portion of infrared heat, keeping your home cooler during hot days and reducing the load on your air conditioning system (saving you a tonne of money!).

Insulating Your Australian Home: A Vital Consideration

A window covers a significant opening in your home's structure, and given the country's diverse climate, effective insulation is paramount.

If this opening is not adequately sealed with a high-quality window installed by a professional glazier, your home can become vulnerable to air leakage, allowing temperature fluctuations and energy loss.

To gauge a window's insulation capabilities under Australian conditions, focus on two key ratings:

1. Air Infiltration Rating
2. U-Factor

For energy-efficient glazing that effectively insulates your home, look for low scores in both the air infiltration rating and U-Factor.

The better a window can insulate, the more energy-efficient the glazing makes your home. If a window doesn't insulate well, it leaves your home exposed to temperature fluctuations and energy wastage, which can be especially challenging in Australia's variable climate.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Window Replacements for Australian Homes

Now that you understand the two essential questions to consider when selecting energy-efficient glazing for homes, you're better equipped to make an informed decision.

Remember that the lower the energy rating concerning blocking heat and insulating your home, the more suitable the window will be for your unique environment.

Another factor that can significantly impact a window's energy efficiency is the type of glass it features. To help you navigate the different window glass options available, you can view the ten types of window glass, with a focus on those suitable for Australian conditions, to assist you in choosing the right glass for your new energy-efficient windows.

A popular choice for homeowners across Brisbane in relation to energy saving glazing are JRC's double glazed windows and doors. If you're in Brisbane, talk to our team for the different options and possible solutions for your property.

How to Determine Energy Efficiency in Windows?

In your quest for energy-efficient replacement windows for your Australian home or business, it's imperative to focus on how effectively they block heat under the Australian sun and how well they insulate your home to cope with the country's diverse climate.

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently make choices that will enhance the energy efficiency of your home and ensure a comfortable environment year-round. If you still aren't sure, you can contact our glazier Brisbane team for a free consultation.

If you are looking for double glazed windows, window replacements, or simply just advise on improving the energy-efficiency in your home, then contact our team of glaziers today!

We are the leading Brisbane glaziers offering high quality energy efficient windows and doors for homes and businesses across Brisbane. Contact our Brisbane glaziers today!

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