Best practice window planning principles will ensure you consider orientation, ventilation and glazing so that your home is designed for efficiency all year round.
The type and configuration of windows in your home play a key role in comfort and energy efficiency.
Standard single glazed windows are usually constructed with one glass pane that can range from 4mm to 8mm, and do not perform well when it comes to maintaining energy loss or storage.
A smarter solution is double glazing, or insulated glass.
Double glazed windows are constructed with two individual panes of glass that are separated by a thin layer of air or a nontoxic gas such as argon gas that acts as an insulation barrier. The glass will usually have an added laminate film or can be UV tinted to further prevent the sun’s radiant heat passing through.
Choosing double glazing will come at a higher cost at the outset, however the thermal efficiency in your home’s windows can be improved by up to 40%1. Not to mention an overall reduction in electricity bills due to the use of less heating and air conditioning appliances. Double glazing is also a much cheaper solution to thermally broken frames.
If you want to bathe your space in natural light but still control the temperature within – take a closer look at the EnergyTech™ range.
Viridian EnergyTech™ has a transparent Low E (Low-Emissivity) coating applied using patented technology, to form a highly durable hard coating that is integrated onto the glass surface.
Specifically designed for Australian conditions, EnergyTech™ uses enhanced solar control to naturally keep buildings cooler in summer by reflecting the sun’s heat externally, and warmer in winter by reflecting heat back into the room. Not having to rely on electrical appliances to maintain the temperature in your home helps reduce wasteful energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Is it possible to have a home that is naturally well-lit and ventilated, and makes the most of the local climate to maintain a consistent temperature all year round? Yes! Read our guide to designing a home with passive solar principles.
For more information on how to improve your home’s energy rating, contact us on 1300 943 354.
To see a selection of glass samples, visit one of our five showrooms - Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Central
Coast, Sydney city and Liverpool.