Renovating your abode, or commencing construction on a new home? There’s no doubt that energy efficiency has come up in conversation.
As the climate continues to change and new housing standards are introduced across Australia, investing in energy-efficient windows and doors isn’t just a key factor to extending the lifespan and comfort of your home – it’s also a step to reducing your environmental impact.
Rather than enduring chilly Winters and sweltering Summers, your home can work alongside the harsh Australian climate to make sure you stay comfortable no matter the season.
How? Energy Efficient windows and doors greatly reduce your energy consumption through their ability to help control your home’s thermal regulation. They’re so much more than just a glass pane!
Responsible for unwanted heat loss and gain – making the appropriate choice of window and door design, seals, and glass type for each unique home and location is a crucial decision for every homeowner.
If we told you that you could shield your home from unwanted heat and harsh glare with one simple addition, would you invest in it?
Of course you would! Enter Toned Glass – a simple yet compelling solution to restricting the sun’s rays from tarnishing the tranquillity of your home. This innovative design harnesses the power of metal oxides from raw glass to reflect light and minimise glare.
Any heat from outside is partially absorbed and re-radiated by the tinted glass, keeping your home comfortable throughout the day. If you live in a warmer climate, this solution is non-negotiable if you’re looking to reduce your power bills.
Learn more about our Solar Block™ windows and doors.
If you live in a region where maintaining a comfortable temperature in the home year-round is of utmost priority, then installing windows and doors with Low-E Glass should definitely feature on your ‘to do’ list.
Low-E Glass, or Low Emissivity glass, features a thin layer of metal or metal oxide coating on one side to minimise heat transfer. This works to reduce heat entry and loss, so you can consistently regulate your home’s temperature.
Acting as an added layer of insulation from the weather outside, Low-E glass is capable of keeping hot air out during Summer, and retaining warm air during Winter. Install this in your home today, and thank us later!
Learn more about our Solar Comfort™ windows and doors.
Double Glazing your windows and doors is an easy upgrade that makes all the difference in the world. They have actually been proven to decrease power bills by up to 20% when compared to their single glazed counterparts!
Featuring two or more panes of glass that are hermetically sealed with an air space between each layer (IGU), these windows act as a powerful barrier between your home and the outside elements.
A common misconception of this solution is that it’s only beneficial for those in colder climates – but this is simply not the case! Due to their unique insulation properties, they are in-fact suitable for hot, cold, and mixed climates. Everyone can benefit from this unrivalled innovation!
Plus, to make your home’s thermal barrier even stronger, you can even add the aforementioned toned or Low-E glass with argon gas to create a supreme thermal barrier.
Learn all the benefits of double glazed windows and doors.
Enhancing the energy efficiency of your Double Glazed windows even further comes down to one final step – incorporating Thermal Breaks.
In addition to the bonded panes of glass that feature in an IGU, this aluminium framing is separated by less conductive materials to reduce heat transfer. These insulated barriers then work alongside the IGU to retain or reflect heat.
Learn more about our thermal break windows and doors.
The unsung heroes of your window and door’s energy efficiency are your seals – who make or break the quality of your home’s thermal regulation.
Without high quality, waterproof seals – even the most energy-efficient windows cannot maintain the ideal controlled indoor climate due to air leaking in and out.
Choosing the correct material for your window sealing is essential to receive all the benefits of energy-efficient windows. Utilising more durable seals made of materials such as Santoprene is preferred over those like vinyl, which run the risk of cracking, shrinking, and losing their shape over time.
When you’re on the hunt for energy efficient windows, having the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) in your toolkit will quickly become a game-changer in your decision-making process.
The two key measures are U-Value and SHGC, which apply to the entire product and not individual components of the window (i.e. glass, seals, or frame). The U-Value measures the rate of heat transfer and loss. A lower U-Value indicates that the window is more resistant to heat flow and has greater insulation.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how successful the window is in blocking out heat caused by sunlight. If a window has a lower SHGC, less solar radiationwill pass through the window.
With the new 7-Star standards for new builds coming in to play gradually across the country, you’ll certainly get to know more about the WERS!
Employing energy efficient windows and doors within your home doesn’t just ensure comfort and livability – it’s an investment in creating a cleaner and healthier environment!
Integrating just one, or a combination, of the solutions above into your home design will instantly enhance the atmosphere and reduce energy consumption regardless of the climate.
Get in touch with your local Bradnam’s branch today to see what we can offer you.
The perfect windows and doors can lift a space from ordinary, to extraordinary. But choosing the right ones for your home or project can be a challenge – especially if you’re new to the process. That’s why we’ve put together this selection guideline.
Written as a simple, easy-to-understand reference, this guide will help you better understand your requirements, ask the right questions, and find the best windows and doors for your project.
Learn More
Clever design ideas can turn your bricks and mortar into a stylish, functional and relaxed home. Thinking outside the box with these fresh design ideas means you’ll enjoy your home, in all four seasons, for many years to come
Product availability, features, options, sizes, configurations and performance are subject to regional variations, design requirements, and building codes. Images are for illustration purposes only and may not accurately represent the product. Bradnam’s Windows & Doors reserves the right to change, alter or delete any aspect of this product without notice. We recommend visiting a Bradnam’s showroom before ordering to view colour swatches, glass samples and actual products.