What Are Energy-Efficient Windows?
Energy-efficient windows are transforming homes across Sydney. As uPVC window installers, we’ve observed increasing interest in this technology. Modern uPVC windows with double glazing, made with advanced materials, offer improved insulation.
These windows help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in both hot and cold weather. This can lead to reduced energy usage for heating and cooling, potentially lowering electricity bills. They also effectively reduce external noise, creating a quieter home environment.
Choosing energy-efficient uPVC windows with double glazing can contribute to reducing a home’s carbon footprint. This is increasingly relevant in today’s environmental context.
For homeowners considering upgrades, energy-efficient uPVC windows with double glazing represent a practical option. They offer potential benefits in comfort, energy savings, and environmental impact.
How to Choose Energy Saving Windows
Energy-Saving Glazing
Glazing plays a critical role in a window’s energy efficiency, and the best results come from double-glazed units with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. This glass has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room in winter and reduces heat gain in summer.
Energy-saving double-glazed units are structurally identical to standard ones, consisting of two panes of glass separated by spacers filled with silica gel to prevent condensation. The air gap ensures heat doesn’t escape directly, maintaining effectiveness through complete airtightness. Often, this gap is filled with argon gas, which further enhances thermal insulation due to its lower thermal conductivity compared to air. The key to their energy efficiency lies in the special Low-E glass, treated with metal oxides or ion coating to act as a thermal mirror. This reflects infrared radiation, retaining heat within the room, while allowing visible light to pass through, ensuring optimal illumination without reducing brightness.
Double Glazing and IGUs for Energy Savings
Our Insulated Glass Units (IGUs), or double glazing, offer superior insulation and durability. Locally made with glass thicknesses from 4mm to 10mm, they enhance thermal efficiency, sound insulation, and condensation resistance. Silica gel spacers and airtight seals prevent condensation, ensuring clear views and a healthier indoor environment. Built to last, our IGUs provide reliable, long-term performance with minimal maintenance.
Special Offer
LowE Glass for Windows at No Extra Cost!
For a limited time, enhance your home’s appearance and energy efficiency without spending extra! We’re offering our exclusive LowE (Low-Emissivity) Glass at the SAME PRICE as standard toughened glass!
The Impact of Window Frames on Home Energy Efficiency
The frame of a window accounts for 40% of its overall energy efficiency. Therefore, choosing the right frame is as important as the glazing itself. Here are the common types of window frames:
- Aluminium Frame (Cold Frame)
- Steel Frame
- Thermally Broken Aluminium Frame
- uPVC Frame
- Timber Frame
To help you make an informed decision, we compare the most commonly used window frame materials.
Comparing uPVC, Timber, and Aluminium Windows for Energy Efficiency
| Parameter | uPVC Windows | Timber Windows | Aluminium Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | High, thanks to multi-chamber profiles and energy-saving glazing | High, but can decrease over time due to warping and rotting | Medium, aluminium does not insulate well |
| Durability | Resistant to rot, corrosion, and warping | Prone to moisture damage, requires regular maintenance | Corrosion-resistant but can oxidise |
| Maintenance | Minimal, no need for regular treatment or painting | Requires significant maintenance, including painting and treatment | Easy to clean, but may need treatment to prevent oxidation |
| Cost | Affordable, excellent value for money | More expensive to install and maintain | More expensive than uPVC but cheaper than timber |
| Environmental Impact | Made from safe materials, reduces energy consumption | Natural material but requires significant resources for maintenance | Recyclable material, but energy-intensive to produce |
Now that we’ve compared the most commonly used window frame materials, let’s take a closer look at uPVC profiles. uPVC windows are known for their high energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance requirements.
Modern uPVC Profiles for Energy Efficiency
uPVC windows are made from durable polyvinyl chloride, known for its longevity and resistance to external elements. Multi-chamber profiles significantly enhance insulation. The more chambers in the profile, the better the window retains heat.
- Double-glazing with a sealed 20 mm argon gap retains warmth and reduces noise.
- Modern frames with five-chamber profiles made from eco-friendly uPVC.
- Reliable structural connections from uPVC.
- Galvanised steel reinforcements with multi-point security locks.
- Provide additional airtightness and durability, enhancing overall window energy efficiency.
Colour Options for Energy-Efficient uPVC Profiles
uPVC profile colours allow you to choose windows and doors that seamlessly integrate with your home’s interior and exterior while maintaining window energy efficiency.
- Standard Finish: Profiles, locks, mosquito nets, handles, and mechanisms are available in standard white.
- Extended Palette: In response to market trends, we offer aludec and woodec finishes for a custom look.
Key Metrics for Energy-Efficient Windows Including U-Value and SHGC
When selecting energy-efficient windows, consider these important parameters:
U-Value: Lower U-values indicate better insulation. For most residential properties in Sydney, the optimal U-values range from 2 to 3 W/m²K. In Europe, stricter energy regulations require windows and doors to have U-values below 1 to meet their standards.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This value measures the window’s ability to block solar heat. Lower SHGC values (0.25-0.35) are ideal for keeping homes cool in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Thermal Efficiency Comparison
The thermal conductivity of uPVC profiles is 0.17 W/m²K, whereas aluminium has a thermal conductivity of 160 W/m²K, making aluminium nearly 1000 times more conductive than uPVC.
IIn the row of thermal imaging photos below, you can see a comparison of three different windows before and after installation. Each set of two images shows the same window: first with aluminium single glazing, and then with our uPVC double-glazed window, clearly illustrating the difference in thermal efficiency.
The Role of Durable Hardware in Energy-Efficient Windows
Hardware is a crucial element of energy-efficient windows. We offer top-quality hardware developed and manufactured in Germany, including many small but important components.
The Importance of High-Quality Seals for Windows
Hardware and seals are essential for window durability and airtightness. High-quality seals made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) offer excellent sealing and longevity.
We use EPDM because it offers several key advantages over TPE. Firstly, EPDM exhibits excellent resistance to both high and low temperatures, making it ideal for various climate conditions. Secondly, it has high resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering, ensuring a long lifespan and stability of its properties. EPDM is highly durable, ensuring effective sealing for long-term use.
Window Locking Mechanisms for Superior Insulation and Security
Modern hardware for PVC windows and doors ensures multi-directional opening, enhanced security, accident prevention, and protection against leaks and drafts, while also facilitating ventilation. Each function is managed by specific components within the window or door assembly.
With multiple sealing contours and uniform pressure across the window frame, PVC windows effectively prevent leaks, drafts, and dust infiltration. Properly adjusted hardware maintains airtightness year-round without additional sealing measures.
The primary advantage of modern PVC window hardware is the tight fit of the sashes to the frame, achieved without extra effort. This design ensures optimal insulation and noise reduction.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Proper Window Installation
Proper installation of PVC windows is crucial for maximizing their energy efficiency and overall performance. Even the best-quality windows can fail to provide the expected benefits if not installed correctly. The key principles of a successful installation include ensuring airtight seals, preventing thermal bridges, and allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of the window materials.
Key Principles of Proper Installation:
Avoiding Thermal Bridges: Ensure the window frame is within the wall’s insulation plane or use additional insulation around the frame to prevent heat loss and condensation.
Secure and Flexible Fastening: Leave sufficient gaps for uPVC windows to expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring fastening elements do not compromise flexibility and integrity.
The tight seals of uPVC window and door profiles, combined with their ease of fabrication for double glazing, make uPVC an excellent choice for energy-efficient buildings. According to the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), uPVC windows consistently achieve the highest energy efficiency ratings in Australia.
Expert Installation of Energy-Efficient uPVC Windows in Sydney
WindowsFactory specializes in providing homeowners in Sydney with top-quality uPVC double glazed windows and doors. Since 2011, we have delivered comfort and security with expert installation, offering products that ensure excellent thermal insulation and durability. We partner with leading European brands such as Aluplast, Deceuninck, Schueco, Koemmerling, and Plustec, and all our products are manufactured locally in Sydney for fast delivery and installation.
Operating under a single ABN, we are fully licensed and insured, guaranteeing that every window and door is installed to the highest standards for long-term performance. Our unique approach includes using exclusive materials not available to other window providers in Sydney. We offer personalized service, tailoring windows to your specific design and size preferences. With extensive experience in uPVC double glazing, we ensure professional installation and high-quality products with an extended warranty. Despite offering premium double glazed windows, our prices remain competitive in the Sydney market.
To meet diverse aesthetic and functional needs, we offer a variety of window styles:
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in our completed projects across Sydney. Whether you need double glazed windows for enhanced thermal efficiency or acoustic windows for a quieter home, our team delivers outstanding results every time. Choose WindowsFactory for your next window installation project and experience the difference that expert craftsmanship and premium materials can make.
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Blinds That Boost Energy Efficiency for uPVC Windows
Specially designed for uPVC windows and doors, these blinds are available in a vast range of colours and fabrics. This innovative fitting system allows the blinds to be installed perfectly, with no holes drilled into your uPVC frame! The blinds fit snugly onto the window, enhancing energy efficiency due to the absence of gaps along the sides. This not only ensures privacy but also helps to retain warmth in winter and keep the heat out in summer. Various designs and combinations are available, allowing you to choose the optimal solution for any interior.
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