Window & Door Energy Ratings

Overview

We all want to save energy (i.e. money) and the governing bodies around Australia are now starting to legislate in accordance with the Federal Government's commitments.

All new homes now require an energy rating and one of the important areas in a home are the windows and doors. Most home owners will want the features they currently enjoy in living in Australia, large windows and doors that let the outside in, and the serviceability, performance and colour options available with aluminium. But we now need to consider which way the building design we have selected faces in relation to the sun, the type of construction and insulation used, where we position the windows and doors on this building depending on whether we are trying to heat or cool the house/room, shading elements (eaves, awnings etc.) and what glass we need to fit. All of these elements will combine to give an overall building energy rating.

The Right Product

Differing glass types give significantly different results as illustrated on the following pages. The frame design (slider, awning or door) tends not to have that big an impact. Using plastic or timber windows may give better results in some areas. But like everything there are compromises and these could be performance (weather and strength), colour and hardware options and longevity. We feel that aluminium is currently the best product for the Australia climate where the temperature variations in the major population centres is not as severe as in Europe and America or Northern Australia. But the UV rays produced by the sun in Australia require a powder coated or anodised aluminium frame that can stand up to this type of punishment.