Window selection

The wrong choice of windows can act to make the house warmer throughout the year through the unwanted transmission of heat into the home. Careful planning of the windows you choose, however, can turn your windows into a positive contributor to household energy management and comfort especially when planned in conjunction with external shade devices.

Many single glazed window systems are now available and are designed especially to suit regions that predominantly require heating or cooling. The glass in these windows has been treated (generally with a film on the glass) to produce different heat transfer outcomes and can be tailored to the specific needs of your home. Double glazed windows have also historically played a role, due to the natural insulative qualities of this system, but usually come at high cost in comparison to single glazed systems.

The Windows Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) is a government sponsored system that allows easy comparison of the energy efficiency of windows – including the ability to search for windows across different suppliers. Please go to www.wers.net for more information on this service.

Given the importance of ventilation in Darwin your windows should also contribute positively to this factor. Ensuring that window openings effectively capture the breeze and that windows can be left open in a secure fashion when you are not at home are important design features to consider.