Ordinary single-panelled clear-glass windows are considered ‘energy holes’ in a home or building, adding to energy bills and increasing greenhouse gas emissions
Single-panelled clear-glass windows let in a lot of the sun’s unwanted heat on hot days and heat is lost to the outside on cold winter days. This means more energy is required for cooling and heating and homes are less comfortable. The extra energy demand translates into more greenhouse gas emissions into the earth’s atmosphere.
Reducing the amount of energy lost through windows and doors is simple with Bradnams’ smart energy solution options, Solar Block™ and Solar Comfort™. The Solar Block™ option is ideally suited to locations where keeping out heat, glare and UV is a priority. Depending on climate type, a select Solar Comfort™ option is the perfect choice for all climates, keeping temperatures comfortable all year round, despite the outside extremes.
Choosing the right products
Certain window and door products, such as stacking doors, bi-fold doors and louvers, are designed to create wide openings which improve ventilation and create drafts to help flush out heat on hot days. For colder climates, awning and casement windows — by virtue of design — create stronger seals around their edges and therefore less heat is able to escape.
Window positioning
Positioning windows or doors opposite each other on either side of the room also increases the chances of a draft and can reduce the reliance on air conditioning. An expanse of windows on the north side of the home will encourage passive heating during winter (the sun’s position in the sky on winter days allows for its heat to warm the interior of the home, meaning free energy!). Eastern- and western-facing windows and doors should allow for windows that prevent overheating, such as Solar Block or select Solar Comfort options.
Windows and doors checklist
When selecting windows and doors, the following points should also be considered:
• Does the design maximise daylight?
• Does the window allow adequate ventilation?
• What type of door do you need for practical day-to-day use, entertaining and other purposes?
• Do you need insulation from heat, cold or sound?
• Is glare a concern?
• What window sizes and styles suit your architecture?
• Are you maximising views?
• Does the hardware make the window easy to operate?
• Can the window or door be easily fitted with screens, decorative bars and other options, if required?
• How easy are the windows to maintain?
For more information
Bradnams Windows and Doors
For more information:
Phone 1300 WINDOWS (1300 946 369)
Email: marketing@bradnams.com.au
Website: www.bradnams.com.au
