Alongside glass, another important consideration for your window is the frame.
According to Matt Smith, ACT/NSW Manager of Taylor’s Window Supplies, aluminium windows have come a long way, with more flexibility in terms of design and finishes than ever before.
“Australians are demanding greater energy efficiency than ever before,” Matt says, “and one of the biggest culprits when it comes to poor energy efficiency are old-style aluminium windows. In fact, the Australian Window Association estimates old aluminium windows let in up to 87% of heat during summer and lose up to 40% of heat during winter. That’s huge.”
According to Matt, the main reason for this is that aluminium is a conductor and the glass used in these windows is on average only 3mm thick.
New technology, such as ThermalHEART, helps to create more energy efficient windows.
“ThermalHEART products include a polyamide insulator, or thermal break, between the aluminium exterior and interior. This break lessens the transfer of heat and cold through the aluminium frame, giving the window excellent insulation properties.”
Thermally broken frames perform better – without it you can lose about 30% of your heating and cooling through your frames. Options include timber, uPVC or thermally broken aluminium.
Glass technology has also improved, according to Matt.
“One of these technologies is low e coating – or glass with a special coating on one surface. Essentially, this reduces heat coming in during summer and heat going out during winter. For the ultimate in energy performance, it’s important to combine a thermally broken frame with low e double glazing,” he says.
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