Energy efficiency in windows and doors.
Many factors contribute to the energy efficiency of a home, from property size and geography through to products and materials. When it comes to products, windows can be key in achieving higher ratings of energy efficiency performance.
Introducing the new ComfortSmart series
Meet your energy rating requirements with minimal fuss.
Available in a range of residential and semi-commercial doors and windows, ComfortSmart allows you to achieve the new energy rating requirements without significant change to build cost, or compromise on design or performance. The series is designed for adaptability and compatibility with different building methods, while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency performance.
Thermally broken frame technology prevents heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments to reduce energy bills and offer year-round comfort in all climate zones.
The ComfortSmart series is also optimised for installation in any style of building. It features a wide range of trim, flashing, and glazing options (available in double-glazing as standard), inline reveals for easy installation, and removable sashes for on-site handling.
Discover ComfortSmart
What are energy efficient windows?
Broadly, the general idea of energy efficiency is to achieve something with the least amount of energy usage possible. In relation to windows, energy efficiency usually refers to a product’s ability to maximise the conditions you create in your home through heating or cooling, while minimising energy expenditure.
With a higher energy efficiency rating, you can spend less time and energy maintaining a pleasant temperature in your home. The higher your rating, the better your windows’ ability to ‘trap’ the hot or cold air that comes from heaters or air conditioning systems. The more air your windows trap, the less you need to run your systems. And therefore, the less energy you use (and buy!).
There are multiple degrees of energy efficiency that different windows can achieve. The energy efficiency performance of windows can also be affected by other factors, including climate, building materials, and where your home is located.
A key consideration
around Australia
Wherever you live throughout Australia—whether it’s a cooler climate or a warmer climate–your choice of windows can significantly impact upon your home’s energy efficiency performance.
Here’s how buildings gain and lose their heat through common household materials:
| How heat loss can occur in buildings | How heat can accumulate in buildings |
|---|---|
| In cooler climates, buildings lose heat through materials in roughly the following proportions: | In warmer climates, buildings gain heat through materials in roughly the following proportions: |
| Walls: 14% | Walls: 8% |
| Floor: 18% | Floor: 0% |
| Roof: 19% | Roof: 5% |
| Glass / Windows: 49% | Glass: 87% |
Source AGWA. Figures based on an actual case study of an otherwise insulated building, individual building performance may vary depending design and location.
Energy efficient by design.
For improved energy efficiency, many A&L windows feature our unique inline reveal as standard.
With our inline reveal, the timber reveal sits flush with the aluminium frame. In many competing window products, the timber reveal is offset. By sitting flush, the inline reveal prevents heat passing through the aluminum, promoting improved energy efficiency.
Stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer
Thanks to the effects of timber—a natural insulator—the inline reveal prevents heat loss through the aluminium frame. Your home’s more likely to retain the effects of heating or air conditioning, keeping you comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills.
Enjoy more natural light and a clearer view
The inline reveal promotes a larger glass area than other products with an offset reveal of the same stud opening size. With more glass, you’ll enjoy more natural light and a cleaner aesthetic for your windows.
High performance, lower emissions.
We offer a range of glass types and products for improved energy efficiency in varying climates and conditions.
Cooler climates:
- Low E Glass – can prevent up to 39% of heat loss.*
- Double Glazing – can prevent up to 55% of heat loss.*
- Double Glazing with Low E Glass – can prevent up to 70% of heat loss.*
Warmer climates:
- Low E Glass – can prevent up to 40% of solar heat gain.
- Tinted Low E Glass – can prevent up to 57% of solar heat gain.
- Double Glazing with Low E Glass – can prevent up to 77% of solar heat gain.
* The performance figures shown are based on heat gain through glass only. Data has been calculated using NFRC 100 – 2001 environmental conditions and Window 5.2 software from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2006). Savings are in comparison to using 3 mm clear glass and may vary depending on actual operating conditions. Source AGWA.
Learn more about double glazed windows.
Double glazed windows can help you save on power bills and consume less energy overall, depending on certain factors in your home. Learn about double glazing, why it’s effective, and why you should consider upgrading today.
What are the most energy efficient windows?
When it comes to windows, energy efficiency is a scale, not a ‘yes-or-no’ concept.
There are multiple degrees of energy efficiency that different windows can achieve. The energy efficiency performance of windows can also be affected by other factors, including the climate in your region of the country, building materials, and where your home is located.
Learn more about the most energy efficient window options depending on where you live:
Read more
Looking to design an energy efficient house?
Our team of highly experienced energy efficiency specialists are on hand to help. Get in touch with the team today to discuss your specific requirements
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