There’s good reason for you to have a ‘glass-half-full’ attitude towards spending less on your heating and cooling costs.
Especially when there are four clever improvements you can make to your windows to increase their energy efficiency, so they can start pulling their weight.
But if you are looking to do-over your existing abode, or you’re hitting the drawing board to make that dream home of yours a reality, then fittings and framing should go straight to the top of your list.
Don’t worry, though. You won’t need a master’s degree in energy-efficient materials. You just need to have a chat with your builders and tradespeople so they know that you want to get it right now while the opportunity is there. (After all, it’ll likely cost you more to make these changes down the track.)
Ask them about what materials can avoid the hot and cold conditions from seeping into your home around the glass and impact your energy bills. Also, depending on where the sun hits your home during the hottest part of the day, find out what colour will look great but also won’t burn up whenever the sun is its brightest.
Consider double glazed units – not only do they reduce temperature transfer up to 30% more than single glazed windows, but they can also reduce unwanted noises such as traffic.
Given they can also give your house some extra character, awnings can be one of the more satisfying energy efficiency projects you can undertake at home.
By providing your windows with shade from the sun, awnings can be a great addition during the summer months, but something that can sometimes work against you in the winter ones when the softer heat could otherwise be helping to warm up your home for nothing.
So, if you can make it work, try and install awnings that you can easily adjust or move based on the times you do or don’t want the sun paying a visit.
By preventing the hot and cool air from leaving your home, shutters work in a similar way to blinds and curtains. But unlike heavy inside window furnishings, sturdy outdoor window shutters can also provide maximum protection from the sun by stopping the heat from touching the glass. Another added bonus is that they can help keep your home looking and feeling secure whenever you’re on holiday.
But if you install them, work out the softest colour to complement the aesthetics of your house, so the metal can reflect, instead of attracting the sun’s heat.
Sealing up any pesky draughts coming from your windows is a great, low-cost way to stop unwanted airflow into your home. Look for obvious gaps around windows, skirting boards, doors and even skylights – anywhere there are joins. Feel for moving air, check for visible light or moving curtains and listen for rattles or whistling wind.
Our Energy Insights service provides an estimated breakdown of your electricity use by appliance category, with tips to help you take control.
