For many years, the effect of glazing on energy performance and home comfort has been greatly underutilised in Australia. Poorly designed windows and inefficient glass can make your home too hot or too cold and increase demand on artificial heating and air conditioning. Many Australian home owners are unaware of the high performance options available.
Well chosen window glass will help you maintain year round comfort and even reduce your power bills. Double glazing, low-e and toned glass are just some of the many options available to improve the energy efficiency of your entire home.
There are literally thousands of glass types available to use in your home windows and a myriad of treatments such as window film that offer not just improved thermal performance but also noise, glare and safety benefits.
The choice in glazing options has grown dramatically in recent years. We have provided useful information on a number of the most common options available.
Snapshot of common glazing option benefits
| Energy efficiency | Noise reduction | Glare reduction | Safety | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulated glass unit
(e.g. Double glazing) |
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| Low-e glass | |
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| Laminated glass | |
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| Toned glass | |
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| Window film | |
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What are double glazed windows?
- Reduces heat transfer very effectively
- Excellent acoustic insulation
- Costs much more than single glazing
Low-e glass
- Improves solar and thermal control
- Reduces UV transmission
- Relatively expensive
- Can reduce solar heat gain in winter
Laminated glass
- Harder to break
- Reduces noise
- Cuts down UV transmission
- Exposure to water can cause deterioration
Toned glass
- Reduces heat and glare
- Reduces cooling costs
- Improves privacy
- Decreases visibility and light
Window film
Film (also commonly known as tinting) is an effective and affordable way to keep heat out and also helps to reinforce your windows for safety.
