Did you know …
- Up to 40 per cent of heat inside a home can leak out through windows.
- Heat gained through windows can be up to 100 times greater than through an insulated wall
- Draughts caused by gaps around windows can add 25 per cent to a household’s heating and cooling bills
It’s no surprise then that window performance has become one of the most hotly discussed topics in virtually every residential and commercial project across Australia. The specification of energy-efficient windows has become a key element of sustainable design, with Tony Isaacs, the Principal Project Leader for Sustainable Energy Authority Australia singling out windows as “the make-or-break issue in achieving a good whole-house energy rating.”
Energy efficient windows assist in achieving:
- Reduced energy costs
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased comfort and liveability
The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), managed by the Australian Window Association (AWA) has simplified the process of energy efficient window specification, with an accreditation system that helps to ensure the product is designed to conform to Australian Standards AS2047-1999. This includes structural performance and water resistance, and a star rating system representing a window’s cooling and heating performance.
WERS rated glazed windows are one of the 17 liveability features identified by real estate, sustainable design, construction and assessment industries that will reduce running costs and increase comfort in the home as well as adding value to the home itself.
Wintec Systems has developed a wide range of functional and stylish WERS rated windows designed to meet the high demands for energy efficiency and weather performance.
Utilising modern design, quality seals and hardware componentry, Wintec window and door products meet the high demands for energy efficiency and weather performance in today’s market.
Windows must meet mandatory minimum specifications for air infiltration, water penetration and wind loading, which will vary depending on the construction type and site location. Wintec offers windows and aluminium frame systems to suit any location and climate.
The Wintec range includes single glazed sliding windows up to 12.7mm, double glazed windows up to 24mm, as well as awning, double hung, casing and louvre windows, with double glazed options achieving up to 9.5 star WERS rating.
All Wintec designed products are tested to Australian Standards AS2047-1999 to ensure compliance to BCA requirements, and Wintec’s “Specify Wintec” online calculator tool provides easy specification of products for all projects, all regions and all climates.
For information on energy efficiency, download this free whitepaper.