Conversations with Andrew

Andrew Johnson

Glazing for Efficiency

The windows are the eyes of a home but we rarely consider the efficiency of glazing in a home unless we have experienced the benefits or are aware of the information.

We all want a comfortable home and windows are an essential part to consider in achieving this when looking at buying, renovating or building a home. Windows are great conductors and transfer energy easily into and out of the home, and this costs us money and comfort.

“Up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost and up to 87% of its heat gained through windows. Improving windows’ thermal performance reduces energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”

When looking at buying, renovating or building consider the impact of your windows, check out: • the buildings design (i.e. how does its orientation, design & layout affect the windows performance) • locations climate (i.e. humidity, sunshine, wind & temperature), • research thermal properties of glazing systems (i.e. single & double etc), • building materials (i.e. thermal mass & insulation used)

There are many factors that make up the energy efficiency of a home, and windows are important to consider as you enjoy the view to the outside. Windows also provide heat gain in Summer & in Winter heat loss, so anything you can do to maximise their efficiency is worthwhile, to improve your comfort and can save you money. Growing up in Mount Beauty and skiing at Falls Creek, and working at the State Electricity Commission of Victoria for 13 years together with some work with CertainTeed Double Glazed Windows in Melbourne made me really appreciate the benefits of solar passive design and energy efficiency.

“Some of the simplest things I notice in a home with double glazing for instance is that I can sit close to the window without feeling discomfort and enjoy the view outside without the heating system working overtime.”

Have a good look at the windows in the home you’re considering as they have a significant impact on the future comfort and enjoyment you will experience during your ownership. Its great if an existing home already had double glazing, but if it does not consider the ways in which you could improve their efficiency and your comfort (i.e., pelmets, curtains, outside shading, any draughts around the window frames). When building or renovating, the added investment of installing double glazing, should save you on such areas as sizing of the heating or cooling systems, window coverings not to mention your ongoing heating and cooling bills. “Passive design reduces or eliminates the need for auxiliary heating or cooling, which accounts for about 40% (or much more in some climates) of energy use in the average Australian home.”

I love looking out the windows in a home, letting in light and feeling connected to the outside environment, and if I can choose a home or investment with double glazing, I will do so to enjoy the energy savings, cost savings, benefit to the environment and increased comfort.

We are privileged to have so much information at our fingertips, we just need to take the time to research the information and if your find this brief article of interest please explore the available information as your choices have far reaching consequences.

Andrew is a licensed estate agent based in Victoria who has enjoyed a long business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a referral business.

www.maxjre.com

Andrew Johnson is a licensed estate agent, businessman & entrepreneur based in Brown Hill who has enjoyed a long and varied business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a strong referral business.

Mobile 0473 207 988 Email andrew@maxjre.com LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/andrew-johnson-8435092 Company Maxwell Johnson Real Estate Pty Ltd Address 9 Gracefield Road, Brown Hill, VIC 3350