The Australian Window Association (AWA) estimates that up to 87% of a home’s heat is gained through its windows!
Besides having the air-conditioning constantly running during hot weather (which can get expensive and is not a good use of electricity), there’s other very effective ways to help cool down your home.
Good window and door design
Choosing the right window and door design and size for your home is essential to direct the airflow to where it is needed. Some options are listed below – sliding, double hung, louvre, awning and casement windows, hinged, sliding and bifold doors.
- Sliding windows/doors are the most functional system used to allow airflow
- Double hung are vertical sliding windows which allow the hot air to escape through the upper and/or lower opening.
- Louvre windows are small panels of glass, timber and aluminium that tilt to open for air flow.
- Awning/Casement windows have great appeal ensuring a constant airflow
Some suppliers we recommend are listed below
- Lifestyle Window: lifestylewindows.com.au
- Headland Glass:headlandglass.com.au
- G James Glass & Aluminium:gjames.com
Screening your windows and doors
There are several forms of screens available to maximise airflow:
- Crimsafe is the ultimate screen, allowing maximum airflow and safety for you and your family while maintaining your views. Crimsafe screens have undergone a range of energy efficiency testing and have been shown to improve the energy efficiency of a window by up to 53%.
- 7mm Grille screens offer a visual deterrent to intruders while allowing for ventilation in your home at the same time.
- Insect screens and doors are designed to keep out the insects and allow for airflow through the house.
Blinds, Shutters and Awnings
The correct use of blinds and awnings will help reduce the heat in the hotter months and maintain the warmth in the cooler months. We have a huge range of products to help make your home more energy efficient. Blinds can be used to reflect, blockout or divert sunlight depending on your needs. Different blind types include:
- Roller Blinds
- Panel Blinds
- Venetian Blinds
- Shutters
- Vertical Blinds
- Awnings
Shutters are designed to provide varying control of light and ventilation and are often teamed up with insect screens. When open they allow light and a nice breeze to flow in and when closed they offer retention of cool air in the Summer.
Awnings provide an excellent alternative to protecting your house from the impacts of the Summer sun as they provide shade and help cut down on cooling expenses.
For more information on any of these products or to book a free measure and quote in your home, please contact us on (07) 5456 2199.