If you’re thinking of buying or renovating a home in the Melbourne area, you’ve probably considered the type of windows you should install at some point. The weather in Melbourne tends to be on the colder side, making natural sunlight and heat retention two important factors to consider when choosing a window. In this blog, we take a look at the how double glazed windows can benefit your home in the cold Melbourne weather.
U-Values
When choosing a window, one thing you should consider is the window’s U Value. A window’s U-Value refers to how well it conducts heat. The higher the U value of a window, the more conductive it is to heat. Thus, if you live in a colder area such as Melbourne, it may be more ideal to select a window with a lower U-Value. This can increase the energy efficiency of your home and help you save on heating costs.
What are Double Glazed Windows?
If you are looking for energy efficient windows to cater to the cool Melbourne weather, one of the best options to consider are double glazed windows. Double glazed windows, also known as double paned windows, are essentially windows with two layers of glass.
Unlike traditional windows that comprise just one layer, double glazed windows have two layers of glass that are stuck together and separated by an air pocket. This air pocket is usually filled with an insulating gas and hermetically sealed, ensuring that the gas does not leak. Some of the most common gases that window manufacturers use to fill double glazed windows include argon, krypton and xenon, which are highly insulating.
Double Glazed Windows for Maximum Energy Efficiency
One of the best reasons to use double glazed windows is their relatively low U value. Double glazed windows usually have U values of between 1.5 to 3.5, translating to a significantly higher energy efficiency compared to single paned options. The gas layer in between the two panes in a double glazed window help to reduce heat loss to the outside of your home. This can help you reduce the cost of heating your home.
Other Tips for Improve Energy Efficiency
Apart from installing double glazed windows, here are some other tips that can help you maximize the energy efficiency of your home:
- Add an insulating area in the walls of your home. Most construction companies will add a layer of foam or insulating material in your walls to reduce heat loss.
- Add insulating film to your windows. Insulating film can help to increase the energy efficiency of your windows.
- Use curtains in your home. Curtains, especially thermal ones, can also help to reduce the heat loss from your home.
Valley Windows – Custom Windows in Melbourne
If you’re looking for double glazed windows or custom windows in the Melbourne area, get in touch with Valley Windows today. Our team here at Valley Windows has decades of experience in designing and installing custom windows for clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!
