How double glazed windows can help your home

A Comprehensive Guide to Double Glazed Windows

Energy efficiency and energy costs effect everyone. If you are asking "what energy plan is right for me?", then it makes sense that you might also be considering double glazed windows. This is an energy efficient upgrade that offers a range of benefits, from energy savings to noise reduction, double glazing is a popular choice for people looking to improve the comfort and efficiency of their living space.

If you are planning a renovation or constructing a new home, understanding how double glazed windows work, their benefits, and the potential return on investment is crucial. You can pair your energy plan with your perfect window solution. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about double glazing, helping you make an informed decision about this energy-efficient solution.

Glazed and Confused? What Are Double Glazed Windows?

Double glazed windows (sometimes called double pane windows) consist of two panes of glass separated by a layer of gas, typically argon. This layer acts as an insulating barrier, reducing the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the home. Unlike single-pane windows, which allow heat to pass through pretty easily, the gas in double glazing slows this process, improving the energy efficiency of your home, helping maintain a comfortable temperature.

How Double Glazing Works

With a typical single-pane window, heat can easily escape or enter through the glass, leading to fluctuating indoor temperatures and higher energy consumption. Double glazing uses two glass panes with a gas-filled gap in between. This gap acts as a barrier, significantly slowing down the movement of heat.

The type of gas between the panes plays a key role in this process. Argon is the most commonly used gas because it is denser than air, offering better insulation. Argon is different to the kind of gas you use to power your home. Also, the glass used in double glazing can vary--options like toughened glass, tinted glass, or acoustic glass provide added benefits, such as increased durability, reduced glare, and better noise reduction.

Energy Efficiency Benefits - Australian Climate

One of the primary reasons people invest in double glazing is the energy efficiency it offers. These windows are particularly effective in reducing heat loss during colder months and preventing heat gain during warmer months, making your home more comfortable year-round.

For homes in colder climates, double glazed windows help retain heat, meaning less reliance on heaters and lower energy bills. In warmer climates, they prevent excessive heat from entering your home, reducing the need for air conditioning. Compared to single glazing, double glazing can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to long-term cost savings.

Many parts of Australia have to deal with extreme heat in summer. The initial investment for an additional layer of glass will help to manage unwanted heat for years to come.

Enhancing Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort refers to how well buildings maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. Double glazed windows contribute to this by slowing down the transfer of heat in both directions. In winter, they help keep the warmth inside and prevent heat gain in summer.

This results in homes with a more consistent temperature that stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing reliance on heaters, air conditioner and split systems. This not only leads to energy savings but also enhances the overall comfort of your living environment. In hot or cold climates, an extra layer of glass with a Low-E coating can really help minimise temperature fluctuations.

Noise Reduction

Another significant advantage of double glazed windows is their ability to reduce noise pollution. Noise (sound energy) travels through materials just like heat (thermal energy). If you live in a built up area or near a busy road, noise can be a constant issue. The design of double glazing, with two panes of glass and a gas-filled gap, acts as an effective sound barrier.

It isn't an air gap, but rather the argon gap between the panes that disrupts the transmission of sound waves, making it harder for external noise to enter your home. Thicker glass can also help block out low-frequency sounds like traffic, while the combined thickness of the panes and gas buffer is effective at reducing higher-frequency sounds, such as voices. The extra layer of insulation can help manage noise levels inside the home.

Special Coatings and Materials

In addition to the basic structure of double glazed windows, various materials and coatings can further improve their performance. For example, Low-E (low emissivity) coatings can be applied to the glass to reduce heat loss without compromising the amount of natural light entering your home. This type of coating helps reflect heat back into the room, and reduces heat transfer.

Double glazed windows can also be made from various frame materials, including uPVC, aluminium, and timber. Each of these materials has its own benefits in terms of energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics. For example, uPVC is known for its excellent insulation properties, while aluminium is durable and low maintenance.

Condensation and Humidity Control

Condensation can be a common issue with single glazed windows, especially in colder climates. It occurs when warm air inside homes and buildings comes into contact with cold glass, leading to moisture buildup. Double glazing's extra pane of glass can reduce the likelihood of condensation by keeping the inner pane closer to room temperature, which reduces conditions that lead to moisture forming.

The risk of condensation varies with climatic conditions. Depending on the type of window and glass thickness, the temperature gap between the indoor environment and outside can increase the risk of condensation.

Increased Property Value

Beyond energy efficiency and noise reduction, double glazed glass can also increase the overall value of your home. Homebuyers can be willing to pay a premium for features like these, and double glazing is often seen as a desirable upgrade. The long-term savings on energy bills and the improved comfort provided by these energy-efficient windows make them an attractive selling point.

Double Glazing vs. Triple Glazing

When considering double glazing, you might also come across triple glazed windows. While triple glazing, with three layers of glass offers even more insulation, it understandably comes at a higher cost. For most buildings, especially in temperate climates, double glazing provides an excellent balance between cost and performance. However, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to consider the potential benefits of this type of glazing to help make your home a comfortable environment.

Wrap up

Double glazed windows offer a range of benefits that can transform your home into a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and peaceful space. Whether you're looking to reduce your energy usage, enjoy a quieter living environment, or increase the value of your property, double glazing is a worthwhile investment. With various glass types, coatings, and frame materials available, you can customise your windows to suit your needs and preferences.