The one perception of Sydney is its year-round sun. The warm weather draws millions of visitors every year who soak in the sun and the sights. And tourists are surprised by the biting cold that the winters bring. On average, the emerald city usually has single-digit temperature, particularly from June to September. Residents without internal heating systems have to buy mobile electric heaters to survive through winter.
That being said, one of the most overlooked aspects of your home is the insulation. A single-pane window almost has zero insulation capability. It is the reason why window manufacturers in Sydney recommend double-glazed windows to reduce your energy costs during the intense heat of summer and the cold of winter.
The Australian Window Association claimed that about 40% of the room’s heat leaks through the window.
A news report stated that Sydneysiders are struggling to keep down the costs during winter as they stayed inside their homes due to the pandemic. The report said that seniors braved the cold and adopted cost-cutting measures to counter their skyrocketing energy bills. Australians know that the country has one of the highest energy costs in the world.
Do You Have Thermal Windows?
You probably may not be aware of it, but you could already have installed thermal windows. Here is a quick trick to know:
Light a match then hold it against the window to see the reflection. If you can see a single reflection, then it means that you do not have a thermal window. Meanwhile, if you can see two reflections, window manufacturers in Sydney call it a double-pane glass. In some homes, you may see three reflections, which mean that it has triple panes.
A thermal window is always double-pane or triple-pane, while a traditional window is always single-paned.
How Much Will You Save on Energy Costs?
As already mentioned, about 40% of your home’s heating will dissipate and leak through the windows. Thermal windows, by design, are twice or even four times more efficient compared to traditional windows. Although you need to compare your monthly bills to determine the exact figure, a rule of thumb is to assume that your energy costs during the winter season will reduce to about 20-30%.
Many homes in Australia are old, and technology back then was not as sophisticated as today. Contractors nowadays are more aware of the importance of air pressure in building a house. For example, positive air pressure will keep the cold air inside and the warm air outdoors. As a result, the inhabitants do not need to turn on their heaters or air-conditioning systems, the entire day.
Remember that your monthly bills are perpetual unless you decide to live on candlelight from now on. The savings that you earn from buying double-pane or triple-pane windows will pay for the cost of installation. Do not think of it as an additional cost but rather a long-term investment.
If you are going to have your home built from scratch, it is crucial to know where to place your windows, doors, and vents to allow your house to breathe and keep in warm or cold air. However, if you did not consider air permeability during the construction phase, the next best thing is to install thermal windows to keep your monthly electric bills low.
