Are Energy Efficient Windows Worth it?

The windows in your home are one of the largest contributors of thermal transference with a significant amount of heat lost in winter and gained in the summer. If you are looking for a more comfortable living environment and lower energy use, upgrading to energy efficient windows is worth considering. These windows enhance comfort, boost property value, reduce noise and cut heating and cooling costs by about 30%.

While the upfront cost may be higher, the long term benefits often outweigh the financial investment. When deciding if energy efficient windows are worth it, it is important to analyse if the long term gains will outweigh the initial purchase and installation price. In the majority of cases the answer is yes.

What are Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy efficient windows are windows that are designed to specifically minimise unwanted heat transfer and keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In order to do this, they use specific glazing and framing materials to reduce energy transfer from outside to inside and vice versa. Typically, energy efficient windows use advanced technology like double glazing where two panes of glass are separated by a vacuum sealed layer filled with argon gas. The most energy efficient windows combine double glazing with thermally efficient frames made from uPVC. Double glazing and uPVC frames work together to create a superior thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer and optimises energy efficiency.

How to tell if a Window is Energy Efficient

Energy efficient windows have certain features that are absent in non-efficient, single glazed windows. While energy efficient windows might look similar to their single glazed counterparts, there is significant difference in technology, materials and performance rating. A window is energy efficient if it has these features:

• Double glazing: Double glazing is the presence of two panes of glass and a gas filled centre. If a window is double glazed, it will appear significantly thicker than a standard window and often needs heavy duty frames such as aluminium or uPVC. A double glazed window is also significantly heavier due to the two panes of glass and gas filled layer.
• uPVC frames: The frame material of an energy efficient window plays a big role in energy efficiency. If the frame is made of unplasticised polyvinyl carbonate (uPVC), it is an energy efficient window. This material is particularly energy efficient due to its excellent insulation properties.
• Low-E glass: The type of glass called Low-E glass is a standard clear glass that has a special coating on one of its surfaces. This Low-E coating reduces the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light, while still allowing natural light to pass through. When these two types of light cannot pass through the window, it enhances energy efficiency.
• Performance ratings: Window performance ratings include U-value, solar heat gain coefficient (SHCG) and WERS to determine a window’s energy efficiency, comfort and insulation. U-value measures insulation, SHCG measures solar heat gain, and WERS which is the rated, comparative star system to ensure compliance and energy performance.

Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficient windows featuring double glazing, uPVC frames, or Low-E coating significantly reduce heat transference. Key benefits from energy efficient windows include:

• Energy cost savings: Improved insulation reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling which significantly reduces electricity bills.
• Improved comfort: Energy efficient windows minimise heat transfer which keeps home warmer in winter and cooler in summer and reduces cold drafts.
• Noise reduction: Glazing layers from double glazed windows and sealed frames reduce outside noise from entering the home.
• Environmental sustainability: Energy efficient windows lower energy consumption which reduces carbon footprint.
• Reduced condensation: As energy efficient windows have superior insulation, there is less temperature difference between the window and the room, which reduces condensation.
• Enhance home value: High performance, energy efficient windows increase property value as they are seen as a desired feature.
• Decrease drafts and improved air quality: By reducing drafts and eliminating cold spots, energy efficient windows contribute to a more stable and healthy indoor environment.

How Much do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?

When calculating how much energy efficient windows cost, consider the price of double glazed windows and their frames. Energy efficient windows typically cost between $300 and $1,500 plus per window installed, depending on the size, style and quality. A breakdown of the typical costs associated with energy efficient windows includes frame costs and glazing costs.

Frame Costs

Glazing costs

*Please note the final costs will be dependent on window size, type and width, and Aus standard requirements.

Why are Energy Efficient Windows Worth it?

While energy efficient windows have a higher upfront cost, they are worth investing in because of the benefits including financial return. Energy-efficient windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 13-20%. These savings will eventually pay for the initial investment and provide long term financial benefits. Additionally, energy efficient homes often have higher resale values, making window upgrades a smart investment in the future. The benefits that make energy efficient windows worth it include:

• Significant financial savings: One of the main reasons energy efficient windows are worth it is because of the savings on energy bills. Replacing standard single glazed windows with energy efficient double glazed windows reduces energy bills by 13 to 20% annually. An example of how this works is a four-bedroom home in Melbourne replaces its single glazed windows at a cost of about $15,000. On average the energy bills will be reduced by between $900 and $1,100 with many homeowners recouping the cost in less than 15 years. These calculations vary widely depending on the type of window being replaced and the energy efficiency of the new window. Replacing old, drafty, single glass windows with modern double glazed windows with uPVC frames will significantly increase the return on investment.
• Potential government rebates or incentives: Victoria offers double glazing discounts to eligible customers. Discounts for households or businesses for window upgrades are:

• Enhanced indoor comfort and health: Energy efficient windows significantly improve indoor comfort and health by providing superior insulation, enhancing air quality and controlling humidity. Double glazed windows minimise heat transfer and eliminate hot patches in the summer and cold drafts in winter, keeping room temperature steady and comfortable all year round. They reduce condensation which minimises the likelihood of mould and mildew growth which can cause health problems. Improved sealing from energy efficient windows blocks pollen, dust and other pollutants from entering the home.
• Noise reduction: Energy efficient windows with double glazing result in significant noise reduction. The multiple layers of glass, insulated gas layer and high quality seals reduce the transfer of noise from outside to inside and vice versa. As these features create a barrier that absorbs and weakens sound vibrations, noise is reduced by about 30–40 dB which is up to 65%.
• Raised property prices: Energy efficient windows boost property value by lowering energy bills, reducing noise and enhancing indoor comfort. Many buyers are willing to pay more for homes with lower long-term operating costs and better environmental ratings. Simply by installing energy efficient windows, property value increases by an average 5%, this often allows homeowners to recoup 60 to 80% of the cost of the window installation at resale.

Energy efficient windows are worth installing for those wanting significant financial savings and increased property value. When standard windows are replaced by energy efficient windows with double glazing and uPVC frames, energy usage is reduced by 13 to 20%. They not only save money, but improve indoor comfort and health, and significantly reduce noise pollution from outside. While energy efficient windows are more costly than their single glazed counterparts, they provide long term savings with the average payback period of about seven to 10 years. For information on how to install energy efficient windows, contact the experts at Windows for Life.