

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.
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.


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:


Energy efficient windows featuring double glazing, uPVC frames, or Low-E coating significantly reduce heat transference. Key benefits from energy efficient windows include:
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 Material | Approx cost per window | Additional notes |
| uPVC | $500-$900* | Low maintenance, best choice for insulation, widely used |
| Aluminium
Aluminum (thermally broken) |
$400-$700*
$500-$900* |
Strong and durable, less insulating than uPVC |
| Timber | $500-$1,200* | Attractive and natural, requires more maintenance |
| Glass Type | Base Price (approximate per m2 or unit) | Additional notes |
| Standard single glazing | $150-$300* | Low cost initially. High heat transfer |
| Double glazing | $300-$1,500+* | 25 to 40% more than standard. Significantly better thermal performance |
| Low-E glass and single glazing | $200-$450* | Slightly more expensive than standard single glazing. Slightly less heat transfer |
| Low-E glass and double glazing | $400-$1,800+* | Increases costs by about 15 to 20%. Excellent energy efficiency with the combination of Low-E and double glazing |
*Please note the final costs will be dependent on window size, type and width, and Aus standard requirements.
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:
| Existing windows | Replacement or upgrade | Approximate savings |
| 4 large single glazed windows with aluminium frames | 4 large double glazed windows with a WERS rating of 4.2 heating stars | $210 |
| 4 large single glazed windows with aluminium frames | Secondary glazing applied to 4 large single glazed windows | $140 |
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.