With rising electricity prices and increased activity in the real estate market, more and more homeowners are exploring the option of double-glazed windows. It is not surprising that double glazing is gaining popularity in the Australian market, given the numerous benefits that these windows offer.
Let’s explore double-glazed windows and whether you should consider installing them in your home.
What Are Double Glazed Windows?
A double-glazed window uses two pieces of glass that are separated by an air gap. The air gap is filled with gas and hermetically sealed to provide added insulation. Glass is an excellent conductor of heat, which means with single glazed windows, the heat transfers directly through to your home. However, the air is a poor conductor of heat, so the gas between double-glazed glass windows provides insulation and protection from heat transfer and loss.
Why Are Double Glazed Windows Better Than Single Glazed?
Single-glazed windows provide very little insulation. This means that in our scorching hot summers, the heat is transferred directly into the home, requiring increased use of air conditioning. Likewise, on our winter nights, the heaters work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. In addition, single-glazed windows provide minimal noise reduction and lack the strength of double-glazed windows resulting in a security risk for your family.
Is Double Glazed Stronger Than Single Glazed?
Double-glazing glass provides superior strength and durability. In addition, a double-glazed window is extremely hard to break, providing extra security from intruders and peace of mind for families with young children.
What Are The Benefits Of Double Glass Windows?
The benefits of double glazing are numerous, but here is our pick of the top reasons you should consider installing double glass windows in your home.
Better Insulation
Double-glazed windows provide superior insulation creating a barrier between your home and the outside temperature. This means you will enjoy cooler summers and warmer winters.
Increased Security
Double-glazed windows are almost impossible to break, allowing you to sleep easier at night, knowing you have an extra layer of protection from intruders. This increased strength is also a valuable safety factor for families with young children
Noise Reduction
A double-glazed window dramatically cuts out noise from the world outside. As a result, you can achieve up to an 80% reduction in noise which means a more peaceful life for you and your family.
Reduced Energy Bills
In our summer months, 87% of the heat gained by a building comes through the windows, and 40% of the home’s warmth is lost in winter. The insulation provided by double-glazed windows delivers thermal control and dramatically reduces your reliance on air conditioning and heating. Double glazing your windows can result in up to a 60% reduction in your energy bill.
Environmentally Friendly
As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of preserving and protecting our environment. Double glazing significantly reduces energy consumption and the carbon footprint of your home.
Reduced Interior Damage
We all know the Australian sun is powerful and can damage furniture and carpets that are exposed to regular light through the windows. Double glazing reduces the amount of UV radiation that travels through the window, reducing interior damage to your home.
Minimal Condensation
When the warm air inside your house contacts a cold glass window, it condenses and causes fogging and dripping moisture. The gas insulation inside double-glazed windows keeps the interior glass at room temperature, which virtually eliminates condensation resulting in less mould and mildew forming. Mould and mildew build-up can damage our health, making this an important benefit of double glazing.
Increased Property Value
Window glazing is increasingly on the radar of potential buyers. With increased comfort, lower power bills, reduced noise, and increased security, double glazing amplifies the desirability and value of your home.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Double Glazed Windows?
We have explored the many benefits of double-glazed windows, but are there any cons?
The main disadvantage of double-glazed windows is the cost. There is no doubt double glazed windows cost more than single glazed. However, comparing the two options, you should consider the cost of climate control and electricity prices incurred with single glazed windows.
According to the Australian Government’s guide to environmentally sustainable houses, the cost of cooling and heating your home and the cost of installing double-glazed windows are actually very similar. So, if you have been under the assumption that double glazing is out of your price range, take a closer look and run the figures. You may be surprised to find that investing in double-glazed windows now offers the best financial return in the long run.
Can Double Glazed Windows Be Retrofitted?
Double glazing can definitely be retrofitted to an older home and is an excellent way to increase the property’s value and street appeal. Retrofitting double glazing generally takes only one day to complete and can be done with minimal disruption. You can even stage the installation to meet your schedule and budget.
Should You Choose Double Glazing For Your Home Windows?
Choosing to double-glaze your home windows is a big decision, with many factors to consider. For many families, the cost of installing double-glazed windows is a wise investment. The benefits of reduced noise, increased security, and significantly lower power bills are hard to ignore.
If you would like to explore installing double-glazed windows, contact the team at Eco Smart Designs to discuss the best choice for you. We are a family-owned and operated business specialising in Thermally Broken Aluminium double-glazed windows. We take great pride in serving the Perth community with exceptional workmanship and superior customer service. Whether you are looking at retrofitting an existing property or planning a new build, we are the leaders in this field and will work with you and your builders to deliver a quality product.
