Did you know that your windows can have a huge impact on the overall energy efficiency of your home? When they are ill-fitting, the glass is low quality or the panes or fixings are damaged, they can allow heat to transfer through them easily. Here are some ways that you can drastically boost the energy efficiency of your home and save yourself some serious money come bill time.
Here are 5 ways to boost your homes energy efficiency:
One. Install heavy or block out curtains throughout
There are many benefits to installing heavy or block out curtains throughout your home and one of them is they can reduce the amount of energy your home consumes. They are beneficial in a few ways and include preventing cold air from getting inside the home and out. They minimise the amount of heat that passes from outside to in and vice versa. They keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter by limiting the amount of heat that can pass in and out.
The great thing about these types of curtains is that you can customise the look to suit your style and preferences to add comfort and a touch of luxury to a room. You can choose the colour, fabric, length, pleating option and so much more. When you pair blockout or heavy curtains with sheer curtains or regular curtains, you can create a high-end look and boost the energy efficiency of the room further.
Two. Install window awnings
Window awnings are a specialised cover that is attached above a window outside with the main objective being to provide shade and protection. They can be made from various materials and come in varying degrees of technicality. At the more basic end, you have fixed fixtures and at the more expensive end, you have fully retractable versions that come with remotes and smart technology capabilities.
Window awnings that can adjust are better in the sense that can block out unwanted heat from the sun in summer and in the winter, they can be retracted to let in the sun to warm up the room naturally.
Three. Add blinds or shutters
Having no coverings over your traditional windows enables heat and UV rays to transfer directly through the panes. Adding some blinds or shutters can better the thermal efficiency of your home. Shutters can be added to either the inside of the home or the outside. For optimal thermal efficiency, we recommend installing them on the outside. This is typically because it blocks more of the sun and heat from hitting the pane, and therefore passing through the glass and into the house. Choosing shutters that allow you to control them remotely is better as you don’t have to open or close the window to move them. While they may be more expensive, the benefits and ease of moving them make them a worthwhile investment.
Four. Add Low emissivity (Low-E) films to your windows
Low-E films are one of the best ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption without breaking the bank. If entire glass replacements are unattainable at the moment financially, ensuring that your existing windows are secure and have no gaps between the framing and panes plus adding films is an easy way to improve the overall efficiency at your place. They can help to keep in the warmth during winter while allowing natural light to filter through the pane. These innovative films reject heat in the midst of summer, keeping your home cooler when the weather is warm. They are easy enough to apply, and you can get clear or frosted depending on the finish you’d like the window to have. However, if you are investing in quality films, it pays to hire a professional to install them for you. This will ensure you get a flawless finish. If your in Brisbane and need glass replacement, get in contact with your local Brisbane Glass Replacement specialist!
Five. Upgrade your existing glass
One of the most effective ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption is by updating your traditional glass with energy-efficient panes. Energy-efficient glass is more superior to regular glass as it significantly reduces the rate that heat transfers through the glass. Regular glass allows heat to transfer through the pane quite easily, and in turn, this means you’ll have to heat or cool your home for longer to achieve a comfortable temperature. Running your heating or cooling for more time than needed costs more money. While updating your glass is an expense up front, it can save you huge amounts of money in the long run. If doing the entire house is out of budget, consider doing one room at a time, this way you can boost the efficiency of your home without having to blow out your finances. Some fantastic high-quality glass types include double glazed, Low-E glass or triple glazing.
Will doing any of these things really make much of a difference to my electricity bill?
Yes! By installing quality glass or implementing some of the things we have mentioned above, you can reduce your home’s energy consumption by more than 40%.
Looking to increase the energy efficiency of your home?
If you are looking to update the efficiency of your windows either with films or new panes, contact the glass pros here at True Blue Glass. We have many options to choose from, enabling you to combat the ever-increasing cost of living.
