Historically, windows were designed to let in natural light, but over time our expectations have evolved. Today, we rely on windows not just to illuminate our spaces but to frame views, provide privacy, and connect us with the outdoors. In recent years, they’ve also become a focal point in addressing heat loss in homes, as they have been recognised as one of the building's weakest points in terms of energy efficiency.
To understand the key benefits of high-performance windows in homes, we spoke to E13 Performance Windows’ Jamie Waller who explains the top benefits of Low E glass and triple glazing.
1. Noise reduction
It may not seem like the most obvious benefit of high-performance windows, but noise reduction is an important by-product of their design. For those living in high-density areas where traffic or people can cause distress or disruption, they can mitigate the discomfort of street noise.
High-performance windows are well insulated and incorporate thermal breaks, typically bringing all insulating elements into alignment in the wall, says Waller.
“They do this with a non-heat conducting material to separate the inside and outside sections of aluminium, featuring Low E glass types to control heat movement and the use of triple glazing to increase performance, as well as pushing the glass placement closer towards the insulation line in a ‘recessed’ profile.”
“We’ve heard from people who are genuinely surprised by how much sound is reduced through the windows,” shares Waller.
Incorporating triple glazing also offers custom options for reducing noise without compromising on thermal efficiency.
“With triple-glazing we can incorporate two panes of high-performance Low E glass, as well as a sound control glass to enable the best possible outcome,” shares Waller.
2. Increased home comfort through reduction in heat loss
A hidden threat to home comfort is draughts, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of heat loss can occur due to uncontrolled air movement within a home. While modern homes are more efficient, draughts can still persist, allowing cold air to enter and forcing you to reheat your space.
“Using ‘air-tight’ concepts, we look to improve on already improved materials by introducing in-house air-sealing techniques, allowing us to achieve results seen in Passive House projects,” shares Waller. “We still want homes to be able to ventilate, but we don’t want uncontrolled air stealing all that hard-earned energy.”
The clever selection of glass types combined with triple-glazing offers the ability to completely remove draughts so that the homeowner is in control of airflow, which in turn increases comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs.
“Our air-tight production techniques have set us apart from many others. For too long windows and doors have been a weak point in the building envelope; with our techniques we have managed to contribute to market-leading results.”
Waller says homeowners experience dramatically improved comfort in their homes with high-performance windows.
“We have had customers say they’re able to wear t-shirts and shorts all day long inside, while snow lands, which is a great indication that people can happily live in their sanctuary from the elements!”
3. Increased energy efficiency & reduced costs
With high-performance windows you lose less radiant heat during winter, which is the heat we create using heat pumps, fires and other heat sources.
“To generate this heat, we often spend money, either on fuel or on the electric bill; by retaining as much of this energy as you can means you don’t have to use further energy to warm up more cold air.”
The other area where we can reduce energy costs is less obvious: the air-conditioning cost of the heat coming into a home through solar heat gain in the summer.
“Think of how often people use air conditioners during the summer months to keep cool; by selecting the right combination of glass we can reduce the amount of heat coming in through the windows, thereby reducing the power bill used on cooling.”
By gaining control over how much energy is required to make the indoors more comfortable, it allows options to better manage heating and cooling sources.
“We’ve been involved in projects where the window selection has allowed for the downgrade of the heating solutions, ensuring less on-going costs for the lifetime of the home,” shares Waller
4. Letting light in
Like regular windows, high-performance windows still need to let in as much natural light as possible, frame views and connect the interior visually with the outdoors.
“To do this, they still need to be highly designed to have the strength needed to allow the maximum possible spans, giving us those large expansive views and the chance to open an entire room up to the outdoors with sliding door configurations.”
Working with an expert like E13 Performance Windows is the best way to maximise light in the home, as they have the knowledge and technical expertise to know the best possible design outcomes for your home.
5. Environmental benefits
There are many environmental benefits to using high-performance windows in a home, including reducing energy usage and its impact on the national grid.
“Also, using locally sourced materials over importing everything reduces the carbon footprint of the build (as well as making sure profits go back into local communities,too).”
Another advantage is futureproofing the home to exceed current minimum standards, meaning less chance of needing to upgrade years down the track, which in turn reduces potential future demolition waste and refurbishment costs.
“By featuring high-performance windows in a home, we start leaving the mindset of ‘minimum compliance’ behind, which futureproofs a home from needing upgrades in the years ahead.”
