Why energy ratings matter when building your new home

If you’re building a new home, you will need to comply with a number of energy efficiency requirements set by The National Construction Code (NCC). If you’re told that it does not matter, this is something that can certainly cost you in the long run. 

Don’t worry – it’s pretty straight forward. To comply with an energy rating, your home will be evaluated to ensure it meets basic thermal performance criteria. It’s a great process, because it will guarantee reduced energy bills and a home that is comfortable to live in. 

One of the easiest ways to improve your energy rating is by taking a look at your windows and doors, which are responsible for up to 40 percent of a home’s energy for cooling or heating being lost. You will need to ensure the materials you use have excellent U-value and Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGC) properties. Unfamiliar with these terms? Let us explain.

 

U-Value

U-Value refers to how much energy is transferred through a window or glass door. Regardless of climate, it’s better to have high-performance windows and doors with low 

U-values, keeping the heat and cold out more effectively. 

A U-Value is obtained from the entire window or door (the glass and frame) - something important to consider when choosing these materials for your home. 

 

Solar Heat Gain Coefficent (SHGC)

SHGC measures how much solar radiation passes through a window. A window with high solar heat gain is preferable in colder climates, as it will help passively heat your home. In warmer climates, you will want the opposite effect to keep your home cool and comfortable. 

Getting the optimal SHGC really comes down to picking the most appropriate type of glass for your climate zone. 

 

Other considerations 

Another way you can reduce the amount of heat loss or gain in your home, aside from the orientation of windows, shading and glazing, is with windows from our ThermalHEART® range.  ThermalHEART® windows and doors are thermally broken, much like double glazing they incorporate an insulation strip in the aluminium frame to minimise heat transfer. ThermalHEART® windows and doors can improve the efficiency of standard double-glazed windows by up to 33 percent and will minimise heat and cold transfer. 

 

Energy efficient window solutions 

If you’re building in the foreseeable future, it’s essential you discuss energy efficient windows with your designer or architect. The difference it can make to the internal temperature of your home and energy usage could be quite significant.  It will also help you easily meet your energy rating compliance.

 

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