A recently completed online survey of 676 homeowners, between 18 and 64 reveals that most of us are making efforts to be more environmentally friendly. In fact 97%, according to the survey. Even though many people are trying to cut their electricity use, the electricity price hikes are really hard to match. 94% of the people surveyed were concerned about energy bills rising and electricity becoming more expensive. If you feel that all your efforts are in vain and your bill just keeps rising, it may be your home to blame.
Energy efficient appliances are all great, but even greater improvements can be had with insulating your home well in order to imporve comfort without the need to use the said energy efficient appliances. Poorly insulated windows, for example can leak upto 40% of the cold air generated by the air-conditioner. If you have a top of the range air-conditioner and cheaply made, drafty windows - no matter how good your air-conditioner, it can operate at only 60% capacity if your windows leak the rest. What a waste of energy!
A well made and installed window should not have any crevaces or gaps. It should close tightly and you should feel the difference in imporved comfort and acoustic insulation straightaway. To check if your windows are drafty, wet your hand then place it near the visible or suspected gap and if the window leaks, you will be able to feel air on your wet skin. Upvc double glazed windows in Sydney/ Canberra from windowfactory.com.au of the casement, tilt&turn, awning & bifold variety all have a double weather seal for imporved insulation and energy efficiency. In fact, such windows can even be used in cyclone prone areas! Upvc windows from Double Glazed Windows and Dooors Pty Ltd Sydney & Canberra have been independently tested to be suitable for air-conditioning applications - have your windows been approved?
You can further improve the energy eficiency of your windows and doors by using tinted or low-emissivity glass. An excellent choice for decreasing the glare and relaxing in style - for upvc windows and doors have a designer appearance that improves the street appeal of your home. Upvc is a great building material because of its strength, durability and low maintenance, and it's thermal properties are closer to wood, and outperform aluminium. With an average u-value of 2.2, you can be confident that upvc windows and doors will outperform your Basix requirements and will provide you with years of enjoyment.
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