GUIDE IN SELECTING WINDOWS FOR YOUR CLIMATE ZONE

 

Here is a simple guide to selecting the windows for your project. Windows can have a large effect on your energy rating, so make sure you contact Sustainability WA to ensure  your windows will work for you.

 

 

Hot Climate Zones (Climate Zones 1, 2 & 3) Areas included in these climate zones are Northern Australia, Brisbane, Darwin

Considerations: Keep solar radiation out of the home;  Retain  Coolness of

air-conditioned air

Preferred U-Value: LOW

Preferred SHGCw: LOW

Other Factors: Wind with high operable areas to maximize  opportunity for air movement for natural cooling

 

 

Mixed Climate Zones (Climate Zones 4 & 5) Areas included in these climate zones are Sydney, Perth and Adelaide

Considerations: Balance the benefits of solar heat gain in winter against keeping cool in summer. Use mid-range solar control.
Reduce heat flowing through windows (in & out) over course of year

Preferred U-Value: LOW

Preferred SHGCw: Mid Range (or ideally tuned by elevation)

Other Factors: “season-specific” physical shading of windows (e.g. eaves over Northern-facing windows). Windows with adequate operable area of ventilation

 

 

Cold Climate Zones (Climate Zones 6, 7 & 8 ) Areas included in these climate zones cover most of Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and some southern parts of New South Wales and Eastern Australia

 

Considerations: Maximise opportunity to exploit desirable solar heat gain for majority of year. Reduce heat flowing through windows (in both directions) over course of year.

Preferred U-Value: LOW

Preferred SHGCw: HIGH (or ideally tuned by elevation)

Other Factors: “Season-specific” physical shading of windows (e.g. over North-facing windows)

 

 

 

 

 

*From the SWA project there have been three Simple Guides to Window Selection Developed. These guides focus on providing the information to allow you to select the best windows your climate. *Information Courtesy of Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS)

For more information on how  SIMPLE GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE WINDOWS will affect the energy efficiency of your house, or you would like to know more about the service Sustainability WA provide including an Energy Rating or Energy Efficiency certification for your project please contact us here or phone 08 9537 2000

Other terms sometimes used to describe an energy rating includes:  Energy Star, Energy Audit, Energy Ratings, Energy Efficiency Certificate, Energy Assessment, HERS, BER or EPC.

Sustainability WA can help you with them all!