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!
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