While this advice is all well and good to hear, we know some of you might not be convinced that investing in insulation or replacing your windows is a money well spent. When you begin to investigate all different types of window insulation, and weigh up the cost and benefits, you may easily find the reason for not investing adds up quickly.
It’s been estimated that up to 40% of heat is lost through household windows, prompting many Australians to make the switch towards double-glazed windows. For those without proper insulation, energy bills have become a real issue particularly residents of Canberra, who pay the highest power bills of any state in the country.
To help you make the switch to retrofit double-glazed windows, we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you get more acquainted with them.
How much do you pay for power?
According to recent estimates from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), the average power bills paid quarterly across each state are:
State | Cost |
Victoria | $1,132 |
NSW | $1,292 |
South-East QLD | $1,334 |
SA | $1,884 |
ACT | $1,967 |
With ACT residents paying so much on their power bills, ensuring your home is energy efficient is an important part of reducing costs.
What are double-glazed windows and how do they work?
Double-glazed windows are an insulated glass unit that combines two panes of glass into a single-window system. The panes of glass in double-glazed windows are separated by a sealed air gap or sometimes filled with argon gas. This sealed air gap acts as a thermal barrier that keeps the heat in as opposed to standard single glazed windows that don’t have this barrier and leak heat out. Retrofit double-glazing is the addition of a second glazing layer to the inside of the existing single glazed window effectively turning your window into a double glazed window.
What benefits do retrofit double glazed windows provide?
Double-glazed windows are a great insulator, meaning that they keep the cold air out in the winter and keep the scorching heat away from your home in the summer. Estimates suggest that the insulation and ability to hold the desired temperature of a room can be increased by up to 70% following the installation of retrofit double-glazed windows, meaning you will spend less money on heating or cooling appliances.
Installing retrofit double glazing also reduces noise, which helps you get a good night's sleep during the howling winds of winter or the chirp of cicadas during the summer.
How much do you save with retrofit double-glazed windows?
While it varies from how much you spend on your power bill at the moment, double-glazed windows are projected to save the average Australian between $200 to $300 per year on their electricity costs. When you account for energy prices in Canberra, that number starts to look a lot larger, meaning the windows quickly pay themselves off. By retrofitting existing windows with double glazing, you take these savings even further because the process doesn’t require any structural changes and requires less time to install. It fits into your existing windows or doors. Retrofit double glazing allows you to enjoy all the benefits of double glazing without the hassle or cost of replacement windows.
Apart from saving money, the most important thing double-glazed windows provide is insulation and comfort for your family and protecting your home year-round.
Improve the thermal comfort and insulation of your home today, get in contact with our team at Magnetite Canberra and discover our range of double glazing solutions for your existing windows or door.
