SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Energy Efficient, Sustainable Windows and Doors
Every journey to a sustainable home is unique.
Why pay attention to the principles of good, passive design suitable for your climate? Because it is an effective way to:
- ‘lock in’ thermal comfort
- lower heating and cooling bills, and
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the life span of your home.
Since 2012, Thermotek’s solutions have focused on Australia’s diverse landscape and climate.
Designing for the climate
Energy efficiency
Energy Efficient building design considers the specific climatic conditions of a given site. Energy efficiency involves achieving something with the least amount of energy usage possible.
Windows
Energy-efficient windows should maximise the heating and cooling conditions in your home. This also includes minimising energy expenditure.
Passive Design
Good passive design ensures everyone remains thermal and comfortable. This includes minimal auxiliary heating or cooling.
Australian buildings amount to almost a quarter of our greenhouse gas emissions.
Insulation
- Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is essential for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Double glazing is the most cost-effective way to minimise heat transfer. You can achieve this through double glazed windows and doors. Glazing can be more effective with high performing glass in the insulated glass unit (IGU).
- Double Glazed Units (or DGUs) are window units made of many glass panels. Sealed with a spacer and gas between them, Thermotek uses an inert gas, argon. This is for greater thermal performance.
- Climatic conditions influence the appropriate level and type of insulation. There are over eight climate zones defined by the National Construction Code (NCC). Establish whether the insulation is more about keeping heat out or in (or both).
- Thermotek glues the window sashes to the pane. This increases the window’s impermeability, thermal insulation, and enhancing their stability. Bonding inside, windows no longer need to reinforcing with steel profiles. Being steel free eliminates its unfavourable thermal properties from our products.
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You can lose 45% of a home’s heating energy through windows and doors.
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And you can also gain 85% of a home’s heat through its doors and windows.
Controlled airflow
Heat transfers through windows and glazed doors as air moves through gaps. You can minimise this transfer by installing good seals. But ventilation is also important to keep dampness out. So it can be a difficult balance.
Thermotek’s products feature at least two seals on every opening element. Ventilation systems are also installed at the top of your window, between the frame and the sash.
They create a permanent yet controlled flow of air so that you don’t have to do it yourself.
You can include a ventilation opening in the frame/sash and in the transverse mullions. These simple, very effective systems create a pleasant atmosphere in a dwelling.
Passive design resources
With so many complex variables, trained professionals should consider the building design process.
Insulated Glass Units
Passive Design for homes
Why uPVC?
Thermotek’s USP
Design Matters
Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)
YourHome Resources
Australian Institute of Architects
Get in touch for a consultation or upload your plans for a quote.
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