General info
Will window film provide day-time/night-time privacy?
(Source: convo with Veronica) There are two families of film: summer heat-rejecting and year-round insulating Year-round film is too light for daytime privacy Summer (i.e. heat-rejecting) films come in a whole range of colour palates that provide ...
Summer vs Year-round Window Film
Source: Veronica at Solar Window Filmers There are 2 families of environmental window film - suitable for both single- and double-glazed windows. The film is applied to the inside of glass and comes with 10 year to Lifetime full replacement quality ...
UPVC vs. Aluminium window frames?
uPVC frames – an efficient frame type used with double-glazed windows is uPVC, or un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride. uPVC frames have been used in Europe and the United States for many years, as they perform in a similar manner to timber frames but ...
Are certain window frame materials better than others? Why?
The most energy efficient window frames are made from materials that won't transfer heat and cold, such as timber, uPVC or combination frames. Timber frames - Timber window frames are highly energy efficient as they do not conduct heat. They perform ...
What do I need to consider in regard to window frames?
The most energy efficient window frames are made from materials that won't transfer heat and cold, such as timber, uPVC or combination frames. You should consider: U-values - Windows consist of glazing and framing. Both components contribute to the ...
What is the difference between primary and secondary glazing?
Double glazed windows use two sheets of glass with a gap between them that creates an insulating barrier. The gap can either be filled with a heavy inert gas such as Argon or it can be a vacuum; both will act to slow the movement of heat from one ...
What is the difference between summer and winter window films?
• Depending on the film you choose, window films can be designed for year-round use (retaining heat in winter and blocking heat in summer), or just blocking heat in summer. • Remember that summer window films also reduce the amount of winter sun ...
Does window film create a colour tint to light entering the home?
• Window film can reduce light but should not create a colour tint to light entering the home, if you want “invisible” window films you can get neutral films which are specially designed to appear nearly “invisible” when applied to the glass, as they ...
Are there specific windows that can be focused on or should all windows be improved?
It is best to focus improving windows in the following: • Rooms where you spend the most time • Bathrooms – as window insulation can reduce condensation, which also helps to stop the build up of mould which can lead to secondary problems such as ...
How much heat loss or heat gain do windows account for during winter and summer?
Energy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Is it important to get blind railings with honeycomb blinds?
• Sometimes called a side track, these can be useful as they will help prevent any flow of air around the sides of the blind as well as acting as a guide for the blind. • Essential when installing a skylight blind.
What is convection current and its relation to curtains/pelmets?
Convection currents are the result of differential heating of air. Lighter (less dense), warm air rises while heavier (more dense) cool air sinks. The combination of pelmet and curtain eliminates the warm air inside being cooled down by the window ...
How do pelmets and heavy drapes help keep the house at a comfortable temperature during summer and winter?
In winter, without a pelmet, hot air rises to the top of the curtain, touches the cold glass of the window, causing the hot air to cool down. This cooled air (which is heavier than warmed air) then drops behind and underneath the curtain entering the ...
Does window film increase the R-value of the windows?
Yes, window film can increase the R-Value of windows significantly.
Window films vs heavy curtains or blinds?
Window Film • Window film is typically more affordable than blinds and other window treatments including curtains and drapes. • It’s an extremely energy efficient solution. It rejects up to 78% of the sun’s heat, eliminating hot spots and heat ...
Curtains vs blinds?
Heavy lined drapes and pelmets are the most energy efficient.
What are the pros and cons of honeycomb blinds?
Pros: 1. The insulating feature of honeycomb blinds is highly beneficial. 2. Provide you with another layer of privacy. 3. offer one of the best options for child safety as cordless 4. You can make the honeycomb blinds virtually disappear for a clear ...
What are honeycomb blinds?
Also called cellular blinds. They are dual layer blinds with horizontal shaped air pockets between the 2 layers. Each ‘honeycomb’ in the blind is able to trap still air. Because air is such a good insulator, this means less heat escapes from your ...
Is it better to install double glazed windows or window film?
Double glazing is the ultimate window insulation but one of the biggest advantages of window films is their cost. For the typical home with 10-15m2 of windows, upgrading all the windows with a year-round window film costs between $1900 to $3000. This ...
What type of window frames are best?
The most energy efficient window frames are made from materials that won't transfer heat and cold, such as timber, uPVC or combination frames. The type of window frames you choose can help you: • reduce heat loss during winter • reduce heat gain ...
What is the U-value? What is SHGC?
U-value - measures how readily a window conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to conductive heat flow and the better its insulating value. Note that it’s a ‘whole-window’ measure: all window performance measures in ...
How do window films work?
• Window films are a solution for improving the energy-efficiency of windows, particularly if you’d like to keep your views uninterrupted. • Depending on the film you choose, window films can be designed for year-round use (retaining heat in winter ...
What blinds are energy efficient?
• Honeycomb blinds (also known as cellular blinds) are an energy efficient option. • These blinds are so effective because each ‘honeycomb’ in the blind traps still air ((like insulation). Because air is such a good insulator, this means less heat ...
What curtains are energy efficient?
• Curtains (often called heavy drapes) that are thick, have a lining, touch the floor, have no gaps around the edges and have pelmets are the most energy efficient. • Without a pelmet, hot air rises to the top of the curtain, touches the cold glass ...
How do I make my windows more energy efficient?
• From curtains and blinds, to window glazing and external awnings, there are many ways you can make your windows energy efficient. • Though triple glazing is the ideal, it is very expensive. • The good news is that a lot of alternatives are not only ...