Measuring the energy efficiency of windows is important because it helps people understand how well windows perform in terms of reducing heat gain or loss and controlling the amount of light that enters a building. This information can be used to make informed decisions about the type of windows to use in a building, which can have a significant impact on the comfort and energy efficiency of the building.
At SV Glass we are experts in Perth windows and doors efficiency, and that’s why we have put together this article to help educate our customers about the current industry standards and best practice.
As cost-of-living pressures continue to mount in Australia, it’s worth remembering that having energy-efficient windows can help reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building, which can result in lower energy bills and a more sustainable and environmentally friendly living environment. In addition, energy-efficient windows can help improve the overall comfort of a building by reducing heat gain during hot weather and reducing heat loss during cold weather.
Impact On The Environment
Furthermore, measuring the energy efficiency of windows is also important in the context of government regulations and policies that aim to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability in the building industry. In many countries, including Australia, there are regulations and incentives that encourage the use of energy-efficient windows in new buildings and renovations. The Window Energy Rating (WER) system in Australia is one example of such a system.
The Window Energy Rating (WER) system was introduced in Australia in 2003 as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in the building industry. The WER system was designed to provide a standard measure of the energy performance of windows and to encourage the use of energy-efficient windows in new buildings and renovations.
The WER system provides a star rating for windows, ranging from 1 to 10 stars, with 10 stars being the most energy-efficient. The rating takes into account various factors that affect a window’s ability to reduce heat gain or loss, such as the type of glass, the type of frame, the type of spacers, and the type of gas fill.
Since its introduction, the WER system has been widely adopted in the Australian building industry and is now a common way of rating the energy efficiency of windows. The WER system is an important tool for builders, architects, and homeowners to use when making decisions about the type of windows to use in a building, as well as for assessing the energy efficiency of a building as a whole.
WER Not Recognised Internationally
The Window Energy Rating (WER) system is specific to Australia and is not used internationally. This is the best system to use when assessing the energy efficiency of your Perth windows.
Other countries have their own systems for rating the energy efficiency of windows and building components, such as the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the United States’ Energy Star program. While these systems are similar in some ways to the WER system, they use different methods and criteria for rating energy efficiency.
If you are interested in the energy efficiency of windows in a specific country, you should look into the relevant rating system for that country. In general, however, the goal of these systems is to provide consumers with information about the energy performance of windows, so they can make informed choices when building or renovating their homes.
So How Does WER Work?
The star rating is based on the Window Energy Rating (WER) calculation, which takes into account factors such as the type of glass, the type of frame, the type of spacers, and the type of gas fill. A higher star rating indicates better thermal performance, which means that the window will be more effective in keeping the building warm in winter and cool in summer.
To determine the energy rating of a glass window, a qualified assessor will use specialised software to calculate the WER based on the window specifications. The assessor will then assign a star rating based on the WER, with a maximum rating of 10 stars.
It’s important to note that the energy rating of a window is just one factor to consider when selecting windows for your home. Other factors, such as the cost, the appearance, the durability, and the security of the window, should also be taken into account.
The WER Star Rating System In Practice
The Window Energy Rating (WER) star system is used in Australia to rate the energy efficiency of windows based on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
NatHERS
In Australia, the energy rating of glass windows is determined using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). This scheme assigns a star rating to windows based on their performance in terms of thermal efficiency and their ability to regulate the temperature inside a building.
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is regulated by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in Australia. The ABCB is a government-owned body responsible for the development and maintenance of the National Construction Code (NCC), which sets the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings in Australia.
The NatHERS program is part of the NCC, and it provides a means for assessing the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. The ABCB works with other government agencies, industry groups, and professionals to administer the NatHERS program and ensure that it is consistent and effective in promoting energy-efficient buildings across Australia.
The ABCB also accredits assessors and software providers who use the NatHERS program, and it provides ongoing training and support to these professionals to help them deliver accurate and reliable energy ratings.
Overall, the ABCB plays a key role in regulating the NatHERS program and ensuring that it is effective in promoting energy-efficient buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) was established in Australia in 1995. NatHERS is a national program that provides star ratings for the thermal performance of homes, based on computer simulations of the expected energy use of a home. The rating system ranges from 0 to 10 stars, with 10 stars being the most energy-efficient.
NatHERS was established as a means of improving the energy efficiency of homes and reducing the demand for energy in the building sector. By providing star ratings for the thermal performance of homes, NatHERS helps builders, designers, and homeowners understand the energy efficiency of a home and identify opportunities for improvement.
The NatHERS program is administered by the Building Energy Efficiency National Office (BEENO), which is part of the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources. The program is supported by state and territory governments and is an important part of the Australian government’s commitment to improving the energy efficiency of homes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) was established in Australia in 1995 as a means of improving the energy efficiency of homes and reducing the demand for energy in the building sector.
Energy Rating Stars
The star rating ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 stars being the most energy-efficient.
Each star rating represents a specific level of thermal performance, which is measured by the WER calculation. The WER calculation takes into account factors such as the type of glass, the type of frame, the type of spacers, and the type of gas fill, to determine the overall energy efficiency of the window.
Here’s what each star rating means:
- 1 star: Low energy efficiency. Windows with a 1-star rating are less effective at regulating the temperature inside a building, and they may increase energy bills and create a less comfortable living environment.
- 2 stars: Basic energy efficiency. Windows with a 2-star rating offer basic thermal performance, but they may still allow significant heat transfer into or out of the building.
- 3 stars: Good energy efficiency. Windows with a 3-star rating provide good thermal performance, reducing heat transfer and improving comfort levels in the building.
- 4 stars: Very good energy efficiency. Windows with a 4-star rating offer very good thermal performance, providing a higher level of comfort and energy efficiency.
- 5 stars: Excellent energy efficiency. Windows with a 5-star rating offer excellent thermal performance, creating a highly energy-efficient and comfortable living environment.
- 6 to 10 stars: Exceptional energy efficiency. Windows with a rating of 6 to 10 stars provide exceptional thermal performance, delivering the highest level of energy efficiency and comfort.
By choosing windows with a higher WER star rating, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and create a more comfortable living environment.
We hope that you have found this article on Perth windows and doors energy ratings useful and helpful in informing your window choices.
Remember, there are many factors to take into consideration when it comes to picking the right glass windows Perth for you and your property. If you have any questions or concerns, the team from SV Glass will only be too happy to assist. Contact us today.
