Energy Efficiency Windows
Improved Comfort with Energy-Efficient Windows Australia
At Ultimate Windows, we are an industry leader in manufacturing and installing uPVC windows in Australian homes. With 15 years’ experience and 500+ installations complete, there is no one else more reliable or skilled than the team at Ultimate Windows.
There was a time when it was just accepted that windows were draughty, leaking and difficult to maintain. Not anymore. Our energy-efficient windows look great, require virtually no maintenance and keep you comfortable while saving you money on energy bills.
The energy efficiency of windows can vary depending on how they’re made and installed as well as the quality of materials used. When buying, therefore, don’t just choose the cheapest because they’ll invariably not be the best and won’t be what you need, so you’ll probably end up replacing them with something better.
Features and Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
The energy efficiency in our uPVC windows comes from a range of features:
• They are generally double glazed windows, comprising two panes of glass that are bonded together with a gap in between that is filled with an inert gas such as argon. Windows may also be triple glazed windows, with three panes of glass and two gas-filled gaps.
• The most effective type of glass is low-emissivity (e-glass), which has a metal oxide coating that reflects heat without blocking light.
• The gaps between the panes are typically 16mm, which is generally reckoned to be the optimum distance, although larger gaps can be more effective.
• Pane spacers keep the glass separated and are not made of metal.
• Frames can be a variety of materials, including wood and aluminium, although uPVC is now the most popular and requires little maintenance. Modern frames are properly sealed and so permit no leakage or draughts.
Our energy efficient windows provide a number of benefits:
• Increased comfort due to their thermal efficiency, which reduces heat gain and loss. This means your home will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer
• Lower energy bills since you will have less need for your air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
• Reduced condensation, which can cause mould growth and general dampness. This occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface and so, since your windows will be warmer, the effect is much reduced.
• Less noise since the acoustic properties of your windows will reduce external noise.
• Additional security, since two panes of glass are harder to break through and all our windows are fitted with multi-point locking systems.
• Reduced carbon footprint due to lower energy use.
• Less damage to furnishing since e-glass blocks nearly all harmful UV rays that fade curtains, carpets and furniture, and can also cause skin damage.
Buy and Fit the Best
Windows that deliver high energy efficiency can only do that properly if they’re made of the best materials and are correctly installed. All our windows have high-quality uPVC frames and e-glass panes that effectively reduce heat loss and gain.
Every window is custom-made to fit your space so there are no gaps to let air through. They’re installed to the highest standards and will retain their looks and effectiveness for many years, plus they’re backed by our exemplary customer service.
Get in touch today for your free measure and quote, then start to benefit from all that our energy efficiency windows have to offer.
Comfort
Winter Thermal Comfort
An older window with a lower glass temperature feels colder because more heat is radiated from a person’s body to the window. Cold glass can also create uncomfortable drafts as air next to the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This sets up an air movement pattern that feels drafty and accelerates heat loss. High performance windows with lower U-values will result in a higher interior window temperature in winter and thus greater comfort.
Summer Thermal Comfort
In summer, strong direct sunlight strikes people and interior surfaces, creating overheating and discomfort. Windows with low solar heat gain coefficients will reduce the solar radiation coming through the glass and associated discomfort. Low solar heat gain low-E glass (low emissive) reduces heat gain while still providing sufficient light and view.
Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Lyons and Arasteh).
Cut Your Energy Bills
Heating Season Savings
In climates with a significant heating season, windows have represented a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort, and condensation problems. In recent years, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to have lower heat loss, less air leakage, and warmer window surfaces that improve comfort and minimize condensation. In cold regions, this means that windows are no longer an energy vacuum to be avoided — increasing glazing area with high performance windows can have little or no affect on total energy use.
Cooling Season Savings
In climates that mainly require cooling, windows have represented a major source of unwanted heat gain. In recent years, windows have undergone a technological revolution. It is now possible to significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve comfort while providing clear views and daylight. In warm regions, this means that high performance windows can face into the sun if desired without great energy penalties — although shading techniques remain important.
Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Lyons and Arasteh).
Why Double Glazed?
Energy Efficient Windows
Normal Windows
Quieter Homes
Well insulated windows reduce noise transfer from the outside to the inside which can be a huge benefit for in noisy locations.
Reduced Fading
The new coatings on energy efficient windows block out the harmful ultraviolet rays, which cause fading. Coatings on the E-glass can reduce the UV rays by 98 percent. This will save material and woods from losing their bright original colors.
Less or No Condensation
In cold climates, energy efficient windows stay warmer, so windows stay dryer. With reduced condensation, mold and mildew are not a problem around windows. This saves curtains and paint from being damaged. Furthermore, with uPVC windows, the issue of condensation is almost eliminated as uPVC conduts heat over 5,000 times less than aluminium.
Window Properties
U-value – Heat transfer through a window
The U-value is the rate of heat transferred through a whole window, frame and glass included. The lower the U-value, the greater the window’s resistance to heat flow and the better the window is at insulating the heat transfer. A low U-factor is useful during cold days when heating is needed. A low U-factor is also helpful during hot days when it is important to keep the heat out, but it is less important than SHGC in warm climates. Increasing the quality of the frames and moving to double and triple-glazing are the only way to increase the U-value of the window.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The solar heat gain coefficient is a fraction of the solar radiation (sunlight) admitted through a window, either directly transmitted and/or absorbed and subsequently released as heat inside the home. The lower a window’s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits. This is generally achieved through tinting the glass and is most often used on Western and Northern-facing windows
Visible Transmittance – Sunlight through a window
The visible transmittance is the fraction of the visible spectrum of sunlight transmitted through the glass. The higher the visible transmittance, the more daylight is transmitted through the glass.
Air Infiltration – leakage of air through the window
Is the air infiltration through leaks in the whole window. The lower the air infiltration rating, the less air will pass through the window when closed.
Noise Reduction
A window’s ability to reduce noise depends on the frame design and glazing as follows:
Frame design – The uPVC frames achieves a high level of sealing between the frame and sashes. Air and noise infiltration are minimised by a series of sealing systems including the thermal break. All Euro
Collection frames have the highest standard of sealing possible to ensure an effective sound barrier.
Glazing options – The uPVC design’s enable the use of various glazing options, so the most suitable option can be chosen for your individual need. Taking into consideration the availability of various glass thicknesses, weights & double or triple glazing options, Ultimate Windows will accommodate the most
appropriate glass panel to prevent noise penetration.
Hear Why Clients Love Our uPVC Windows And Doors
Why Choose Ultimate Windows Over The Rest?
Our uPVC windows and doors will reduce your power bill, give you a comfortable temperature all year round and add a stylish finish to your home – all for an affordable price. Plus, our 12-year ‘no worries’ guarantee keeps you covered more than twice as long as most industry-standard warranty periods. You can’t lose!
Features | Aluminum | Timber | uPVC |
---|---|---|---|
Energy Efficient | |||
Low Maintenance | |||
Reduces Sound | |||
Colour-Fast | |||
UV Resistant | |||
Bushfire Resistant | |||
Affordable | |||
Prevents Condensation | |||
Secure |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the windows and doors made in Australia?
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Yes, our windows are manufactured in our solar powered factory in Wodonga, Victoria
- Will you take away my old windows?
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Yes, we remove your existing windows and work with transfer stations to recycle the old windows as much as possible
- Do you have a large range of colours?
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Yes, our colour range can be viewed in the products section, you can also 2-pak paint to any colour you like. Our colour range for our systems can be found in this document https://ultimatewindows.com.au/colour-selection/. Please note that not all colours are available in all frame systems.
- What is the turn around time?
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Turn around times vary, it is best to talk to your sales representative from your local area. We aim to have your windows to you in the shortest turnaround possible.
- How do they stand up to Australia’s high levels of UV? Does it fade?
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This is the main reason we chose Deceuninck! Deceuninck have the highest amount of UV stabilising Titanium DiOxide in their uPVC extrusions of all the Australian suppliers. They have had windows in the Middle East for over 50 years and windows in Australia for over 30 years and have been tested for UV stability at the Alunga testing facility
- Do the windows and doors come with flyscreens?
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Yes, we have flyscreens options for all our windows and doors, most windows and sliding come standard with our own ‘Ultimate’ flyscreens
- Can I have security screens
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Yes, most windows and doors can have security screens as an option
- Are the windows and doors BAL rated?
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Yes, some of our windows and doors are rated to BAL40 with most rating up to BAL29 (with minimum glass thicknesses and metal screening)
- I’m building a Passive style house. Can you help?
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We sure can! We manufacture the Passive House certified Deceuninck Legend system in our Wodonga factory and have completed several Passive House certified (and non-certified) jobs in Australia
- Does the glass have argon gas?
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Yes, all our glass has Argon gas as standard (and doesn’t cost any extra)
- Can I recess the door sill flush?
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Yes, we have many floor recessing options
- What is the warranty?
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We are so sure of the quality of our windows we have increased our warranty out to a industry leading 12 years!
- Is there any other hardware options/types/styles and what are the colours?
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We have several hardware options and colours available.
- What do people do for blinds on Tilt & Turn windows?
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Generally customers either use honeycomb blinds (eg Nordic Blinds) or house a blind or curtains over the pelmets to clear the windows opening functions.
- Does everything have a key lock and are they keyed the same?
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Yes, all the same window and door types have the same keys
- What is the difference between uPVC and Aluminium?
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Both are the frames for windows, but one is 5,000 times better at transferring heat from outside to inside your home. Bit of a no-brainer as to why uPVC is used in more than 55% of residential window sales worldwide. We’re just a bit slow to catch up in Australia!
Claim Your Free Measure And Quote
Ready to claim your free measure and quote, backed by our fixed-price guarantee? Fill out the form below and one of our friendly experts will soon be in touch to organise a suitable time to discuss your needs. You’ll find out exactly how our affordable uPVC windows can slash your energy bills and improve the
comfort levels in your home!