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Windows are unlike other building materials. They not only provide views and ventilation, but they can also be a major contributor to heating and cooling bills as the size, orientation and the material used all have a significant effect on the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Benefits of High Performance Windows
For a typical house, windows are the biggest heat loss (or gain) building element. The benefits of installing energy efficient windows include:
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Improved levels of comfort
• Reduced condensation
• Increased penetration of daylight
• Maximum use of external views
• Reduced annual heating and cooling bills
• Reduced fading on interior furnishings
• Increase the resale value of your home
5-Star Ratings
Legislation
From July 2004, all new homes will need to comply with 5-star energy regulations as prescribed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). This means that your new home must be:
1. 5-star energy rated for the building fabric; or
2. 4-star energy rated for the building fabric with water saving measures and a solar hot water system; or
3. 4-star energy rated for the building fabric with water saving measures and a rain water tank.
By July 2005, all new homes must be 5-star compliant with water saving measures and:
1. A rain water tank; or
2. A solar hot water service.
How Energy Ratings are Calculated
Energy ratings are the result of a calculation that is conducted on the building fabric of a new home.
The calculation is conducted through the use of a software package, such as FirstRate, where the energy efficiency of the building products and materials that will make up a new home is determined.
The energy efficiency of these combined building products and materials result in a star energy rating – from 0 to 5 stars. The more stars, the higher the energy rating. This is similar to the star ratings that are produced on white goods.
Energy ratings can only be given by accredited raters. Energy Rating Advice (ERA) is an accredited independent service that can provide you with your energy ratings.