The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) plays a crucial role in determining the energy impact of windows and doors in homes across Australia. 

• WERS: Window Energy Rating Scheme assesses the energy efficiency of aluminium window and door systems, which is vital as up to 40% of a home's energy for heating or cooling can be lost or gained through windows.
• Rating System: Windows and doors rated under WERS are evaluated on a 10-star scale, where a higher star rating signifies better thermal performance. Most high-performance aluminium windows in Australia typically achieve ratings between 6-7 stars for heating and 4-5 stars for cooling. 
• Energy Efficiency & Comfort: By selecting high-performance aluminium windows and doors, homeowners can significantly enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes. At Architectural Windows & Doors we can assist you on proper window and door placement, as well as the use of passive design principles, to achieve optimal thermal outcomes in your project.
• Commitment to Innovation: AWS Australia is dedicated to continually developing energy-efficient window and door systems that meet the demands of the Australian market, ensuring products are tested and rated for top performance in weather sealing and energy efficiency.

All of our aluminium window and door systems are rated by the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS). WERS rates the energy impact of windows in housing anywhere in Australia. With up to 40% of a home’s energy for cooling or heating being lost or gained through windows, improving your aluminium windows’ and doors’ thermal performance and energy efficiency reduces your home’s energy costs and Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. WERS enables windows and doors to be rated and labelled for their annual energy impact on a home, similar to the rating system used on whitegoods.

When windows and doors are rated under WERS they are ranked using a 10 star scale against 17 generic window types. The generic aluminium windows range from very high performance to very low performance for heating and cooling. A low star rating indicates poor performance whilst a high star rating indicates good performance. A 10 star rating indicates the perfect window system. In Australia, the highest performing windows typically fall between 6 and 7 stars for heating and 4 and 5 stars for cooling. ThermalHEART™ aluminium windows and doors fall within this range, as do many of our standard high performance aluminium window and door systems.

Our range of high performance aluminium windows and doors will improve the energy efficiency and comfort within a building. We are committed to the continual development of energy efficient window and door systems. Our entire product range of windows and doors are tested and rated to deliver the ultimate performance in weather sealing and energy efficiency in the Australian market.

To ensure energy efficient solutions to your window and door combination, attention must be given to the selection and placement of windows and doors within your home. By correctly placing the windows and doors in your home, you are able to maximise the use of passive design principles to achieve excellent thermal outcomes. Home orientation, insulation, shading, window selection and placement are important considerations in achieving the best possible efficiency and performance for your home.

At this link you can use AGWA's WERS tool to filter and compare products across multiple window and doors systems and suppliers as well as enter SHGC and U-Values from your project to get a starting point for frame and glass selections.
https://www.agwa.com.au/WERS/WERS/Default.aspx

Common Questions about Energy Efficiency

Am I helping the environment by using a better window?

Yes, using energy-efficient windows significantly helps the environment. By reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, these windows lower your household's carbon footprint. This reduction in energy consumption translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier planet.

Do efficient windows save money?

Absolutely. Efficient windows help you save money on your energy bills by reducing the need for heating and cooling. Over time, these savings can add up, making energy-efficient windows a smart investment that pays off in the long run.

How do I justify spending extra money?

Investing in high-performance windows can be justified by considering the long-term benefits. Not only do you save on energy costs, but you also increase the comfort of your home, reduce noise, and potentially raise your property’s value. Additionally, energy-efficient windows contribute to a sustainable lifestyle by reducing your environmental impact.

What do I achieve using a better window?

Using a better window improves your home’s thermal performance, enhancing comfort by maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature. It also reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Furthermore, quality windows often provide better noise insulation and increased security.

What happens when energy costs increase?

When energy costs rise, the savings provided by energy-efficient windows become even more significant. By using less energy for heating and cooling, you are less affected by fluctuations in energy prices, making your home more cost-effective to run.

Do windows save on the running cost of my home?

Yes, energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce the running costs of your home. They minimize the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your living spaces, leading to lower utility bills. Over time, the savings on energy costs can outweigh the initial investment in high-performance windows.

Why should I use Insulated Glass Units (IGU)?

Insulated Glass Units (IGU) are crucial for enhancing a window's thermal performance. IGUs consist of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer, which is often filled with an inert gas like argon. This design minimizes heat transfer, reducing energy loss in winter and keeping your home cooler in summer. Using IGUs increases the energy efficiency of your windows, leading to greater savings and comfort.

What windows will give me the best result?

The best windows for achieving optimal energy efficiency and comfort are those with high WERS ratings, ideally within the 6-7 star range for heating and 4-5 star range for cooling. Windows incorporating technologies such as ThermalHEART™ and IGUs provide excellent thermal performance, making them ideal for both new builds and renovations in the Australian climate. Proper placement and orientation of these windows further enhance their effectiveness.