How Retrofitting with uPVC Double Glazing Reduces Utility Bills by 73%

Set on the Victorian coastline, the beautiful Melbourne suburb of Sandringham enjoys a relatively mild summer thanks to its seaside position. However, stiff winter breezes can bring a serious chill factor.

Residents Danny and Emma found their gas bills had been soaring during the colder months, partly thanks to a 25% market increase in prices. They sought a way to overhaul their home's year-round energy efficiency, while also staying comfortable.

The duo embarked on a transformative journey to make their home more sustainable and mitigate their energy consumption, while simultaneously ensuring a cosy home.

Harnessing the Power of Thermotek uPVC Double Glazing

After extensive research, the couple decided to retrofit their home with Thermotek uPVC double-glazed windows and doors, to create a living space that would be sustainable well into the future.

The results have been remarkable. The new windows and doors marked a turning point in the couple's living expenses, while also improving their comfort in winter.

Danny and Emma's Winter Gas Bill Comparison

An analysis of Danny and Emma's winter gas bills over two consecutive winters shows the tangible results of the window upgrade.

Even given the market increase of 25% in gas prices, Danny and Emma saw an extraordinary decrease in their gas bills, amounting to significant savings while also lowering the carbon footprint of their home.

So how exactly does double glazing reduce utility bills?

Double glazing consists of two layers of glass with a space between them. This space, typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon, acts as an insulating barrier.

The design of double-glazed windows is aimed at reducing the transfer of heat and noise, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of buildings.

While double glazing is harnessed in many parts of the world, it's particularly beneficial in climates that experience extreme temperatures - both hot and cold.

In colder regions, double-glazed windows retain heat within the building, contributing to a warm and comfortable indoor environment. In warmer climates, they play a crucial role in keeping the heat out, thus reducing the reliance on air conditioning systems and saving money on energy bills.

Thus double-glazed window and door systems are a great choice in the many parts of Australia - like Sandringham - that experience cold winters and may also get warm in summer.

uPVC optimises the efficiency of double glazed windows and doors

Thermotek window and door frames are made from uPVC, or unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride. It is a variant of PVC that is sturdier and more rigid, making it an excellent construction material. Unlike traditional PVC, which contains flexible and softening plasticisers, uPVC is made without these additives, resulting in a harder and more durable material.

This robustness makes uPVC an ideal choice for window and door systems. It is resistant to weathering, corrosion, and impact, and requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan.

UPVC is also a more eco-friendly option, as it is recyclable. When recycled, uPVC tends to become even stronger, potentially increasing its lifespan with each recycling process.

In addition, uPVC's non-conductive nature enhances its insulation properties. When used in double-glazed window and door systems, uPVC frames help maintain a consistent temperature within homes, contributing to energy efficiency. This is especially valuable in regions with extreme weather conditions, where maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can be energy-intensive.

Working together, double glazing and uPVC frames create an effective barrier against external temperatures, and noise, and even increase the security of homes, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for sustainable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient solutions.

The Long-Term Benefits of Retrofitting Thermotek uPVC Double Glazing

Thermotek's windows and doors have now become the cornerstone of Danny and Emma's energy-efficient home.

Their choice to retrofit uPVC double-glazing means that they will reap long-term benefits for more sustainable living.

Thermal Insulation

Thermotek's superior insulation properties have created an ongoing thermal barrier for Danny and Emma, preventing heat loss during winters. After installation, their indoor spaces stayed warm and comfortable with minimal reliance on heating systems. This is proven by the 73% reduction in their winter gas bill.

However, double glazing is effective in insulating against both cold and heat, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. The combination of uPVC frames and double glazing creates a barrier against heat transfer. This means that if it gets hot in Sandringham during summer, these windows will help keep Danny and Emma's indoor spaces cooler, reducing the need for continuous air conditioning.

Energy Conservation

In reducing heat transfer through the windows and doors, excessive heating was unnecessary, significantly lowering energy consumption. It also aligned with Danny and Emma's goal to reduce their carbon footprint. Good for their wallets - good for the planet.

This also puts the home in sync with the most recent requirements of the Australian National Construction Code (NCC), which requires that all new residences have a 7-star NatHERS energy rating. While this technically applies to new builds, major renovations are also required to meet these stipulations.

Given this, retrofitting sustainable design into their home is likely to increase its value to prospective buyers.

Ongoing Cost Savings

By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and reducing the need for air conditioning, uPVC double-glazed windows significantly cut down on energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills. The drastic reduction in their bills demonstrates the financial benefits of investing in Thermotek products. Danny and Emma saved a remarkable $586 on their first winter gas bill and maintained consisten savings with the second bill.

Better Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

Double glazed windows reduce the risk of condensation, thereby preventing moisture-elated problems like mould, which can compromise air quality.

By installing high-quality Thermotek window and door systems, Danny and Emma have optimised their living spaces for health.

Superior Noise Reduction

Another benefit of double glazing is that it provides excellent sound insulation. Great news for homes in noisy urban areas or near busy roads; or future proofing against development or unexpected neighbours.

Safety and Security

The robust nature of double-glazed windows, coupled with strong uPVC frames, exponentially enhances the security of a building.

The two panes of glass separated by inert gas or air not only improve insulation - they also offer increased resistance against breakage and forced entry. The added thickness of the window makes it much more difficult for intruders to penetrate.

uPVC's inherent strength also offers protection, its rigidity and sturdiness helping to prevent unauthorised access.

Finally, a key security feature of Thermotek uPVC double-glazed window and door systems - such as the Smart Slide systems - is their multi-point locking systems. These systems secure the window at several points along its frame, significantly reducing the likelihood of forced entry.

The strength and stability provided by these locks, coupled with the robust nature of the UPVC frames and the double-layered glass, contribute to a highly secure window unit.

Bushfire Resistance

It's important in Australia's bushfire-prone areas to choose products that offer an added layer of protection.

One of the key features of Thermotek uPVC double-glazed window and door systems is their compliance with the Australian Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating system.

They are suitable for areas with a BAL rating of up to 40, indicating a high level of bushfire resistance. This makes them an ideal choice for areas in bushland, providing an added layer of safety and resilience against potential fire hazards.

Choosing Thermotek for Sustainable Window and Door Systems

Thermotek specialises in advanced uPVC window and door systems, offering high-quality double-glazing solutions. Our products, combining world-class German engineering with local Australian manufacturing, are tailored to suit the unique climate conditions of Australia.

Our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency makes Thermotek a leading choice for Australian homes and commercial buildings.

As Danny and Emma's Sandringham retrofit has shown, investing in Thermotek's double-glazed uPVC windows and doors will not only improve the comfort of a home during summer and winter; but it will also lead to significant savings on energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.

Whether you're a homeowner looking to retrofit windows, a new owner builder or an architect, Thermotek is a sustainable choice. Contact us today to start your journey towards greater energy efficiency.