Window glazing or treatments

Window coverings

• Maximise temperature control year-round with close-fitting lined curtains and blinds and box or corflute pelmets.
• Minimise air leaks around the window to improve draughts. Fit honeycomb blinds snugly.
• Add tight polystyrene shutters over the outside of windows.

During winter

• Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun in for natural warmth.
• Close curtains and blinds at night to keep your home warmer.

During summer

• Close curtains, blinds, windows and doors during the day.
• Open them in the evening when temperatures fall to let evening breezes cool your home.

Choosing or making curtains

• Make sure curtains reach the floor and wrap to the wall on either side of your window.
• Line curtains with ‘block-out’ backing to prevent radiant heat loss and reduce summer gain. ‘Block-out’ backing should be attached but not bonded.
• Choose curtains made of tightly woven materials, trapping air in as many layers as possible.

Window treatments

Secondary glazing is where a sheet of glass or Perspex is retrofitted to existing windows. It can be quite effective but is not suitable for all window types.

Some companies specialise in retrofitting single glazed windows with double or secondary windows. There are also products available that you can install yourself.

Before you install permanent reflective or tinting films on windows, consider if this might also block out valuable winter sun.

Insulation around windows

• fit foam strips around windows
• seal around skirting boards, architraves, vents, lights or window frames with a sealant, expanding foam or gap filler rod, checking the manufacturer’s label for directions.

Discover more tips about insulation and draught-proofing.

New windows

In some instances, gaps in old windows may be so difficult to fix that full replacement is the only effective option.

In other situations, a retrofit to an existing house can be expensive compared to other energy efficiency improvements you could make. The Sustainable Home Advice Program can help you understand more about your home and the best option.

If you are building a new home, the design and a north-facing orientation of windows will help your home achieve maximum thermal efficiency.

Double glazing

Installing good quality double glazed windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs. It can also reduce noise and condensation.

If you’re building a new house in the ACT, installing double glazed windows is cost-effective, as the additional cost is relatively small.

Double glazing has many benefits, including:

• being efficient during the day and the night
• meeting mandatory energy efficiency requirements for new houses
• providing increased strength — your windows will last longer and offer better protection against breakage, fire and outside noise.

To help you make the right choice when purchasing windows, check the Window Energy Rating Scheme.

Skylights and roof glazing

Installing skylights or roof glazing can cause extreme heat gains or losses in Canberra’s climate.

If you want more natural light, consider installing a ‘daylighting device’. This will collect and concentrate sunlight through a lens on your roof. The light will transmit through a reflective tube to a dispersion lens inside your room.

Ready to start? Get help from our one stop shop

Our Sustainable Home Advice service is your one stop shop to get information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You can also learn about what ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for.