Here, expert energy assessor Ian Fry, founder of Australia’s leading new home energy rating provider, Frys Energywise, explains how, when combined with optimum orientation, the correct selection of glazing and insulation can help you to create a home that not only offers increased thermal comfort, but reduced energy costs, too — all for a reasonable additional initial outlay.
THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF GLAZING
“You first need to understand that glazing is a source of both heat gain and heat loss,” says Ian. “You’re comparing a 3mmthick piece of glass with a wall that is usually comprised of brick, an air gap, timber frame, insulation and plasterboard, totalling over 200mm in thickness. So, as you can see, if a wall is dominated by glass, it is limiting the insulation to that…