Beautiful windows are possibly the most complex and interesting elements in the fabric of our homes.

They provide light and fresh air, and offer views that connect our interior living spaces with the great outdoors.

However, ordinary windows can also represent a major source of unwanted heat gain in summer and significant heat loss in winter

Today, remarkable new framing and glazing materials have changed the energy performance of windows in a radical way.

Energy efficiency windows will make your home more comfortable, dramatically reduce your energy costs and help to create a brighter, cleaner, healthier environment.

WERS rates the energy impact of residential windows in housing anywhere in Australia. With up to 40% of a homes energy for cooling or heating being lost or gained through windows, improving their thermal performance reduces energy costs and Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

The aim of the scheme is to help consumers evaluate the relative energy performance of different types of windows and then make an informed decision suited to their needs.

WERS is a programme implemented by industry and underpinned by the Australian Window Association's Accreditation Program. Independent of any one manufacturer, WERS is a fair, rigorous and credible system for rating the energy performance of windows.

How Does The Rating System Work

Rated windows will carry a label which certifies that the window has been energy rated by the Australian Window Association. The windows cooling and heating performance will be rated separately on a scale of 0 to 5 stars-the more stars the better-. These ratings indicate the effect the window will have on the energy performance of the whole house.

In support of the rating labels, the windows manufacturer can issue a certificate (shown below) for that window type, spelling out in clear detail its energy performance

To provide consumers with a single benchmark, a comprehensive range of representative windows has been rated for their energy performance which is illustrated in terms of stars. No stars shows that the window is a very poor performer, 5 stars means excellent performance and a whole new world of energy efficiency and interior comfort.

Manufacturers participating in WERS may offer custom rated high performance products which exceed the results shown below. Check the tables to see just how much benefit can be gained from a correctly selected window

In addition, a 5 star energy rated window will provide significant benefits in noise control and protection from fading. It is important to remember that the window placement and site orientation also have an impact on the type of windows required within a house. Your WERS accredited manufacturer can advise you on the right windows to suit your home