A breakdown of how different windows optimise natural ventilation in your home

Do you want to decrease your energy costs?

Implementing some simple natural ventilation strategies can connect you to the outdoors, help the environment and decrease your energy bill.

Australian summers call for the people turning on their air conditioners while watching their power bills slowly rise.

Rather than using artificial cooling, you can make use of the outside air movement and pressure to ventilate your house. Natural ventilation provides benefits to both yourself and the environment.

A naturally ventilated home is one that uses the air from outside to enter inside without help from any electrical appliances. Natural ventilation is extremely important as it improves the quality of air circulating within the home and assists ‘passive cooling’ during warmer months.

If you want to save on your electricity bills, it is time to consider ways to improve natural ventilation. Refreshing and cooling, your home while being great for the environment it is the ultimate choice.

Natural ventilation: awning, sliding, double-hung, bi-fold, casement or louvre windows?

Windows that are strategically placed within the home are the key to natural ventilation. The placement of the windows will determine whether you need panes with larger or smaller openings.

Different rooms within the home also have different requirements, regarding ventilation. This is why it is important to understand the differences between windows and what they offer in terms of ventilation:

• Sliding windows

These windows are ideal for natural ventilation as they don’t protrude when they are opened. They are the perfect choice for an area that has limited space inside and more open space outside.

These windows can also be combined with safety/insect screens to help improve security without compromising ventilation.

In areas such as the bathroom, aluminium sliding windows can be installed with a vent lock allowing you to lock the window at different points for control over the ventilation.

• Awning windows 

These windows have similar benefits to sliding windows and are perfect for places with limited openings. Insect/safety screens can also be installed for secure ventilation. However, the similarities stop there.

Aluminium awning windows have smaller openings and are a better option for rooms that require less ventilation. These windows can be left open throughout the night even when it is raining and provides natural ventilation when other windows cannot.

• Double-hung windows

These windows provide total control over ventilation. This is because you can allow air to enter within the home through the top, bottom or both by moving the window sashes as you like.

These natural ventilation windows are ideal for restricted opening spaces and can be combined with insect/safety screens for increased security.

• Bi-Fold windows

For ultimate ventilation, bi-fold windows are your number one choice. These windows fold all the way back to provide a large opening area, seamlessly connecting indoors and outdoors These windows, however, don’t have the option of adding screening options.

• Casement windows

Casement windows are also another choice for maximum natural ventilation in the home – This is because of their wide opening arc and the way in which they open.

These windows also allow you to control breezes from different directions into your home. One of the windows recommended by the Australian Government for ultimate airflow within the house, casement windows are a top choice.

The only disadvantage with these windows is that they can be quite difficult to screen.

• Louvre windows 

Aluminium Louvre windows are also recommended by the Australian Government for encouraging airflow within the home. They have the ability to open as much as 95% and are a great natural ventilation window option for many spaces. They can also open up at different angles allowing for control and direct ventilation.

• Fixed windows 

These windows are the least beneficial for ventilation within the home due to their fixed nature. They are ideal for light and views. If you want high natural ventilation windows, these shouldn’t be your preferred choice.

Before choosing a natural ventilation window, it is recommended to consult with one of our friendly consultants here at A-Tech Australia.

We have a range of louvre, sliding, awning and bifold doors that can increase your property’s ventilation, security, comfort and aesthetic appeal. View our range of windows here!

If you would like to talk more about window options? Contact our team on 1300 775 525.