How Double Glazing Can Save You Thousands in Energy Costs
If you’re building or renovating your home, you’ve likely heard about the benefits of double glazing. However, misconceptions about cost versus savings often deter homeowners from considering this energy efficient solution. To shed light on the reality, we ran simulations aligned to the AGWA 7.0 Star Cost Upgrade Analysis report to compare the cost savings of standard glass (VFloat Clear) with high performance double glazing (LightBridge).
Here’s what we found when applying the data to two typical Australian home plans:
| Home Plan | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Storey | Energy Cost Savings: 11% ~ $598 annually Payback Period: 8.6 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
Energy Cost Savings: 23% ~ $838 annually Payback Period: 6.2 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
Energy Cost Savings: 13% ~ $530 annually Payback Period: 10 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
| Double Storey | Energy Cost Savings: 9% ~ $800 annually Payback Period: 9.3 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
Energy Cost Savings: 14% ~ $1,092 annually Payback Period: 6.8 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
Energy Cost Savings: 7% ~ $726 annually Payback Period: 10.6 years Lifetime Savings (30 years) |
Why It Matters
The benefits of double glazing extend far beyond energy bill savings. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from our findings:
- Significant Lifetime Energy Savings
Save up to $1,110 annually (or 23%) on energy bills in cooler climates like Melbourne, amounting to lifetime savings of over $33,000 over 30 years. - Not Just for Cold Climates
In warmer cities like Brisbane, double glazing reduces reliance on air conditioning, saving homeowners up to 13% on cooling costs and contributing to lifetime savings of over $15,000. - Lower Carbon Emissions
At 549 grams of carbon produced per kWh of electricity, a household could save up to 823kg (almost 1 tonne) of carbon annually by switching to LightBridge double glazing—resulting in a reduction of nearly 25 tonnes of carbon emissions over a 30-year period. - Power Your Appliances for Free
With annual energy savings from LightBridge double glazing of up to 1,500kWh, you could effectively power your fridge, washing machine, TV, and wall-mounted air conditioner at no cost—for three decades. - Increased Comfort
Spaces with double glazing remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. This results in fewer temperature peaks and a more comfortable indoor environment year-round.
The Bottom Line
Double glazing isn’t just a luxury – it’s a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment, delivering measurable benefits particularly compared to the standard lifetime of a home loan.
Whether it’s combating scorching summers in Brisbane or freezing winters in Melbourne, advanced glazing solutions like LightBridge provide significant energy efficiency advantages. In colder climates, LightBridge optimizes insulation, while in warmer regions, solar control options enhance performance by reducing heat gain.
Double glazing offers a flexible, sustainable solution to improve comfort, cut energy costs, and reduce environmental impact, making it an essential choice for modern building projects.
If you’re ready to make the switch, discuss with your builder or window fabricator to explore the double glazing options that best suit your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided is general in nature and based on averages and simulated results. Energy rates used in the simulations were based on current Origin Energy rates for the different regions. Actual energy savings, payback periods, and carbon reductions will vary. For accurate assessments, consult with your builder, window fabricator, or an energy efficiency professional.