WATCH NOW: Covering for windows to keep your house cool.

lish — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:23:38 +0000

WATCH NOW: Covering for windows to keep your house cool. lish Thu, 10 Nov 2011 - 16:23

Links

http://www.concertinafoilbatts.com/renshade.htm

Fact sheet

We put a ‘reflective’ barrier called Renshade (basically Aluminium Foil laminated, perforated cardboard) on a west facing window. You can buy it here at EcoMaster (Australian site).

This is a quick, cheap and effective way of stopping the room heating up in Summer. If you want to be more comfortable during Summer but don’t want to spend a fortune on external shading, then this is a great project.

Most internal blinds and window coverings don’t do a great job at keeping the heat out. Heavy drapes with pelmets are OK but renshade is good, very good.

Fast Facts:

 When sun hits a glass window, it heats up the room. If you want to stay cool in summer you have to stop the sun hitting the glass.
 It is best to stop the sun hitting the glass from OUTSIDE with awnings, blinds, shade-cloth or deciduous vegetation. This can be costly and time- consuming (growing the trees and vines)
 The next best thing is to reflect the heat back outside with something on the inside of the windows.
 Renshade works a bit like a mirror reflecting heat from the sun, back outside. It blocks about 85% of the heat and light . The holes allow you to see some of the view outside.
 It is great for west and east facing windows as well as skylights.
 Renshade is can be taken down when the heat of Summer is over. and you want the free heat from the Sun.. Roll it up and store in a poster tube for next year.
 It will help to keep your house cooler so you don’t have to run a cooling system as often if at all. This all means to lower bills and lower emissions.

Fact Sheet Attachments

Renshade Factsheet.pdf

Shopping list

Shopping list for Renshading Windows.

You don’t need much for this GIY job but you will need the Renshade. You could probably also use rinsed out BBQ bags or tin foil or anything reflective (excluding your mood).

Renshade is manufactured in Melbourne. You can get it direct from the supplier or find an enviro/eco shop online that stocks it.

Approx cost:

1.35m x1m = $20.00 1.35m x5m = $81.00 1.35m x10m = $162.00

1.35m x 20m = $324.00

Shopping List Attachments

Shopping list for Renshade.pdf

Sidebar

Top tips and tricks

Renshade is especially brilliant for east and west facing windows and skylights.

At first, you will think it looks 'less than stylish' (to put it nicely) but once you have felt the difference in temperature you will love it.

It will take about 15 minutes to do each window.

It is for the inside of the window. It is cardboard so goes a bit soggy in the rain.

Reflects about 85% of heat back outside.

Take it down in winter to make the most of the free winter warmth from the sun.

Renshade is only available in Australia.

WATCH NOW: Secondary glazing windows with window insulation film.

lish — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:03:13 +0000

WATCH NOW: Secondary glazing windows with window insulation film. lish Fri, 25 Mar 2011 - 17:03

Links

http://www.clearcomfort.com.au/

http://www.windowinsulationfilm.com.au/Window_Insulation_Film.html

Fact Sheet Attachments

PDF Secondary Glazing.pdf

Shopping List Attachments

Shopping list for Clear Comfort.pdf

Trades

Comments

Sidebar

Top tips and tricks

Window insulation film is tough and durable. Will withstand kids poking but not cats clawing.
Cleans with a microfibre cloth.
Clear Comfort cost around $12/m²
Window insulation film $5/m²
Do this GIY job on a low-humidity day to avoid condensation in the window space.
Request 'temporary tape' with your Clear Comfort kit if you are wanting to remove the Clear Comfort. The permanent tape is forever.
The Wiindow Insulation Film only has permanent tape but offers a 'premium' film which is a bit more durable and robust than it's other film.
Optimal air-space between the window and the film is between 6mm - 16mm. Large spaces are not as good as you get air movement which reduce the insulation.
Secondary glazing such as this window film is second best to double glazing but is often much more affordable.
There are other types of secondary glazing on the market (Magnetite, MagicSeal and ecoGlaze) but most of these have to be professionally installed. These film are low-cost DIY job even if not as gutsy as other options.