Energy-conscious homeowners who want to minimise the cost of heating and cooling their homes use efficient windows. But the key is knowing what upgrades are the best value for money.
Interior designer Gary Lai renovated a Mid-Levels home in which he installed double-glazed windows in the living area to buffer noise from the street.
Previously, the sound of traffic and people walking by filtered through to the second-floor flat. As well as producing a quieter environment, added insulation also meant cutting heating and air-conditioning bills.
There are four factors to consider when choosing energy-efficient windows - the frame, glass, design and installation.
Most frames in Hong Kong are aluminium. Although it's not the top-performing material in terms of heat transfer and loss, aluminium is perfect for the climate. They also meet building codes for storms and typhoons.
A double-paned window with Low-E glass coating will make a difference to a flat's utility bills. Tinted and clear coatings or glazings help prevent the transfer of heat, cold and sunlight into the home.
If you have fixed windows, add a vacuum-sealed argon fill to seal it properly. These will provide more insulation than a single-pane window.