WERS rated windows and doors from Trend

WERS stands for Window Energy Rating Scheme and is managed by the Australian Window Association (AWA).

WERS was introduced in conjunction with the Australian Federal Government's Australian Greenhouse Office and industry incentive as part of their commitment to improve Australia's energy efficiency by reducing greenhouse gas emission into the environment.

WERS is aimed at helping you, the consumer, to save money on your energy bills and contribute to a better environment.

WERS forms part of the Building Code of Australia where a whole house is assessed and energy rated.

Depending on which state in Australia, determines which computer software program is used, e.g.: Basix, First Rate, BERs to generate the energy ratings for the types of products you require in the home. All of these software programs achieve the same outcome, they energy rate the whole house giving it energy ratings.

For a window manufacturer to obtain window star ratings they have to have their products tested and assessed by an recognised rating organisation that has been accredited by the AFRC (Australian Fenestration Rating Council)

The window energy ratings for heating and cooling rank the window against alternatives, using a five-star scale based on 27 'generic' window types. The generic windows range from very low performance to very high performance in heating or cooling. The ratings apply to the effect of the whole window including the relative contributions of glass and frame.

The energy ratings are based on a window or door's U-value and solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC) figure. The lower the U value the better the insulating performance for a home and the lower the SHGC measures how well the glass product blocks out heat caused by sunlight.

When shopping for windows and doors you will start to see the following label:

WERS energy ratings are based on a basic five star rating from 0 to 5 stars. No stars indicate that the window is a very poor performer in relation to energy efficiency, whereas higher ratings, such as a five stars rating indicates excellent performance in relation to energy efficiency and comfort. Depending on the climate conditions you live in determines the types of system you require for your home, e.g. in a cold climate area you need a heating system, in a hot climate area a cooling system and in a mixed climate a mixture of both.

Window companies whose products comply with WERS are also labeled with a compliance sticker, which specifies that the product is compliant to Australian Standards, example below:

Custom ratings are where window manufacturer products are individually tested and assigned star ratings. Custom rated products frequently exceeds that of the nearest equivalent generic product. Trend Windows & Doors' aluminium, timber and uPVC ranges all have custom ratings.

When purchasing windows and doors you should be aware that the products you are buying comply and are energy rated. So look for a window manufacturer's whose products have been tested and rated. Trend Windows and Doors products are one of these manufacturers who have had their products energy rated. All Trend products are listed on WERS' web site www.wers.net