The recent launch of the new-look WERS For Film program will irrevocably change the nature of the Australian window film industry.

WERS For Film enables window films to be rated and labelled for their annual energy impact on a whole house or building, in any climate of Australia. Results provide accurate, third-party verified information about the energy efficiency of the film applied to glass.

Previously, only one window type was used in the simulations - 3mm glass in an aluminium frame. WERS has just completed an expansion to three other window types:

•      Standard Generic Aluminium Window with 3mm Clear Glass

•      Standard Generic Aluminium Window with 3mm Clear / 6mm Air Gap / 3mm Clear Glass

•      Standard Generic Timber / uPVC Window with 3mm Clear Glass

•      Standard Generic Timber / uPVC Window with 3mm Clear / 6mm Air Gap / 3mm Clear Glass

 

The new ratings are designed to ‘plug in’ to NatHERS, Australia's Nationwide House Energy Rating Software.

Film data will be included in the library files available for download from the AFRC Data Portal. By following the instructions on the portal, users can download the library file for the specific NatHERS software. Library files for AccuRate will be available with the launch of the portal, and FirstRate and BERS will soon follow suit.

These new developments will impact assessors, architects, specifiers, builders and of course home owners, who can now accurately and confidently compare the energy impact of different applied films.

The applied film resides in the International Glazing Database (IGDB) for download into window systems, and WERS-rated films must meet all relevant Australian Standards.

For more information please visit www.wfaanz.org.au/WERS.

The Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ) represents film manufacturers and installers, while providing resources regarding the types of window film available. The website www.wfaanz.org.au lists installers across Australia, WERS rated films, WERS certified installers and contains contact details if more information is required.