In Melbourne, where the weather is famously unpredictable, aluminium windows do more than let in light, they help keep indoor spaces fresh and comfortable. As required by the Australian Building Code, all habitable rooms must have natural ventilation equal to at least 5% of the floor area. [1]One client from St Albans Street, South Melbourne, had a spacious home but struggled with poor airflow. The aluminium casement window provided an effective solution, highlighting a common issue: many people aren’t sure how to choose the best windows for ventilation. Let’s look at how to choose the right window and how different types of windows perform when it comes to air circulation.
Why is Under-house Ventilation Important?
In a temperate climate city like Melbourne, under-house ventilation isn’t just about comfort; it plays a critical role in residents’ health, structural durability, and energy efficiency. The clients had experienced serious ventilation issues in their previous home, including persistent dampness, mold, and increased energy use during both summer and winter. Learning from that, they made proper under-house ventilation a priority when building their new house in St Albans Street, South Melbourne. Let’s take a closer look at the key considerations that guided their approach.
Australian Standards
Australian Standard AS 1668 requires certain minimum airflow rates to ensure healthy indoor environments. [2] To create a healthier, cleaner, more comfortable home and ensure fresh air circulation, choosing the best windows is essential.
Health Risks Caused by Poor Ventilation
From a health perspective, poor under-house ventilation leads to humidity, mold growth, and harmful microorganisms. Over 52% of Australians have reported health issues like asthma, allergies, and fatigue linked to poor indoor air quality. [3]Long-term exposure may even damage the nervous system. With an estimated $12 billion annual cost to health and productivity[4], choosing the best windows for ventilation is not just about design—it's essential for a healthier home.
Moisture Damage and House Deterioration
Inadequate under-house ventilation will make the air more humid and produce moisture. This will gradually corrode the structure of the house, causing problems such as peeling paint, moldy wallpaper, and wood deterioration, accelerating the aging of the house, and increasing maintenance costs.
Increases Energy Costs
In Melbourne’s hot summer, many residents rely on air conditioning, which drives up electricity bills. Studies show that improving natural ventilation through well-placed windows or hybrid systems can reduce cooling energy use by up to 23%. [5]With better airflow control, families can save up to $2,000 annually on energy bills.[6] Choosing the best windows for ventilation ensures constant air exchange, reducing energy use, and creating a healthier home.
Factors to Choose The Best Windows For Ventilation
Aluminum Windows Placement and Orientation
The location and orientation of aluminum windows are equally important. When aluminum windows are installed on opposing or adjacent walls, cross ventilation is created, allowing fresh air to quickly replenish stagnant air. To maximize airflow efficiency, it's recommended to pair energy efficient windows with strategic placement—use a combination of high and low windows, where high windows help exhaust rising warm air while low windows allow cool air to enter from the bottom, creating natural convection. For coastal homes in Melbourne, a well-designed under house ventilation system plays a vital role in maintaining healthy indoor air circulation. With the city's humid sea breezes and seasonal moisture, proper ventilation helps prevent stale air buildup, improves thermal comfort, and reduces reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
Size and Number of Aluminum Windows
The size of aluminum windows affects how much air can flow through a room. Large windows are ideal for living rooms and main bedrooms, as they allow better air circulation. Smaller windows suit bathrooms or compact rooms where privacy and airflow are both important. Choosing the best windows for ventilation means looking at the layout of the home and the direction of the wind. Multiple openings help create a steady flow of fresh air throughout the house.
Ease of Operation
Windows that are hard to open and close can make it difficult to keep your home well-ventilated. Choose windows that open and close smoothly so you can easily control airflow throughout the day. Aluminium windows are a great choice, they’re lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for everyday living.
Rain Penetration
Melbourne has a changeable climate. Rain can arrive when you least expect it. Most of the time, we close the windows during rain to keep water out. But if you choose the right types of windows, some can stay open during light or moderate rain, allowing fresh air in without letting water through. This helps keep natural airflow in the house even on wet days. Aluminium windows are a smart option, they're durable, easy to use, and perform well in all weather. When choosing the best windows for ventilation, it’s important to find ones that work well in both sunshine and rain.
What Types of Windows are Best for Ventilation?
Based on the above considerations, we’ve listed some of the most popular types of aluminum windows on the market, from which you may be able to find the best window ventilation for your home. In line with the Australian Construction Code and AS2047 performance standards, AMJ’s window types are commonly used in residential builds across Australia to ensure both effective ventilation and compliance.
Window Type | Opening Style | Ventilation | Weather Adaptability | Energy Efficiency |
Aluminum Casement Window | Hinged on one side, opens outward | Excellent when fully opened | Moderate – not ideal during rain | Good – reduces heat loss |
Aluminum Sliding Window | Slides horizontally | Moderate – opens 1/3 to 2/3 of width | Fair – best for mild conditions | Average – basic sealing |
Aluminum Awning Window | Hinged at top, opens outward from bottom | Good – allows airflow even in light rain | Excellent – can remain open during rain | Good – often used with double glazing |
Dual function: inward swing or top tilt | Excellent – adaptable to weather conditions | Excellent – tilting function protects from rain | Very Good – tight seal and flexibility | |
Aluminium Glass Louver | Multiple horizontal blades, tilt open together | Excellent – precise airflow control | Moderate – limited rain protection depending on angle | Fair – General sealing, better suited for warm climates |
FAQs
Why Choose Aluminium Windows for Ventilation?
Aluminium windows are strong, lightweight, and easy to open, making them ideal for everyday airflow. AMJ’s aluminum double glazed windows are easy to open, durable. As energy efficient windows, they improve comfort and reduce power bills, making them a smart choice for natural ventilation.
Can One Aluminum Window Ventilate a Room?
One well-placed aluminum window can provide basic ventilation, especially if it opens wide. For better airflow, pair it with other energy efficient windows or use a cross-ventilation design.
What Type of Windows are the Most Energy Efficient?
Double-glazed windows, especially those with aluminum frames, are among the most energy efficient windows. They reduce heat loss, block outside noise, and help maintain indoor comfort year-round.
How often should you air out your house?
It is recommended to ventilate the house at least once a day. In warmer months, you can ventilate more frequently to keep the house cooler, while in colder months, you can ventilate less frequently to avoid excessive heat loss. This will provide under-house ventilation and remove accumulated moisture and odors.
Do window vents make a room cold?
The answer is no, windows are key to keeping the air in your home fresh and dry. Whether it's a sliding window, a casement window, or an awning window, they can be opened in any weather condition. As long as you control the degree to which you open the windows, you can better ventilate the house without overcooling the room.
Conclusion
Choosing the best window for ventilation is an important decision that affects the future health of your home. AMJ’s aluminum windows meet Australian energy efficiency standards, easily saving you energy and reducing energy consumption costs. Now that you are familiar with the various window options and their ventilation benefits, we hope you are ready to make a smarter choice for your home!
References
[1]Standards Australia. (2024). Australian Building Code: Natural ventilation requirements for habitable rooms. Retrieved from https://www.standards.org.au/
[2]Standards Australia. (2024). Spotlight on AS 1668:2024–The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings. Retrieved from https://www.standards.org.au/blog/spotlight-on-as-1668-2024?utm_source
[3]Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health impacts of poor indoor air quality in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/health/indoor-air-quality
[4]Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).(n.d.).Indoor air quality. Retrieved from https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/air-quality/indoor-air?utm_source
[5]Wang, Z., de Dear, R., & Candido, C. (2018). Impacts of natural ventilation on building cooling energy consumption – A review. Energy and Buildings, 172, 101 113. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S03787788182006806?utm_source
[6]Climate Council. (2023). How better ventilation and energy upgrades can save households up to $2,000 annually. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2023-04-19/climate-council-household-savings-energy-bills-costs-winter/102233588?utm_source
Disclaimer: Some of the content in this article are sourced from third parties. If you believe your rights have been infringed, please contact us promptly for removal.
Post time：2025-05-09
