How to Improve Your Home's Thermal Efficiency this Winter
The smart way to stay warm, save energy, and cut costs this winter
Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing home, improving your thermal efficiency is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Not only does it keep your indoor spaces more comfortable all year round, but it also reduces energy bills and helps create a healthier, comfier home.
Let’s examine what thermal efficiency really means, why double glazing matters, and how DuCo Group can help you warm your home and reduce your power bill this winter.
Why Thermal Efficiency Should Be a Priority in Your Home
Thermal efficiency refers to how well your home retains heat in winter and keeps it out in summer. In New Zealand, we are exposed to a range of weather conditions, from icy winters to hot, humid summers. Without proper insulation and efficient joinery, considerable energy gets lost through your windows and doors.
Fact: Up to 50% of a home’s heat can be lost through its windows, even though they only comprise about 10% of the building envelope.
That’s why energy-efficient windows, high-performance glass, and professional installation are so important.
Step 1: Choose Smarter Window and Door Systems
At DuCo Group, we offer a range of thermal window and door systems designed to reduce heat loss and enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
ThermalHEART® Aluminium Joinery
This advanced system utilises a thermal break to minimise heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home.
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Double thermal performance compared to standard aluminium
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Supports passive ventilation and advanced glazing options
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Built to handle New Zealand’s unique climate zones
KLIMA® uPVC Windows and Doors
Made from durable, UV-resistant uPVC, these systems offer outstanding insulation and are ideal for high-performance homes.
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Naturally thermally efficient, so no need for thermal breaks
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Highly resistant to salt, sun, and temperature extremes
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Great for noise reduction and airtight construction
Step 2: Upgrade to Double Glazing and Low-E Glass
Choosing the right glazing is just as important as the joinery. All our systems support double glazing, which offers significantly better insulation than single-glazed windows.
Our Top Glass Options:
Solux-E Low-E Glass: Reflects infrared heat and reduces UV damage without sacrificing light.
Solux Ultra: A step up with built-in solar control ideal for homes with a lot of sun.
Argon Gas-Filled Units: Improve insulation by filling the space between glass panes with inert gas.
Pro Tip: Combine Low-E double glazing with thermally broken or uPVC frames for the best performance in all weather.
Step 3: Nail the Installation
Even the most advanced products won’t perform if installed incorrectly. That’s why we offer the Centrafix™ installation method, which improves thermal performance by over 20% by aligning insulation layers and reducing cold bridging.
You’ll get:
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Better airtightness
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Consistent thermal flow
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Fewer drafts and heat leaks
Step 4: Understand the Numbers - U-Values and R-Values
Thermal efficiency is often measured using two key ratings:
U-Value: Measures heat transfer (lower = better). A low U-value means less heat escapes your home.
R-Value: Measures thermal resistance (higher = better). A high R-value means better insulation.
At DuCo Group, we can help you understand these ratings and choose the right combination of materials, glass, and installation methods for your home.
Step 5: Keep It Fresh With Passive Ventilation
Good thermal design includes airflow. We offer a range of built-in passive ventilation options that improve indoor air quality while supporting energy efficiency.
Options include:
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Aerovent™ – Simple, effective venting
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Ventient® – Auto-adjusting airflow that works with the weather
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Sashvent™ – Ideal for secure natural ventilation
These systems help reduce condensation, which is especially important in high-humidity areas.
The DuCo Group Difference
Here’s why homeowners and builders across New Zealand choose DuCo Group for thermal efficiency and double glazing upgrades:
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Built for NZ – All products are designed and manufactured locally
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Future-Ready – We stay ahead of the latest building code updates
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Start-to-Finish Support – Design advice, quoting, manufacturing, installation, and aftercare
Ready to create a warmer, smarter, more thermally efficient home and save on power this winter?
Whether you're looking to upgrade to double-glazed windows, improve insulation, or install smarter joinery from the ground up, we're here to help.
Talk to our team at DuCo Group today and let’s build something better together.
