Windows play a pivotal role in our homes, and are the barrier between our cosy safe place and the outside world. Whilst they’re great at inviting natural light and (often) scenic views into our rooms, they can also play a big part in whether or not our home is energy efficient.
Surprisingly, an average home loses 10% of its costly heat through its windows, resulting in not only higher energy bills but a bigger environmental strain. If you’re struggling with this, energy-efficient windows may just be the solution – offering security for our homes, wallets and the planet.
It’s often difficult to decipher and understand where to start when we make the decision to upgrade our windows, so we’ve put together a short, handy guide to help you.
Lets start with the basics:
What is Double-Glazing?
Double-glazing consists of 2 sheets of glass, with a gap in-between. This gap is filled with either air or an insert gas, such as argon. This gap in-between is key to reducing heat transfer, in order to keep the warm air in, and the cold air out.
How does it help my home?
It’s a common misconception that the air gap ‘traps’ heat, but this isn’t actually the case. The gap slows down thermal transfer via conduction – so slows down the movement of heat. This means less heat is escaping when you heat your house, reducing your energy costs when you need it most.
By reducing the amount of heat you lose, this also reduces the reliance on gas and other fuels to help your property. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions – it’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
Our recent blog discusses some other hidden benefits in more detail.
Energy-Efficient Ratings
It’s often difficult to determine how efficient certain windows will be off the bat – every home is different. However, BFRC have a handy rating scale to help you out.
The scale ranges from A++ to E – with A++ being the most efficient rating. The scores are determined by assessing the entire window for heat loss, draughts and solar gain.
Another helpful indicator is U-values. A U-value is a measure of how easily heat passes through. It doesn’t give you a complete indicator of how efficient a window will be, but it’s always helpful information to be aware of.
The glass and glazing federation have a calculator that can illustrate potential estimated savings through energy efficient windows and doors. Get your estimate here.
Energy-efficient windows is a vast topic, but we hope the basics have informed your decision on upgrading your windows.
If you’re ready to take the leap and begin the process of a more energy-efficient home, get in contact with us here.
