Rising fuel prices and climate change means the topic of energy efficiency is on many people’s minds at the moment. Most homeowners who do a little research will find ways to improve their property’s performance, including installing high-quality window insulation.
All properties lose heat through their windows, but the type of glazing you have will make a big difference to how much. Along with fitting loft and wall insulation, installing the right windows is one of the most effective steps you can take to reduce heat loss, energy usage and fuel bills.
In most homes fitting double glazing will be the best solution. It works on the simple principle that the gap between the two panes of glass acts as a barrier to prevent heat loss, thereby making an immediate impact on fuel bills. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that converting from single to double glazing will reduce the average home’s annual fuel bill by £130, as well as helping the environment by cutting CO2 emissions by 650kg a year.
However, not all double glazing is of the same quality and that installed prior to 2002 is unlikely to be anywhere near as effective at reducing heat loss as modern products. It is important to do your research before you make any decisions about what type of windows you want to fit, as well checking the relevant planning and listed-building regulations.
One of your first ports of call when looking for double glazing should be the ratings scheme run by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). It uses an A-G scale to indicate how energy efficient a particular window is, with A the most effective at reducing heat loss and acting as sound insulation. The assessors look at every component, rather than just the glass itself, before making a decision, so if you choose a product with a good rating you can be sure you will not lose an excessive amount of heat via the frames and pane spacers.
Experienced glaziers will provide you with advice about how to choose the right windows for your home. But there are things you need to remember when considering the recommendations.
The most obvious is the BFRC scale, as you will almost always need double glazing in the A-C range in order to make worthwhile inroads into your energy bills. The best double glazing on the market is made of low-emissivity glass – often referred to as Low-E glass. One of the panes has one side covered in a virtually invisible coating of metal oxide, which lets sunlight and heat in, but also limits the amount of heat that gets out. The two panes are likely to have a gas such as argon or xenon in between them, with warm-edge spacers keeping them apart.
As well as reducing energy bills by cutting heat loss, good-quality double glazing will help to make your home more comfortable. Window insulation should result in fewer draughts and also reduce the amount of noise you hear from outside.
How the windows look is also important to most people and as energy-efficient windows are available with wood, uPVC and aluminium frames, it should be possible to find something you like. Wood frames are likely to be a useful option if you live in a conservation area.
Once you have chosen the style of energy-efficient windows you want, you will need to consider how you will have them installed. Theoretically double glazing can be fitted as a DIY project, but as it is a job that requires specific skills and knowledge, you will almost certainly want to use an experienced installer.
The professional will not only ensure the windows are correctly installed so that you gain the maximum benefit in terms of reduced energy bills, they will also be able to help you navigate the various legal guidelines you need to comply with. There are strict building regulations relating to windows and if you are not an experienced installer, you will also need to apply for building control approval before beginning work.
Using a recommendations service such as Ratedpeople.com can help you to find a reputable windows specialist in your area. But you should also remember to check that they belong to one of the industry’s competency bodies, such as the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme or Certass Glazing Scheme.
