If you want to improve your property's carbon footprint and cut your fuel bills, one of the quickest ways to do it is to take steps to reduce the amount of heat lost. Insulating the loft and walls will help to do this, as will installing energy-efficient windows.
While it is not possible to eradicate heat loss through windows completely, fitting double glazing will help you to make big inroads into the amount of energy wasted in your home.
Double glazing is the most effective form of window insulation available and works on a simple principle. Each window features two panes of glass and the gap between them acts as an insulating barrier to prevent heat loss.
It may be straightforward, but it can be very worthwhile. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing double glazing in an average home could reduce the annual energy bill by £130 and cut CO2 emissions by 650kg a year.
Things to consider when buying energy-efficient windows
As with all green home improvement projects, it is important to do your research before starting work in order to identify the most suitable products.
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) operates a ratings scheme which will help you to understand whether or not you are choosing the most energy-efficient windows. It runs on an A-G scale, with A the best at preventing heat loss and providing sound insulation.
A window specialist will be able to advise you on which products are best for your home, but typically you will want something from the A-C range on the BFRC scale if you are to make a real difference to your energy bills and carbon emissions.
The most energy-efficient double glazing is usually made of low-emissivity glass. One of the two panes is given an invisible coating of metal oxide which helps the window to reflect heat back into the house.
A BFRC certification does not refer only to the glass and inspectors look at every component, so you can be assured that if you select double glazing with a good rating, you will not lose excessive heat via pane spacers and frames.
Choosing the right frame is another important consideration. The options include uPVC, wood and aluminium, all of which are available for energy-efficient windows.
Before making your final selection it is a good idea to check whether your property is in a conservation area, as there may be restrictions about what type of frames you can use. Similarly, if your home is listed, you may find your choice of windows is limited.
What other benefits does double glazing offer?
Your primary motivation for installing double glazing is likely to be to cut your energy bills and emissions, but you will find there are other advantages.
Energy-efficient windows will help to make your home a more comfortable place to live by preventing draughts, however strong the wind is outside. There should also be significantly less condensation on the inside than you would expect with single-glazed windows.
Windows that are effective at keeping heat in will also help to insulate your home against noise from outside. As a rule of thumb, the better a double glazing product's BFRC energy-efficiency rating is, the bigger its contribution to sound insulation will be.
Can you install energy-efficient windows yourself?
In theory, double glazing can be installed as a DIY project, but you need to remember that it is a skilled job.
You also need to be aware that your new energy-efficient windows must comply with the relevant building regulations and that you will have to apply for building control approval before installation.
A reputable windows specialist will not only provide a high-quality installation service, they will also ensure that all the rules and regulations are complied with. Experienced glaziers are usually registered with the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme or Certass Glazing Scheme and will be happy to confirm that for you.
How can Rated People help with your energy-efficient windows?
Using Rated People can help you to find a reputable windows specialist in your local area. Simply register with the site and post details of your job free of charge.
Rated People will introduce you to up to three suitable tradesmen interested in supplying a quote for the work.
You will then be able to use the quotes and the on-site recommendations and ratings from people who have previously used the tradesmen as the basis of a decision about who to give the work to.
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