Did you know that 18% of heat loss in homes in the UK occurs through the windows, and around 7% of households have no double glazing on their property?
Heat is lost through single glazing twice as fast compared to double-glazed windows, so the installation of energy-efficient windows can keep your home more comfortable throughout the year, and also help to lower your energy bills by trapping heat inside.
Our team of professional window installers have over 40 years of experience in the installation of brand-new energy-efficient windows across the South Coast.
For a free no-obligation quote from a Which? Trusted Trader company recommended by over 94% of customers, get in touch today.
What are Energy Efficient Windows?
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) rates the thermal efficiency of windows from A to G. A is the most efficient, with A+ and A++ ratings being given to extremely highly energy-efficient windows, and G-ratings being the worst.
To meet the minimum energy-saving recommendation certification, windows in a building must be at least C-rated. The more energy efficient a window is, the more it will help to keep the heat in your home; saving you money on your heating bills.
When choosing new windows, it is important to consider and compare the overall window properties, as they will have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of your home.
Types of Energy-Efficient Glazing or Glass
The most important factor regarding the energy efficiency of your windows is your selection of glazing.
While single-glazed windows are more common in older buildings, almost every new efficient building will be using double or triple-glazed windows.
Below, we explain some of the most common window technologies you may encounter when shopping for new windows.
Double and Triple Glazing
Double and triple glazing refers to windows with two or more panes of glass. They feature a 1/2″ gap between each pane of glass which is filled with an innate gas, such as argon, to provide a greater level of insulation and minimise heat transfer.
Spacers are also used in these windows to keep the layers of glazing the correct distance apart, whilst providing extra room for thermal expansion and differences in pressure within the window itself. This is also a great defence against condensation and prevents the gas within from escaping.
Low-Emissivity Coatings
Low-emissivity coatings are applied to windows to reduce the amount of heat the glass absorbs, helping to reduce heat transfer by up to 50%. These coatings are able to reflect heat back into your home, increasing the thermal efficiency of your windows.
Types of Energy-Efficient Frames and Sash Windows
Opting for window frame materials that have a high thermal resistance will contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your windows and home.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to all frame materials, however, the following materials offer greater thermal resistance compared to others.
Aluminium or Metal Frames
Although aluminium and other metal window frames are extremely strong and require very little maintenance over their lifetime, they can conduct heat very quickly. This heat can then transfer to the outside and cause your home to lose warmth, which increases the frequency at which you’ll be putting your heating on.
Aluminium and other metal window frames can be fine if they are installed with a thermal break, a plastic strip between the inside and outside of the frame, to reduce heat transfer.
Composite Frames
Composite window frames consist of composite materials like particleboard and laminated strand lumber combined with a mix of polymer plastics.
These composite materials are extremely stable, providing far better thermal and structural stability compared to standard wood alongside better resistance to moisture and decay.
UPVC Frames
UPVC windows are manufactured from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride and contain ultraviolet light stabilisers which prevent sunlight from causing the material to break down. UPVC windows do not need to be painted, and they boast extremely high resistance to moisture.
They can also be filled with an additional layer of insulation, rendering them thermally superior to standard wooden and vinyl frames due to the significantly reduced risk of thermal transfer.
Wood Frames
Wooden window frames have the potential to provide good levels of insulation, however, they can require more frequent maintenance compared to other materials. Aluminium and vinyl cladding can reduce the maintenance required for wooden windows, however, frames with cladding can offer a lower thermal performance.
Operating Types
Another important consideration when choosing new windows for your home is how the windows operate.
All operable windows can have undesirable air leakage which decreases the energy efficiency of your home, however, your choice of operating type can impact the overall performance of your windows. Classic operating types include:
- Awning
- Hopper
- Sliding
- Fixed
- Double-hung
- Casement
Air leakage rates will vary depending on the type and quality of weatherstripping and seals being used, and this can increase over time due to wear and tear.
Choose a Which? Trusted Trader to Install Double Glazing
The glass in your window is an important part of your home’s energy efficiency, but they work best when combined with window frames that don’t cause your home to lose heat. From UPVC to wood and aluminium, we offer a number of highly energy-efficient window frames which are great for preventing heat loss and saving you money on your bills.
For energy-efficient windows installed by Which? Trusted Traders and highly rated Checkatrade professionals, get in touch with our team today.
FAQs
The most energy-efficient kinds of windows are double and triple-glazed, however, the most energy-efficient glass you can use is low-emissivity glass. Because of the microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on the internal side of the glass, heat can be reflected back into your home without blocking out any of the light.
UPVC is the best material for energy-efficient windows as it offers the greatest levels of insulation. You’ll find that your UPVC windows never get too cold in the winter, and are able to withstand scorching summer temperatures. With UPVC windows, you can expect energy savings of up to 30%.
Compared to A+-rated windows, A-rated windows will only release as much heat as they let in from outside. An A+ window will let in more heat from the outside than it releases, meaning it has a significantly lower thermal transfer rate, helping your home to stay warm.
