One of the benefits from installing energy efficient doors and windows is a reduction in heat loss and the lowering of energy bills, improving the comfort for you in your home in doing so. Secondly, uprating the residence’s glazing, for example double or triple glazing, reduces draughts, condensation and cold spots. Also starting with the installation of thermal curtains right the way up to new composite, wooden, aluminium or uPVC windows and doors, your curb appeal and property value are increased.
Single glass panes are less expensive, lightweight, easy to replace and fit into historic or listed buildings where some of these forbid thick double-glazed panes due to preservation rules.
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass with a space in between. Some are filled with air while others have an inert gas such as argon inside. The latter is even better as it is even more insulating than air. These reduce heat loss and improves the insulation of the window. It is also true that these fixtures keep warm air inside your property in winter.
Triple glazing is even more effective at keeping out draughts and preventing heat loss. It is also the fact that they are that much better at noise reduction if this is an issue. They too are made of more than one pane with air or gas in between.
The BFCR (British Fenestration Rating Council) operates a rating system where you can tell how effective their products are. This grading runs from A++ to E, and is assessed by checking heat loss, draughts and solar gain (how well a window does at transmitting the sun’s warmth).
The overall cost of fitting, for example, a full set of A- rated windows, for a semi-detached house will typically come to around £4,800. This self-same installation could save you £85 a year in energy bills in Great Britain. Another benefit is your carbon footprint will be reduced by 290kg of Carbon Dioxide per year.
New windows will usually be more airtight than your existing ones and will have seals round the openings. Mostly, replacements will have trickle ventilators which will provide ventilation to the appropriate rooms.
When coming across condensation between the panes of your double or triple-glazing, aim to have the glass itself replaced rather than the whole window unit.
Don’t be concerned if you notice condensation on the outside. This is normal and usually a sign that your unit is working effectively.
Doors usually have effective draught-proofing around the outer edge of the frame and the letterbox.
Composite and uPVC doors often have insulated cores. In the case of aluminium doors some do have a ‘thermal break’ where insulating material exists between the layers of the door. The dual benefits of this are keeping the interior warm in winter and cool in summer.
It is recommended and prudent to have a professional install your chosen windows and doors. Also, check to see if you live in a conservation area, in a listed building or if your property has an Article 4 Direction (A4D) which prevents certain developments. Complying with regulations could save you money in the long run.
- Bex Smith
- Bex Smith