Energy efficiency – save money and the planet
Investing in home improvements is a short-term cost for long-term benefits. Whether this is to upgrade and improve décor, replace and repair structural elements or increase living space – they are all focused on improving quality of life though cost-effective investment.
At a time when we are all having to be more focused on energy efficiency, both from a cost and environmental perspective, understanding the benefits of replacement windows has never been more relevant.
Clarifying the benefits
Comfort
A warm, cosy home is a pleasure to be in and come home to. Efficient windows mean fewer draughts and cold zones within the home.
Cost
Energy efficient windows reduce heat loss. This fact has a very real impact on heating your home both from a financial and environmental perspective.
Condensation
High performance windows reduce condensation on the inside through draught-free ventilation, creating a healthier living environment.
Calm
Not only do they keep heat in, energy efficient windows keep external noise out, ensuring a quieter place to live, work and relax.
Understanding the technology
Energy efficient windows are available in a range of frame materials and styles. Their performance depends on how efficiently these materials prevent heat loss, how much sunlight comes through the glass and how little air can flow around the frame.
Two (or three) panes of glass are sealed in a single unit, surrounded by a frame, which is usually made of PVCu, wood or aluminium. The gap between the glazing within the sealed unit, usually about 16mm, creates a vacuum, which effectively seals in warmth.
Integral trickle vents allow effective control of ventilation, so that loss of warm air is minimised, whilst ensuring comfortable airflow.
PlatinumNRG
Our PVCu windows are produced by PlatinumNRG, regarded as one of the best performing products available on the market. The technology combines a multi-chamber sealed unit with high performance glazing to achieve unrivalled energy efficiency.
PlatinumNRG frames are manufactured in Britain and made from 100% lead-free PVCu. They incorporate advanced engineering to provide the highest levels of security.
The thermal properties of PlatinumNRG standard windows mean that they can achieve an ‘A’ Rating by the BFRC WER (British Fenestration Rating Council, Window Energy Rating) system.
A+ certification can be achieved through the use of the highest grade energy efficient glass and additional PVCu frame elements.
Reaping the rewards
In the UK, our homes produce a quarter of all CO² emissions. Energy efficient windows will help reduce heat loss so you need to use less energy to keep your home warm.
As an example, PlatinumNRG units provide up to three times more thermal insulation than standard double glazing.
Thermo-efficient glazing allows ideal levels of sunlight through the outer pane, so that that the home benefits from the sun’s heat. The inner pane uses an advanced glass coating, which reflects heat back into the room.
According to the Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, significant savings can be achieved by installing A-Rated double glazing in a gas heated home:
| Energy rating: A | Energy rating: B | Energy rating: C | |
| Detached | £120 – £155 | £110 – £140 | £105 – £135 |
| Semi-detached | £80 – £110 | £75 – £100 | £75 – £95 |
| Mid terrace | £65 – £85 | £60 – £80 | £60 – £75 |
| Bungalow | £55 – £75 | £50 – £70 | £50 – £65 |
| Mid-floor flat | £40 – £55 | £35 – £55 | £35 – £50 |
Important considerations when replacing windows
There are certain aspects to consider when replacing your windows, such as whether the locality in which you live is a conservation area and, of course, whether your property is listed or has any particular planning stipulations.
Conservation areas
These are areas of special architectural or historical significance or interest. This means that any work carried out on your home must preserve or enhance the character of the property, and therefore the area in which you live. This may cause restrictions on the work that you are able to do to your windows.
This does not necessarily mean you can’t replace your windows, but it will mean that you need to carefully consider your choice to ensure it complements the property and the area.
Listed buildings
Similarly, with listed buildings, permission or further research may be required when you are looking to replace your windows, to ensure that the style and materials used are compliant.
Sash windows
Common features of period homes and a popular design choice, original sash windows are made of a single pane of glass in two vertically sliding frames. By their nature, they are not airtight.
The good news is that with contemporary replacement sash windows, you can replicate the original design of your property’s windows, whilst incorporating thermo-efficient benefits.
Take the next step
If you are thinking about investing in the long-term energy efficiency of your home, visit our showroom where you can see the technology behind the windows first hand.
Or, to book a design consultation, please call us on 01444 45 71 45.