Everybody wants a warm and comfortable home, but did you know that you could be losing heat if you don’t have energy-efficient windows?
A great solution to this is investing in energy-efficient glazing within uPVC windows. uPVC windows with insulated glazing reduce heat loss and minimise draughts saving you money on your energy bill.
Read on to find out more about energy efficient windows.
What are energy efficient windows?
Designed to increase insulation in your property and prevent energy loss, modern windows are made using a different system than standard installations.
Instead of a single pane of glass, windows are made using double or triple panes which create much better heating and cooling properties than standard installations. The uPVC window frames consist of different chambers. These chambers are working as a heat loss barrier.
You may not realise but poor windows largely contribute to heat loss within the home as air can escape through gaps and the glazing does not lock in heat. In fact, households can lose as much as 25% to 30% of heat directly through their windows.
There’s no point investing in a good (combi) boiler if the rest of your home isn’t up to standard.
Swapping your standard windows for energy-efficient alternatives can make a big difference in the overall running of your home and how comfortable it feels, especially during the colder months of the year.
Replace your old and tired windows with energy efficient windows. Get free quotes from local uPVC window installers.
How does glazing save you energy?
So, what’s so different about energy-efficient glazing? Well, the key difference is the way the panes of glass are put together and the spacing between them.
The double or triple panes of glass that create energy-efficient windows trap warm air to increase the temperature.
The main features include:
- Multiple window glass panes
- High-quality window frames
- Low-e glass coatings
- Argon or krypton gas in between panes
Window spacers
The multiple panes of glass that make up these kinds of windows need to be separated to create an air-filled space.
Spacers are small pieces of plastic or metal that sit in between each pane of glass not only increasing the structural integrity of the window but allowing noble gasses, such as argon or krypton, to fill the space and heat up.
Window spacers are not used in standard insulations as these are made from only one pane of glass. However, in energy-efficient systems, spacers play an important role in creating a gas-tight seal, preventing condensations and improve the insulation.
Gas between panes
As mentioned, between each pane of glass this space is filled with gas which largely contributes to the insulation properties of a window.
Argon and krypton are most commonly used to do this job.
Argon gas: Argon is denser than air and therefore does a better job at insulating
Krypton gas: Krypton is denser than both air and Argon offering an even higher level of insulation.
There is also the option of an Argon / Krypton mix so you can benefit from the best of both worlds.
Get insulated glazing in your uPVC window. Request your free quotes here.
How do window frames save you energy?
There are various types of framing materials that are used to reach energy-efficient levels including uPVC and wood – both of which provide thermal insulation.
But the newer generation uPVC frames have better insulation properties than wooden window frames.
Weather proofing features, such as weatherstripping around the window frame, can also protect against air leakage so no heat is lost through gaps.
Plus, chambers within a uPVC frame can create insulated air pockets to provide additional resistance against heat transfer.
What are U values?
The thermal performance of windows, which refers to how effective a material is as an insulator, is measured by the heat loss through a substance, known as the U value.
This expresses the amount of heat loss through any building element per square metre of surface.
So we can express the thermal performance of
- The glass known as the Ug value
- The frame which is the Uf or Ufr value
- Or indeed the whole window, the Uw value.
In general, the lower the U value rating the higher the efficiency of a window.
Some of the most common window panes have the following U-values:
- Single pane – 5.9
- Standard double glazing – 2.8
- IG/Low-E glazing – 1.5
- Triple glazing – 1
Types of U values include:
Uw value – this will be adding together the heat loss through the glass, the glass edge and the frame
- Ug value – indicates the thermal performance of the glass panel;
- Uf value – indicates the thermal performance of the framework;
- PSIG value – indicates the thermal performance of the glazing spacer.
How much money can I save with new uPVC windows?
As explained, the beneficial properties of new generation uPVC windows, such as double and triple glazing, can make a big difference to your annual utility bills.
As these types of windows are designed to lock in heat, this means you can lower your thermostat and adjust your boiler settings while saving money in the long run.
Compared to single pane glazing in timber framing, you could save the following amount per year by swapping to energy-efficient uPVC windows:
- Compared to single pane glazing in timber framing: £200 per year
- Compared to single pane glazing in uPVC framing: £180 per year
- Compared to double pane glazing in timber framing: £170 per year
Do you also want to save on your energy bills? Substitute your old, tired windows with energy efficient uPVC replacements . Request quotes from local uPVC window installers.
How much do energy efficient uPVC windows cost?
There are different types of uPVC windows. Here at WarmerInside you can find the cost guides for the different kinds of uPVC windows.
- Here can find out more about the costs of uPVC bay windows.
- Find out more about the costs of uPVC sash windows.
- Read more about the costs of uPVC casement windows.
- Find out more about the costs of uPVC tilt and turn windows.
Government grants for energy-efficient windows
Before you replace your windows, you should check if there are any grants that you are eligible for. You could receive a grant to help pay for your uPVC windows, or in some cases pay for them entirely. Here are the schemes available right now:
The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme
The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions and is funded by the larger energy suppliers. It is available to help pay for energy efficient improvements to your home.
It is designed to help save money, reduce carbon emissions, and support low income families. You can get advice from your current energy supplier to find out if you are eligible for the scheme.
You will need to be a homeowner and it will end when the funds have been spent so act early if you would like to apply.
Green Homes Grant
The Government are also offering a Green Homes Grant which offer vouchers to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of installing energy-efficient windows.
You must be a homeowner or landlord and could be eligible for up to £10,000 of contributions depending on your circumstances. Low income households or those on certain benefits could have the costs paid entirely. The grant will cover:
- Replacement windows.
- Double/triple glazing when it is replacing single glazing.
- Draught proofing.
- Secondary glazing.
This grant is only available to residents in England and new build homes without occupants are not eligible.
Get quotes from local uPVC window installers
Do you want to save money on energy and create a comfortable home? Install energy efficient windows with a low U-value.
Compare window installers that offer energy efficient windows through the uPVC window quotation service.