A Guide to Energy Efficient Windows

Double-glazing your windows is a fantastic upgrade. It gives your home a great new look. Are you looking to add value with better curb appeal? Do you just want a facelift for yourself? Windows are the clear first choice. New windows and doors also increase your home’s energy efficiency. This reduces your carbon footprint and your energy bills.

This short guide examines energy efficient windows. We will look at how double-glazing saves energy. We will also cover what to look for when you replace your windows and doors.

How We Rate Energy Efficient Windows

Three factors rate a window’s energy efficiency:

Solar Heat Gain: The sun’s rays transfer heat into your home. The window retains this heat.
Air Loss: Heat escapes your home through gaps in the window frame.
Thermal Loss: Heat transfers from inside to outside through conduction.

The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) rates windows on these criteria. This gives you an at-a-glance view of energy performance. All windows rate from A++ to E. A++ provides the best available energy performance.

How Energy Efficient Windows Work

Advanced manufacturing techniques create the most energy efficient windows. They maximize the above criteria in these ways:

Solar Heat Gain

A microscopic reflective layer is on the inside pane of glass. It lets sunlight and heat enter your home. It then reflects the heat back inside. This maximizes heat gained from the sun.

Air Loss

Seals between the glass and frame minimize gaps. Effective opening mechanisms also help. This dramatically reduces air loss.

Thermal Loss

Adding a second or third pane of glass increases the material heat must pass through. This slows the rate air inside your home cools. The air or gas-filled cavity also warms from the inside air. This creates an additional layer of insulation.

Manufacturers also build cavities inside energy efficient window frames. This creates a layer of thermal insulation within the frame itself.

Energy efficient windows cut your heating bills. They also reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, they give your home a welcome lift. If you are interested in upgrading, speak to Matthew Oliver Windows today. Click here to obtain your free quote.