When renovating your home installing energy efficient glazing is a no brainer, it helps reduce your bills and carbon footprint. This can be achieved through the use of double, triple glazing, secondary glazing or even thicker curtains.
How much can new windows save on energy?
Figures from the Energy Saving Trust suggest that replacing single-glazed windows on a mid-size terrace house could save the owner up to £65 per year, this rises to £120 for a detached property. This excellent chart show the potential savings between house type by replacing your single glazing with double glazing during the course of one year in the U.K.
In addition to double glazing MPS also provide triple glazing which would further increase these impressive savings outlined above.
Most efficient window materials?
uPVC Frames
From an ecology perspective uPVC frames have fantastic durability and can be recycled. MPS recycle 99% of the products that we replace and we would expect the same when those windows are replaced at the end of their lifespan.
Wood Frames
MPS do not supply wood frames but we totally understand their appeal, particularly for period properties and in conservation areas where the original windows had timber frames.
Aluminium Frames
Aluminium frames provide long lasting protection and can be recycled. Metal frames will conduct heat more readily than composite frames.
Composite frames
Composite frames offer excellent protection from the elements, reducing the need for maintenance however they are the most expensive window option.
Types of energy efficient windows
Windows are rated from A to G, by the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) on their thermal efficiency with A being the most efficient. For a property to meet ‘Energy Saving Recommendation’ certification, windows must have a C rating or above. MPS’s go above and beyond these standards and can achieve an energy rating of A++ (A energy rated as standard).
With greater window efficiency comes increased heat retention. This ultimately means you will save money on your energy bills. Further savings can be made through the installation of low-e or low emissivity windows.
- An additional layer of insulation
- Increased security
- Helps to reduce damp
- Limits outdoor noise that can make its way into your home
What is a low e glass?
Low-E, or low-emissivity, is thermally efficient glass that minimises the amount of ultraviolet light and infrared passing through your glass, whilst still allowing light to pass through. Each pane of glass has a wafer thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat, in doing so this prevents heat escaping your home and reduces the need for supplementary energy. This is installed as standard with MPS products.
Triple glazed vs double glazed windows
Double-glazing unsurprisingly refers to 2 panes of glass, which acts as an additional layer of insulation versus traditional single glazing. The next iteration of double glazing sees the panes of glass separated by gas, typically argon. Triple glazing simply adds an additional pane of glass, further increases energy efficiency but come at an additional financial cost.
We often deal with customers in conservation areas or listed properties with single glazed windows. In these cases wholesale window changes are not viable or often permitted. In these scenarios are often the most viable and cost effective option is secondary glazing as it can be installed to an existing windows without the need for a full replacement. Last but not least, a frequently overlooked energy saving method is buying heavy curtains or blinds – something virtually every household can implement.
The Pros & Cons of Double Glazing & Triple Glazing?
Advantages of Triple Glazing
- Greater for heat efficiency
- Enhanced noise reduction
- Minimises areas of hot & cold in the home
- Better for minimising condensation
- Makes the window more secure
- Initial outlay more expensive but more effective in longer term.
Advantages of Double Glazing
- Cheaper to buy
- Thinner frames
- Lighter windows mean less strain on the hinges & corner joints
- Triple glazed windows with float glass (aka the middle pane) can have issues with cracking due to temperature differences, this means toughened glass is preferable - but this is more expensive.
Benefits of energy efficient windows
- A more comfortable home – energy efficient glazing reduces heat loss through windows and means fewer draughts and cold spots.
- Peace and quiet – not only do they keep the heat in, energy efficient windows insulate your home against external noise.
- Reduced condensation – energy efficient glazing reduces condensation build up on the inside of windows.
Installing energy efficient glazing
Before installing new glazing its best to check with your local planning office if any of the following points apply to your property:
- Your home sits within a conservation area
- Your home is listed
- Your house has on article 4 direction on it (no rights for development)
How much do energy efficient windows cost?
Providing an answer to this question is tricky as it depends on a variety of factors including the size of your home, the number of windows, the size of those windows and the specification of the materials used for the frame and glass.
If you would like to learn how you can save energy and money on your home please click on the ‘online quote’ button below.
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