Are Your Windows Energy Efficient? | Glaze & Save

Window Energy Efficiency Explained

Window energy efficiency ratings are set down by the British Council of Fenestration and the Glass and Glazing Federation,using a rainbow label that is similar to the rainbow system that we see on white goods, making it easy to interpret and understand the level of thermal performance of new windows.

However, older windows will not have an energy efficiency rating, so how can you decipher how energy efficient your original windows. It is often helpful to take into consideration standard U Values: for example, a single glazed sash and case window will have a U Value of around 5.5; older double glazing can also have much higher U Values than you might expect.

The lower the U Value the more thermally efficient your windows will be; this is one of the main aims of making your windows more energy efficient (particularly if you live in a chilly climate like Scotland). It is therefore beneficial to invest in products that will lower the U Value of your windows.

Making Your Windows Energy Efficient

Restoration

One of the first things you can do to original windows to make them more energy efficient is to invest in window restoration. This is not always required, but where the sills are rotting, sashes are loose and draughty, etc this can provide area where warm air can escape, making your property less energy efficient overall.

Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is a great option for lowering the U Valueand increasing the overall energy efficiency of original windows, older double glazing or simply for those who do not want to replace their existing windows. As well as providing complete draught proofing, secondary glazing such as Glaze & Save InvisiThermcan reduce the U Value of your windows from 5.5 to 1.7, making your windows as efficient as double glazing.

Even the Energy Saving Trust is a fan of secondary glazing advising that it is an ‘ideal solution if you are unable to replace your existing windows with double glazing’

Films

For hard to treat windows, or for those that require more frequent access to windows, energy efficiency can be achieved through the use of window films. InvisiFilm is professionally installedand comes with various formats: choose from films to retain heat, reject solar glare or a variety of other measures which enhance the energy efficiency of your windows.

Draught proofing

Although draught proofing in itself does not affect the energy efficiency of the window glaze itself, having effectively draught proofed windows will make an overall difference to the energy efficiency of your home. This is because draught proofing helps to capture warm air inside of your home rather than allowing it to escape outside and be replaced with cold air, increasing the warm-up times of your rooms and reducing the amount of energy required to keep them at a stable temperature. Glaze & Save InvisiSeal eliminates draughts and in the process helps reduce heating bills by 15%.

Glaze & Save InvisiTherm is an innovative bespoke magnetic secondary glazing solution that reduces noise, increases thermal efficiency and can actually eradicate condensation from your windows. Call now on 01738 562068 to arrange your free no obligation survey, or email info@glazeandsave.co.uk for more information.