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Archive for the ‘Energy Rated Windows’ Category

Replacement Windows & Doors can significantly improve older properties in Wales

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Living in an older property is a dream come true for some people. Many older properties have features which modern properties lack such as beams, high ceiling and original fireplaces. No matter how people try to give modern properties a traditional look it will never look as good as the genuine article. However there are also draw backs to living in an older property. Fortunately modern technology can solve many of these. Common complaints about older properties are that they are draughty, expensive to keep warm and outside noise can be an issue. Installing double glazing can solve all these issues in one go.

The great thing about double glazing is that not only does it make your home a more enjoyable place to live but it also a good investment as it adds value to the property and makes it more desirable to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell. Older windows tend to be draughty and as they are single glazed they allow the heat from inside the house to escape.

Therefore to keep your house warm you must generate more heat which will increase your gas and electricity bills. By installing double glazing you will reduce the amount of heat lost considerably therefore allowing you to turn your heating down and save you money on your utility bills.

You may be wondering how double glazing works? It is quite simple really as the name suggests. There are two panes of glass and a  gap is left between them and they are then sealed. It is the gap which acts as an insulator and keeps the heat inside the property. The gap also acts as a sound barrier and helps to reduce outside noise.

Living in an older property is a fantastic experience and you should not be put off because it does not have all the mod cons of a modern property. Many of the modern technologies such as double glazing can now be installed into older properties.

For more information on Replacement Windows Wales, Replacement Windows Cardiff, Replacement Windows Bristol, Replacement Windows Gloucester and Replacement Windows Hereford – visit www.greenwayupvc.com – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the choice available from Greenway.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Double Glazing Bristol, Double Glazing Cardiff, Double Glazing Gloucester, Double Glazing Wales, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »

National Window Scrappage Scheme – will it save the planet?

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has recently petitioned the government to introduce a National Window Scrappage Scheme. Under the proposed scheme it is hoped that householders will be encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation costs of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones. Consumer benefits would include the £1000 saving, a domestic cosmetic facelift, lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes.

So could uPVC windows and doors be the answer to saving the planet?
No doubt any upturn in sales would trigger questions about the disposal of old PVC windows and doors in an environmentally responsible way. Despite the fact that it is often said that PVC is not recyclable, this is simply not true so there is no need for alarm. There is a range of methods already available for deriving residual value from used plastics products. In fact, PVC, like all other thermoplastic materials, can be recycled relatively straightforwardly.

The uPVC window industry has been criticised in the past, for an apparent lack of post-use recycling. But it is now common practice to recover and recycle factory wastes and / or off-cuts after the window has been fabricated. These materials are then incorporated with virgin polymer to produce further long life products including window profiles.

A company that has been at the forefront of collection and recycling of redundant uPVC materials is Ecoplas Limited. Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, Ecoplas is a company that specialises in post consumer recycling. Ecoplas has invested in the necessary, plant equipment and new technology to handle and process substantial volumes of post consumer materials.

Managing Director of Ecoplas, Ian Tippett commented on the recent proposal. “Whilst I feel it is a good idea to incentivise homeowners to make energy efficient changes, it is equally as important to prevent post consumer windows and doors going to landfill. Our company specialises in this area and it is both environmentally beneficial and cost effective. At Ecoplas we have the capability to process old window frames and convert them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products. We are keen to expand our operations in this area and to support companies wishing to show a real commitment to deal with their post consumer waste responsibly”.

Ecoplas have a fleet of vehicles to collect post consumer waste which includes 50cu yd roll on roll off skips. Through arrangements with waste transfer stations and waste management companies Ecoplas receive bulk loads of end of life PVC windows and doors. Ecoplas can therefore also assist companies who may be tendering and negotiating for public or private sector contracts where environmental considerations and policies are key elements of the contract.

Ecoplas is one of the leading uPVC recycling operations in the UK – to find out more visit www.ecoplas.co.uk

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Posted in Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, Replacement Windows, Window Scrappage Scheme, uPVC Windows | 1 Comment »

National Window Scrappage Scheme is it a trick or a treat? Witch is it?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

A National Double Glazing company is currently running a TV advert which seems to offer a “national” window scrappage scheme. The view of a local Double Glazing blogger brings into question the validity of this National Scheme.

Below is a response from a on his blog to valid a question from Emma who says she is looking for replacement double glazing:

“Hi Emma, The real Window Scrappage Scheme has been proposed to the Government through a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, but as yet there is no official scheme unless Government policy changes. You obviously saw a TV advert from Anglian Windows who have created their own marketing campaign on this subject.”

Under what seems to be a totally “unofficial” window scrappage scheme, potential customers are appearing to being offered “up to £2,000 off”, but as there is no retail price list, and the fact that “minimum order values apply”, it does just sound like a marketing gimmick, rather than a genuine subsidy”.

Am sure you all agree that a government backed  “Window Scrappage Scheme” would be a great treat to us all. If you agree why not sign up to the GGF petition to get the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme, to enable homeowners to install environmentally friendly energy efficient, energy saving windows.

So if you are considering replacing any windows, don’t be tricked into believing there is a government national window scrappage scheme, sadly at present there is not, but hopefully if enough people sign the Glass and Glazing Federation’s petition, then the government mind see the benefits for such a scheme.

Want to share your experience of the Window Scrappage Scheme or simply post your comments or questions online CLICK HERE To Post your Comments Online

If you want to show your support to Glass & Glazing Federations Window Scrappage Scheme – simply add your name to the Online Petition.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, GGF, Glass & Glazing Federation, Replacement Windows, Window Scrappage Scheme | 1 Comment »

Energy Efficient windows boost

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Green groups have welcomed a European Commission proposal to release billions of euros of structural funding to pay for the installation of energy efficient double-glazing in homes across Europe.

The Commission will on Wednesday ask member states to change funding rules to allow local authorities to use EU regional funds to pay for energy-saving measures in low-income households. Current regulations restrict funding for household energy-efficiency to the new member states in eastern Europe.

Relaxing the rules would create jobs in the construction and energy certification sectors, reduce the EU’s energy consumption and bringing down heating bills for those worst hit by the recession, the Commission says.

Frauke Thies, of environmental campaign group Greenpeace, said it was an ‘important step in the right direction’.

‘This is a big part of the European move towards using energy more effectively’, Ms Thies said. ‘For low-income households, energy costs are still making up a large share of the domestic budget. These sorts of households might hesitate to make investments in double-glazing or putting in a more efficient boiler’.

According to recent Commission figures, homes account for more than a quarter of total EU energy consumption.

Danuta Habner, the EU’s regional policy commissioner, said it was a ‘win-win measure’.

“This will save energy, cut emissions, bring down fuel bills for the most vulnerable in society and help the construction industry and SMEs in particular”, Ms Habner said. ‘We hope that the Council and the European Parliament will adopt this proposal without delay and that Member States will move quickly to set up schemes to harness this investmen.’

Andris Piebalgs, commissioner for energy, said the move would help European citizens improve the quality of their homes while making a ’substantial contribution’ to climate change and security of supply policies.

Double Glazing plays a big part in energy efficiency within homes in the UK. For more information visit www.westyorkshirewindows.co.uk.

Or for conservatories try Conservatory Outlet!

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Posted in Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »

Advice for getting double glazing quotes

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

If you’re currently in the market for double glazing, then we’ve compiled 32 top tips to help you through the process:

1. If you can’t afford to replace all your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.
2. Be aware that double glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, this may affect the overall price dramatically.
3. Ask whether the supplier can offer energy rated windows.
4. Sometimes planning permission may be required, especially in areas of conservation and listed buildings.
5. Having an advert in the Yellow Pages does NOT mean the company is reputable.
6. Being the biggest advertiser does not mean they are the best choice.
7. Speak to friends and contacts and ask for recommendations.
8. Remember, companies in the UK can be closed and then re-open under a different name, so be careful.
9. 10% is the usual deposit for uPVC windows.
10. Larger deposits may be required for larger or unique jobs.
11. Ask the company if they offer any finance options, like buy now pay later.
12. Withhold the final payment until the work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.
13. Do not go for the cheapest quote.
14. Haggling too low may cause the less professional suppliers to sell you short later down the line.
15. Get the best that your budget can afford.
16. Ask the supplier how long the delivery and installation will be.
17. Try get the delivery date fixed into the contract.
18. Also ask for an estimated completion date once they are on-site.
19. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
20. If possible, pay with credit card for the entire project, this will give you a 30 day period to make any claims.
21. Double check any contracts before you sign.
22. Be sure of what you want BEFORE you speak to the salesman.
23. Be specific in your dealings with the sales person. A specific requirement and a specific quote is the only way to avoid problems later on.
24. Avoid national companies if you don’t want the hard sell.
25. Check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.
26. Find out how long they have been in business.
27. Check with Companies House to verify.
28. Ask them what guarantees they offer.
29. Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited?
30. Ask which quality standards they use/are associated with.
31. Ask about public liability insurance.
32. Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong?

If you follow all of the above, you should have a safe and pleasant Double Glazing experience, also, at the end of the research process, use the double glazing company checklist below for extra peace of mind:

Ask yourself: Has the Double Glazing Company given:

1. Full and honest information.
2. Samples
3. Installations locally to look at
4. Recommendations.
5. The small print
6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms
7. Full drawings and specification (if you don’t have them prepared first).
8. Time to think!

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Posted in Conservatory Showrooms, Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »