Archive for the ‘Windows’ Category
Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Which? study finds Anglian, Everest, Weatherseal and Safestyle salespeople making false claims or using hard-sell tactics.
Double glazing salespeople are using misleading claims and hard-sell tactics to get homeowners to sign on the dotted line, according to an investigation by Which?.
The consumer organisation used undercover researchers to test the £1.2bn-a-year double glazing industry, inviting four major companies – Anglian Windows, Everest, Weatherseal Home Improvements/Zenith Staybrite and Safestyle (UK) – to provide quotes for double glazing at four addresses around the UK in March.
A senior trading standards officer and sales expert then listened to recordings of the visits and analysed the tactics used. These included claiming to be a part of a non-existent government scrappage system.
Which? also found:
- Six out of 18 salespeople made misleading claims, such as: “We’ve been tested by the government and were chosen for its scrappage scheme” (an Anglian salesperson) and: “By law, through trading standards, you can only give up to a 10-year guarantee” (a Safestyle UK salesperson);
- Seven out of the 18 salespeople offered a discount if the undercover researcher signed up immediately;
- Fifteen out of 18 offered significant savings, often half the “original” price – the biggest drop was £16,926 from an Everest salesperson;
- Many of the salespeople offered a lower price with a “credit deal” but working out how much you’d pay was incredibly difficult.
- One Zenith salesperson asked the researcher to sign their name twice to confirm he’d told her the relevant information – a psychological technique to warm up customers.
Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, said: “As a homeowner, replacing your windows is one of the most expensive jobs you’re likely to face, which is why we’re so disappointed to discover salespeople from the biggest names in the business making outlandish claims and using hard-sell tactics.”
Which? said it hoped the introduction of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme, launched in May, would help increase transparency of prices.
In response to the report, Everest Limited said: “We never deprive customers of the opportunity to make an informed decision. We are extremely disappointed by these findings and reject accusations of breaking regulations. Our offers are genuine. We offer a price promise, and a seven-day unconditional cancellation period on all sales. ‘False claims’ go against our training, guidelines and documentation.”
Anglian Homes said: “All Anglian sales representatives are comprehensively trained but we do recognise that very occasionally mistakes are made and in this instance it appears that there has been some confusion surrounding the Anglian window scrappage scheme.”
It said it would “once again make it clear to all our sales representatives that the two are unrelated and there is no government-backed scrappage scheme”.
Tags: Anglian Windows, DGCOS, double glazing and conservatory ombudsman scheme, Double Glazing Ombudsman Scheme, Everest, safestyle, Scrappage Scheme, Staybrite, Weatherseal Home Improvements, Window Scrappge Scheme, Zenith, Zenith Staybrite
Posted in DGCOS, Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Window Scrappage Scheme, Windows, uPVC Windows | 1 Comment »
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
There will be many of you out there who are having to cut back on the amount of money you spend as the cost of living rises. Budgeting is the only way some families can survive in the current climate as things become more expensive and unaffordable. However, they say it is sometimes the small things that make all the difference and this thought process can definitely be applied to the idea of installing new windows in a home.
Replacement windows are energy efficient, which basically means that they will reduce the amount of time that you have to have your heating turned on within the home. They will instead use the warmth of the sun to heat up your household in whichever room they are installed in. They will also prevent any heat generated in the home from passing through the glass, meaning that no energy is wasted.
The great thing about double glazing is that it will trap air between the two panes of glass and therefore also eliminate things such as condensation, something which can be a real nuisance in the winter months. It will prevent cold air from getting into your home, as do conservatories as draughts will tend to disappear when compared with old traditional windows which tend to leave gaps in frames over time.
Some of you may be thinking that you cannot afford to pay for new windows. But, what you must realise is that the money you spend on new windows will more than be recouped in time due to the amount of money you will save on your utility bills. You really would be mad to stick by your current windows as we can guarantee that they will be one of the main sources in your home which is currently wasting energy and harming the environment.
Tags: Double Glazed, Double Glazed Window, Double Glazing, Double Glazing Window, double glazing windows, Replacement Window, Replacement Windows, uPVC Window, Window, Window Range, Windows, Windows and Doors
Posted in Conservatory Outlet, Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Drive down most streets in the UK at the moment and you will notice a plethora of ‘For Sale’ signs in many front gardens. Unfortunately many people will have had these signs up for months and are struggling to achieve a sale due to the difficult economic situation we currently find ourselves in. What many people do not seem to realise is that you need to make your home unique in some way to make it more appealing to buyers and one of the most cost effective and simple ways of doing this is by getting new windows installed.
Replacement windows could make all the difference as they are extremely eye catching and can genuinely boost the look of a home in an instant following installation. Double glazing can be installed in a short period of time and do not be surprised if the value of your home goes up once they are put in. In this day and age no buyer wants to move into a home which does not have double glazing present, as it can result in draughts invading the home, condensation appearing on the windows and frames becoming worn and tired looking.
New windows are becoming more and more affordable, and whereas previously uPVC was only available in a limited range of colours, you will now find that there are numerous different finishes that can be applied to them. Installing uPVC also means that you no longer have to worry about paining them on a regular basis, as all they need to be kept clean is a bit of soap and water.
Make your home stand out from the competition and avoid the heartache of being unable to secure a sale by also looking into conservatories as another way of improving your household during these hard times.
Tags: Double Glazed, Double Glazed Window, Double Glazing, Double Glazing Window, double glazing windows, Replacement Window, Replacement Windows, uPVC Window, Window, Window Range, Windows, Windows and Doors
Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Hopefully many of you will have enjoyed a weekend full of sunshine and warm weather. It has turned out to be one of the nicest May weekends in many years, but it can lull us into a false sense of security, as with the weather being so temperamental in this country the weather could rear its ugly head at any time. That is why your home needs to be prepared for the downturn in sunshine with the addition of new windows from Conservatory Outlet.
When you buy a set of replacement windows from Conservatory Outlet, you are not just guaranteeing your home a fresh new look, but you are also assured of a warm household at all times. You just know that the dark skies and rain could be just around the corner and you may have to go back to relying on your heating system unexpectedly. The advantage of our double glazing is that it will help retain the heat generated, resulting in your home being continually warm at all times.
There is nothing worse than getting home to a cold living room, something which can commonly occur in homes which only have single glazed windows. We install each of our window designs with two panes of glass as we want to improve all home owners energy efficiency as it is vitally important that we all start to become aware of the need to protect the planet.
It is important that you carefully assess which kind of window design will most suit your home as they can have a serious impact on the look and feel of your home and some designs may not suit some homes. But, we can guarantee that you will find an appropriate design for your home. Call us for free on 0800 915 8844 for any advice you need on double glazing or conservatories.
Tags: Double Glazed, Double Glazed Window, Double Glazing, Double Glazing Window, double glazing windows, Replacement Window, Replacement Windows, uPVC Window, Window, Window Range, Windows, Windows and Doors
Posted in Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
If you have lived in your property for a substantial amount of time you may find that it is perhaps somewhat in need of a makeover of some sort. We all want our homes to look as appealing and good looking as possible and sometimes even the smallest of things can make it look as good as ever before. The main areas you should target if wanting to update your home is the kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. But, sometimes this can very costly! If this is the case, then do not give up hope as you could replace your windows and doors at a fraction of the price.
New uPVC windows and uPVC doors could help save you a packet as they will enable you to turn off your heating when the sun is shining. The windows are crafted and designed so that the heat of the sun will be transferred into your home via the two panes of glass. Both the new windows and doors will also ensure that your home will not be susceptible to draughts, something which commonly occurs when you have old wooden windows present.
The front door in most homes is used on a regular basis and it is important that it looks good as it will be the first thing that a lot of people will see. You also need it to provide your home with much needed security, as modern door comes fully designed with the very best in locking systems, so that you need to worry so much about leaving your home unattended. New windows will also usually be glazed internally, so that no one can take away the glass from the outside.
You could also further enhance to appeal and look of your home by looking into conservatories for the back garden.
Tags: Double Glazed, Double Glazed Window, Double Glazing, Double Glazing Window, double glazing windows, Replacement Window, Replacement Windows, uPVC Window, Window, Window Range, Windows, Windows and Doors
Posted in Coloured Windows, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
There are many different ways of making a home a more appealing proposition including decorating, installing new furniture and painting it. However, doing it this way can cost you a lot of money, as well as take a considerable amount of time that you may not have. But for the ultimate way of making your home a more stylish looking place, you should consider Patio doors and leave all the hard work to us at Conservatory Outlet.
As the time of year approaches when people will be making more use of their garden, what better way to make an entrance into your garden than with a pair of patio doors. When they are installed by us you will find that they enable a huge amount of light to enter your living or dining area, making for a better looking and brighter household. We have designed them so that they run along a smooth sliding mechanism so that they can easily be slid from side to side with the minimum of effort and can also enhance the amount of ventilation that gets into your home.
When you want to slam the doors shut on the outside world you can do without worrying that someone will be able to break in through them as they come ready installed with our very strongest locking mechanism. It will be near impossible for anybody from the outside to pick the lock and should they do manage to get in, then you are covered by our ten year guarantee. The same also applies to the French doors and conservatories that we are able to provide.
If you are interested in any of our products but want to find out more about them, then feel free to visit one our many showrooms up and down the country.
Tags: Double Door, Double Doors, External Doors, French Door, French Doors, Glass door, Glass Doors, Patio Door, Patio Doors
Posted in French Doors, Patio Doors, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors | No Comments »
Monday, June 14th, 2010
If you currently live near a main road or live in an area which is susceptible to noise, then one of the likely culprits for allowing such noise to invade your home is the front door. Many old wooden doors are no longer able to provide the necessary shelter from both noise and the cold. If you have investigated your front or back doors and found this to be the case, then you need to pay a visit to Conservatory Outlet and have a look into our replacement doors.
We craft our uPVC doors so that not only will they protect you from noise and the weather outside, but they will also make your home look better as we offer many different types of glazed doors. Our residential doors are available in three different finishes, oak, rosewood and traditional white, with each bringing their own mark of esteem to a home when installed.
Because they are finished on uPVC material, it also means that you will never need to repaint your door as the finish is guaranteed to last for years to come. This even applies if it becomes subject to adverse weather, as it can easily fight against such conditions. They are installed against frames tightly so that gaps are not evident, therefore reducing the chances of outside noise causing you earache.
You can also shut the door on intruders as they come designed with the very best and strongest locking areas you will find. With a turn of the key you will be protected against any sort of break in and if you are, then you are covered by our ten year guarantee.
To se the full suite of doors, uPVC windows and conservatories that we supply, please download our online brochures and make your choice today.
Tags: Double Glazed, Double Glazed Window, Double Glazing, Double Glazing Window, double glazing windows, Replacement Window, Replacement Windows, uPVC Window, Window, Window Range, Windows, Windows and Doors
Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Monday, June 7th, 2010
From modern energy efficient double glazing to state of the art composite doors from Planet Windows & Doors – there’s a glazing solution out there to suit every type of home.
What’s more, by updating your tired and rotten windows, you’ll be helping to do your bit for the environment.
Windows and doors might only consist of 20 per cent of the wall area of your home but they can lose huge amounts of heat.
By replacing your old windows with modern double glazing, the typical UK home could save as much as pounds £150 a year.
So what exactly are energy efficient double glazing windows?
One thing, they help to conserve heat within the home but also allow the natural warmth of the sun to travel through the glass. They are less likely to suffer from condensation and can be made from any frame material – from modern pvc to aluminium
The glass used in double glazing windows has been specially treated to help reduce the amount of heat loss that naturally occurs through windows and doors. Treated with invisible coatings and even filled with inert gases, the glass helps to keep the heat in the heart of your home.
Energy efficient window carry the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) label. This means that the glass has an energy efficiency rating. Just like modern household appliances such as fridges, ovens, dishwashers, the most efficient are awarded an ‘A’ grade and the lowest a ‘G’ grade.
In orangeries and conservatories, installing the latest double glazing can make a dramatic difference. In the summer months, it’s easy to enjoy the warmth and sunlight that only a conservatory or orangery can bring, during a cold winter your new room will stay warm and comfortable with Planet Windows & Doors latest energy efficient glazing.
For the latest offers at Planet Windows & Doors for energy efficient double glazing visit: www.planetsouthlakes.com or freephone 0800 915 8844 for directions to their Kendal or Lancaster showrooms showcasing a range of double glazing designs guaranteed to suit every home and budget.
Tags: My Planet, Planet Conservatories, Planet Conservatory, Planet PVC, Planet Retail, Planet Window, Planet Windows, Planet windows and doors, planetpvc.co.uk
Posted in Conservatory Outlet, Double Glazing, Planet Windows & Doors, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | 1 Comment »
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
To many people a window is just a window, something which keeps out the cold and is useful to look through when you are admiring the outdoors. But what they do not realise is that there is a lot more to a window than that. Chosen correctly a window can enhance your energy efficient within the home, add an extra layer of security and generally make your home look more appealing from both the outside and inside. We at Orion Windows provide a wide range of windows and want to help you to choose the correct type for your property.
Casement
These types of uPVC windows in Leeds are internally glazed and come in a wide range of colours, more than provided by many other suppliers with finishes in white, light oak and rosewood available. It is hinged at the side of the window so that when opened you will get an enormous amount of ventilation, ideal for those warm days indoors.
Tilt & Turn
Our tilt and turn window is one of the best examples of double glazing in Leeds that you will find. The advantage of them is that they will tilt inwards so it means that you do not have to go through the hassle of climbing up a ladder to clean them as you can do it from the safety of the room in which they are installed.
Sash
The sash window is made up of moveable panels which will not only move up and down, but they can also be opened inwards. They are one of the most stylish looking windows you will find, with slim, elegant lines that can really strike a chord with people who spot them.
For more information about these or any of our other window designs, as well as conservatories in Leeds, contact us online and fill in the short form.
Tags: Conservatories Leeds, Double Glazing Harrogate, Double Glazing Leeds, Double Glazing York, Orion Windows
Posted in Coloured Windows, Conservatory Showrooms, Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, Orion Windows, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
One of the main concerns when moving into a new property is heating. None of us want to live in a home which suffers from draughts, resorting in us having to wear layers of layers of clothing when indoors. We want to live in a home which will provide us with the level of heating we require throughout the year, no matter how cold it gets.
Double glazing in Lancaster is a sure fire way of ensuring that when heat is generated in the home, little of it will be lost through your windows. You may not have been aware that your windows and doors are the main culprits when it comes to loss of heat in the home, and you were wondering why your heating bills are so costly, now you know why! The bigger your home, the more you rely on your heating, making the installation of double glazing even more important if you want to reduce those costs.
The installation of new windows in Kendal can also make your home look more attractive to anyone who passes it. Although double glazing can be a costly affair, over time you will more than recoup the amount of money you paid for them, they will eventually pay for themselves thanks to the huge savings they have earned you.
You also need to decide how you want your new window to operate. Are you happy for them to just slide upwards or slightly tilt inwards, or would you prefer that they open fully inwards so that ventilation is enchanced? Have a look into tilt and turn, sash and casement windows and judge for yourself which version will most suit your needs.
If you only have a small property and little garden, then ponder conservatories in Barrow in Furness as they can bring a whole new dimension to a home.
Tags: Double Glazing Planet South Lakes, Planet Windows
Posted in Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, Planet South Lakes, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »
