Conservatories
uPVC Doors
uPVC Windows
Orangeries
uPVC French Doors

Posts Tagged ‘energy efficient windows’

Beat Crippling Energy Bills With New Double Glazing From Planet

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

It would seem that every time you pick up a newspaper or turn on the national news, there is some report stating that energy bills are set to rise. The many electricity and gas companies claim that they are imposing this as householders need to rely less on their heaters at home and start helping save the planet.

As energy costs sky rocket through the roof, more people are checking out the value of installing new windows in Lancaster as a way of beating such price hikes. Although you may feel that the installation of double glazing is a pricey and unnecessary need or want, further down the line you will notice that double glazing is a perfect way of slashing money off heating bills.  They are a great long term investment.

This is because as uPVC windows are made of a harder and better composed material than say timber frames, it means they are more likely to prove to be a better insulator of heat.  As they are constructed of two panes of glass, it also means that it is virtually impossible for the glass to be removed or broken into, making your home a more secure place to live in.

Most window installers will supply windows in a variety of colours meaning that you can choose whichever most suit the look and feel of your home.  Therefore you need not worry that by losing your existing windows, you are going to lose the pleasing aesthetics of your property.

You must be aware though that you employ a reputable installation company to carry out the work.  Speak to friends and relatives and find out if any of them have previously had work done by one of the local installation company’s and see if they would recommend them to conduct work at your home.  If you want to further enhance the look of your home, have a think about also adding new doors in Barrow in Furness and conservatories in Cumbria.

Energy Efficient Window Guide

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Poor quality windows are a major source of heat loss. This is costing you money, especially with winter looming around the corner. They can also reduce comfort and the amount of effective living space as well as being an eye-sore.

Energy efficient windows will help to minimise heating and lighting costs, as well as reduce CO2 emissions – helping to protect the environment and work towards a greener future.

After a certain amount of time the windows will pay for themselves due to the money saved on bills.

Energy Ratings

Assessed by the BRFC, the rating system is a clear and effective method of calculating the energy performance of the whole window. This includes the frame material, the frame design, the glass type and all the other components that make up the window.

The rating system is similar to that applied to white goods (such as fridges). Windows are rated using an A to G scale on the basis of their total energy efficiency, with A being the most energy efficient.

Reducing Heat Loss

Uncontrolled air flow trough a window loses heat and creates draughts.

Windows with compression seals reduce this air flow, help to provide good ventilation when desired and have a better resistance to draughts than the sliding seals on vertical sliding windows.

Be sure to use a reputable installer, as poor installation will nullify the efficiency of the windows. If a window is installed incorrectly then it will not save you as much money as it should.

glazing

Windows with a low U-Value offer a greater efficiency in heat retention. Many factors effect this including the type of glazing material, the number of glazing layers, the type of gas used as insulation (often argon), the size of the cavity between the panels, and the type of frame used.

Glazing

Advances in glazing technology allows special glass to be used, which helps control heat loss through a window. The glazing (low-e) has special surface coatings which reflect heat back through the window, the percentage of heat reflected depends on the energy efficiency of the window – normally ranging between 40 and 70%.

This glass is now standard for most homes in the UK.

The number of glass layers, space and gas-type between the panes also help to resist heat flow. Air spaces that are narrow offer greater heat resistance.

Highly energy efficient windows are manufactured with inert gases (argon or krypton) between the panes because these gases transfer less heat than air.

Frames

Window frames are available in a wide variety of materials, the main two being wood and uPVC. UPVC is the standard for most homes as it doesn’t rot or warp like it’s wood counterpart. The use of foam insulation in uPVC windows also helps to make the frame more energy efficient to completely eradicate the possibility of a draught.

Energy Efficient Windows carry the BFRC label with a rating from A-G. Select the window with the highest rating for the maximum energy efficiency.

© 2010 Conservatory Outlet
Conservatories  |  Double Glazing  |  Web Design by Motionlab