What makes windows and doors energy efficient?
Energy lost = energy cost, so you probably want to know how best to keep safe and snug in your home.
It probably comes as no surprise that one of the most important considerations quoted by homeowners when choosing new windows and doors is energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency – the ratings that make a difference
To help you make the right choices though, there are two main measures of thermal efficiency with windows and doors. Numbers matter, and there are probably two key indicators of window energy efficiency. We’ll go into those in more detail later, but the thing that will probably make the most difference to you is how your home actually feels.
Don’t panic if you can’t always get the highest score from your choices, as you’ll also have other considerations such as style, and budget to think about. Whatever your choice though, it’s a fair bet you’ll be making an improvement on your existing windows.
U-Values
U-value is a unit of measurement, in W/m²K (Watts per metre square kelvin), used to measure the transference of heat through a structure. It’s used to determine how quickly heat can escape through a material. The lower the U-value of a material, the slower the heat will transmit through the material, meaning the material has high thermal insulation properties.
Generally speaking if you can hit a U-Value of 1.5 W/m²K, you are on the right path. Get below 1.0 W/m²K and you are really cooking, so to speak!
British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC)
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) rating system is a really simple graphic guide for consumers.
BFRC rated products are labelled with a small official sticker on the inside of the frame and sometimes a large rainbow label on the surface of the window or door.
The BFRC label uses a scale of A++, which is the highest total energy-efficiency rating, to E, which is the lowest.
We are proud to say all our PVC-U windows can achieve a BFRC energy rating of at least A.
Safe and snug
All in all, a lot depends on the exact specification of the windows you want, and the type of glazing specified but get the specifications right and you’ll be impressed at how well you can manage your energy bills and how much cosier you can feel at home.
Getting modern windows and doors fitted will make your house feel cosier, eliminating draughts, and improving thermal efficiency – both of which will help you really make the most of your heating, and lower your energy bills.
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Snug windows and doors - proudly designed and made in Britain
All our windows and doors are officially recognised by the organisation Made in Britain as being designed and manufactured right here on home ground. It’s our great privilege to help to support and promote great British manufacturing.
And as for building in energy efficiency? Well, we know the kind of weather we're up against!
