With old windows losing energy and the UK homes they belong to becoming chillier and less comfortable places as a result, the search for more energy efficient alternatives is on for many homeowners up and down the country. Embracing an energy efficient window design is about more than just saving the planet. With around 10% of the average home’s heat lost through its windows, upgrading will ensure you spend less on heating your property too.
Here at Unicorn Windows, we’ve been providing high quality PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors since 1994. During our time in the industry, we’ve worked with customers from all walks of life to unlock a plethora of energy efficient benefits. The window glazing products available have evolved rapidly over the past few decades. With windows more efficient than ever we thought we’d take a closer look at just what makes the double glazed windows of today energy saving heroes.
The three parts of window energy rating
Avid home upgraders will be familiar with the term ‘U-value’. For those of you who aren’t, TheGreenAge provides a succinct definition:
“U-values might seem a pretty dull subject; however it is absolutely key that you understand them so that you can insulate your home with the most appropriate material… The U-value signifies the heat lost through a given thickness of a particular material. You don’t really need to understand the mechanics of how it is calculated; instead it is useful to be able to compare different substances by their U-values. The best insulating materials have a U-value of close to zero – the lower the better.”
This value measures the thermal efficiency of a window’s glass and frame to help determine the overall energy rating of a window. UK windows are rated from A++, the most efficient window energy rating that can currently be achieved, to E, the least efficient.
The U-value, however, isn’t the only figure that independent body the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) uses to rate windows. Solar gain (represented as a G-value) and air leakage (L-value) are also taken into account to determine a window’s overall energy rating.
Choosing the most energy efficient windows
Everyone wants the best and most efficient window option. There are of course many factors that must be considered when selecting the right replacement window for you and your home upgrade project. Finding an approved and time served installer is a great place to begin, but you don’t have to search too far to discover the best expertise out there.
Whilst we’re renowned for our commercial solutions, we provide a vital window replacement service for residential customers too. Alongside our selection of replacement doors and conservatories, our high quality window designs, complete with 10-year insurance-backed guarantees provide ultimate peace of mind and the best possible fit for our customers.
We work with customers with varying needs, property types and budgets to find the most energy efficient, high performance, and aesthetically pleasing window upgrade for them.
Contact our team to discuss your window upgrade options, or visit our showroom to meet our specialists and view our high quality glazing options for yourself.