With the UK in a cost-of-living crisis, you may think this is not the time for making home improvements.
However, if your windows aren’t energy-efficient, you could be paying out far more than you need each month on your heating bills.
At Manchester Window Factory, we’re experts in energy-efficient glazing and frames. With 25+ years of experience under our belts, we’re ideally placed to offer you the advice you seek.
In this blog, we will explain more about energy-efficient windows and how they can help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint.
Understanding Energy-Efficient Windows
What are energy-efficient windows?
Energy-efficient windows have been designed and tested to ensure they offer high levels of installation and ventilation. To be energy efficient, a window must offer excellent thermal (heat) retention while allowing for proper airflow to improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
Energy efficiency is measured with an A rating from A++ to E, and energy-efficient windows will also carry a U-value. The lower the U-value, the more energy efficient the window.
To achieve these ratings, every part of the window – the glass, frame, seals and locks – is assessed.
How do they work?
Every aspect of the window is engineered for energy efficiency. The materials for the frame must effectively stop heat from passing through. The glass must retain heat while preventing harmful UV rays from penetrating. The amount of air that can escape through the edge of the window must be minimal, reduced by airtight seals and expert installation.
The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows
There are many benefits of energy-efficient windows, for you, your health and the environment.
Cost savings on energy bills
An estimated 26% of heat loss in the home comes from windows. By installing energy-efficient windows, you can reduce this heat loss, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature for longer. Since heat is no longer escaping through your windows, you shouldn’t need to put the heating on as often or for as long.
Improved comfort and health
A room that stays warm longer is more comfortable than a drafty one, but that’s not the only benefit of energy-efficient windows. These windows are also designed to offer better temperature control, so your home also doesn’t overheat during the summer.
No drafts mean you are less likely to catch a chill. Improved indoor air quality lessens your risk of developing respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
Environmental benefits
Less heat escaping from your home also means you are responsible for fewer carbon emissions entering the atmosphere.
Energy-efficient windows also tend to be made from sustainably sourced/recyclable materials.
Types of energy-efficient windows
- Double or triple glazed
- Low-emissivity glass
- Planitherm glass
- Secondary glazing
What is the best layout for a conservatory?
Which is the best layout depends on several factors, including:
- The location of the conservatory to your property
- Your budget
- The purpose/function of your conservatory
- The look you are hoping to achieve
Conservatory Design Ideas
You’ll find classic and modern conservatory design ideas in magazines, showrooms, and social media. But first, you need to choose a layout.
The style of conservatory you choose will be influenced by your existing architecture and decor. But your chief concern should be the room’s function.
How and when you intend to use your conservatory will inform your design choices.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows
U-factor and R-value
The U-value of a window generally falls between 0.20 and 1.20, and the lower the U-value the better insulation the window provides. A window with a low U-value will have a high R-value, as this measures heat resistance rather than heat transfer. A good R-value is greater than R-5.
Glazing options
Double and triple glazing are energy-efficient glazing options. Single glazing is not energy efficient as a single pane of glass is not a good insulator. Double and triple-glazed windows have two or three panes of glass respectively, with gaps between the panes filled with an inert gas. Usually, triple glazing is more energy efficient than double. However, it depends on any coatings applied to the glass, the size of the gaps between the panes, and the gas they are filled with.
Low emissivity (Low-E) glass is double or triple glazing with a thin metal oxide coating. This coating absorbs sunlight and reflects heat into the home.
Planitherm Triple Glazing
At Manchester Window Factory, we offer Planitherm triple glazing, a highly energy-efficient, kind of triple-glazed window with a special coating. Planitherm gives you all the security and noise-reducing benefits of triple glazing, with an added level of energy efficiency.
Frame materials
Most window frames are made of aluminium, uPVC or timber. All three are excellent insulators. Timber typically requires more maintenance than uPVC and aluminium but is often treated to improve its weather resistance and durability.
Making the Switch to Energy-Efficient Windows
We understand that replacing all your windows with more energy-efficient alternatives is a big undertaking, not to mention expensive, so here are a few steps you can take to make the process less painful.
Steps to take to replace your old windows with energy-efficient ones
- Do you Need Planning Permission?
In most cases, you shouldn’t need planning permission to replace your windows. However, you should check with your local authority if:
- You live in a listed building
- You live in a conservation area
- There is an Article 4 direction on your property which removes your permitted development rights
- Assess your Existing Windows
Before you go ahead with any renovations, you should check the condition of your current windows. If they are already relatively new double-glazed units, it may not be worth upgrading to triple-glazing. However, you may still benefit from Planitherm glass or another option.
- Set a Budget
Research prices and installation costs in your area, then set a budget incorporating all the associated costs.
- Start with the areas of the home which need it most
Although it would be best to have energy-efficient windows in all rooms in your home, that may not be a viable option, depending on your budget.
If this is the case, repair or replace any damaged windows. Then look at which rooms you use most and which would benefit most from energy-efficient windows. You can always replace more windows when your budget allows.
- Get at least three quotes
We recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable window companies to compare before you go ahead with your purchase.
You can fill in our online quote form, and we will get back to you asap with a free, no-obligation quote.
Installation and maintenance considerations
Even the most energy-efficient windows in the world will perform poorly if not installed properly. Any gaps between the window and frame will not only cause drafts but can allow water to get inside, reducing the lifespan of the frame and window significantly.
All windows should be installed by professional fitters, to avoid any gaping, comply with building regulations, and for safety.
Installation costs can increase in certain areas of the UK. You also need to factor in an increase if the windows are hard to access.
When buying windows, always factor in maintenance costs, such as cleaning and repairs.
Working with Manchester Window Factory
Our friendly and professional team includes expert glazers and fitters who can replace your old windows with energy-efficient upgrades.
We don’t believe in advertising and can pass the savings on to you, our customers.
Starting as a family business, we have retained that personal touch and are happy to work alongside you to create bespoke designs.
We have built our business on word of mouth and are proud to have received thousands of positive reviews.
If you have any questions, call us on 0161 976 4739, email [email protected] or pop into our Altrincham showroom, check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
