Windows account for 10% of the heat loss in the typical home. One of the first locations to look at when considering how to make your house more energy efficient is the windows. While double glazing might be costly, draught proofing is typically a simple and inexpensive solution. That can have a noticeable impact right away. In this article, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked issues about draft-proof windows and energy-efficient window installation.
Things to look for: energy-efficient windows
If you’re going to replace your windows entirely, here are some things to keep in mind. Many aspects contribute to a window’s overall energy efficiency. Making it difficult to choose the best window just based on its construction.
Happily, a ranking system exists to aid in your search for the most useful one.
- Windows that are good for the environment have an energy rating from A++ (the best) to E (least efficient).
- Each window is evaluated based on its frame and glass to determine its total influence on a building.
- Check the BFRC rating to find the most energy-efficient window; an A-rated window is better than a C-rated one.
- Single, double and triple glazing U value can be found on energy-rated window labels. The U number indicates the rate of heat transfer through the material, but it is not a complete indicator of the window’s energy efficiency. But along with the window’s energy efficiency rating, this gives you a solid sense of the window’s ability to save heating and cooling costs.
How exactly can the installation of double-paned windows help to lessen the amount of heat lost?
- The difference between double and triple glazing is the number of panes of glass used in each installation. This is how they manage to retain the heat inside while preventing the cold from entering. It’s important to note that triple glazed u value (0.8) measured for heat loss is less than single glazing u value (5.6).
- Two or three panes of glass are encased in a single unit to create energy-efficient windows. These panes are enclosed by a frame that is constructed from uPVC, wood, or another material.
- Windows with double glazing consist of two separate panes of glass that are separated by a small space (about 16 millimetres).
- Triple-glazed windows include three layers of glass separated by two air spaces. Because of this, they may be able to provide greater insulation than many double-glazed windows (but not always).
- The spaces in between the panes of glass are filled with air or an inert gas such as argon, and they are entirely sealed off from the outside world.
The performance of the window is determined by many distinct elements, including the following
Energy-saving glass
If you want your double glazing to be as efficient as possible, you need to pay attention to the materials utilised. Thanks to a tiny layer of metal oxide, low-emissivity (low-E) glass is the most energy-efficient variety for double and triple glazing. This covering allows light from the outside while reflecting heat back into the house.
For energy-efficient windows, double glazing is the simple but costly solution. Highly effective window insulation may be made using a variety of materials that are all equally cost-effective. uPVC, wood, aluminium, steel, and composite are the primary competitors. Secondary double glazing may sometimes be cheaper to install. It’s great at blocking draughts and absorbing noise, but it’s not always the easiest thing to clean.
Various types of windows that are energy efficient
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) assigns letters from A to G to classify the overall thermal efficiency of windows, with A being the most efficient and A+ being reserved for windows with the highest possible degree of efficiency. Windows need to be at least C-rated for ‘Energy Saving Recommendation’ approval. A window’s ability to retain heat and reduce heating costs increases with its efficiency. You may improve your windows’ energy efficiency by switching to low-emissivity models.
Glass with a low level of emissivity
Low-E, or low-emissivity, windows may be up to 40% more efficient than traditional double-paned ones. They can selectively transmit just certain wavelengths of light because of the metal coating on the plastic film that is suspended between the glass panes. That’s because they let in the sun’s short-wave light but block. The long-wave radiation that causes your house to heat up. It takes a trained eye to see the metal coating on the inside, but from the exterior, they may have a somewhat mirrored appearance.
Triple vs. double pane windows
When compared to single-paned windows, the added insulation provided by double-paned windows is a major benefit. Argon gas is often used to fill the space between the panes of glass, which provides even more insulation. Changing out your home’s single windows with double ones has various advantages:
- An extra layer for the purpose of insulating
- Improved safety and protection
- Helps to bring down the humidity
- Reduce the amount of noise that may be heard inside your house from the street.
Triple glazing, which consists of adding a third pane of glass, is thought to boost the advantages of double glazing even further. You may also install secondary glass in addition to the double or triple panes you already have. If your house has single-paned windows, you may have a secondary pane added to them rather than having to replace them entirely. While secondary glazing is comparable to double glazing in that there are two panes of glass. The latter is often more costly and provides better thermal insulation. Additional window insulation may be achieved by using thick drapes or blinds.
There Is No More Efficient Window Than CUIN Glass
C.U.in is a cutting-edge solution that integrates proprietary suspended film technology within the glass, resulting in the most thermally efficient glazing available today. CUIN Glass is more than twofold as thermally insulating as double glazing and 50% more thermally insulating than triple glazing when glazed into a conventional home window. Hence eliminating the chilly region surrounding your windows. Get in touch with CUIN experts today for custom solutions for your windows, doors, and conservatory.
