Double Glazing helps make your home more energy efficientWindows can account for up to 30% of the heat lost from your home but this can be significantly reduced by installing energy efficient windows.
The BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) have introduced an energy rating system for windows similar to that found on everything from light bulbs to cars and fridges with the option of A, B, or C ratings. The Window Energy Rating (WER) system brings together all of the components that define window performance in a format that can be easily understood.
How it works
The energy rating takes into account:
Click to enlargeG-value: a measure of the solar gain, this is the amount of heat that is absorbed into the home through the glass.
U- value: a measure of the heat loss (either through the glass or the frame)
L50- value: a measure of how airtight the frames are.
This information is used to calculate a figure which is, essentially, a measure of the heat gain vs heat loss. This figure is converted to a letter rating from A-G, with A being the most efficient.
Current regulations and estimated savings in ££ and carbon emissions
The current building regulations require a minimum energy rating of E but this is proposed to be upgraded to a C rating in October of 2010.
Calculations by the Glass and Glazing Federation show that you can make significant reductions in your energy bills by changing to energy rated windows, with savings of up to £697 per year in some cases. To see how much you could benefit log onto www.ggf.co.uk to use their carbon calculator and work out your savings.
In addition fitting an advanced performance window, for example a C rated window, cuts carbon emissions and will save 852kg of CO2 per year, that’s the equivalent of leaving your car in the garage for three months or enough gas to fill five double – decker buses.
See for yourself
We are able to offer A, B and C rated products in a wide range of materials including PVCu, Aluminium and Timber in casement and vertical sliding options. All these products can help to reduce your heating bills and are on display in our Guildford showroom.
