How Energy Efficient Are Your Windows?

Many homes today have some form of double glazing installed but exactly how energy efficient are they? Heat loss through windows is common in all homes and if your windows are not as energy efficient as they could be you’re going to be losing out. The benefits. According to the Energy Saving Trust ‘replacing all single-glazed windows with B-rated double glazing could save you around £165 per year on your energy bills’. This will lead to a smaller carbon footprint as you’ll use less fuel and generate less carbon dioxide that leads to global warming. You’ll benefit from improved noise reduction; more consistent temperatures all year round, experience fewer drafts, and reduce condensation. What to look for. When it comes to finding the most energy efficient windows look for the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) rating which assesses the windows energy efficiency based on its ability to retain heat. The system they use is similar to that which grade the efficiency of other household appliances and white goods and uses a scale of A-G with A being the most efficient . In order to assess the efficiency of a window the total solar heat transmittance of the glass, the U-value of the window and the air penetration through the window seals are evaluated. The most energy efficient glass available is low emissivity (Low-E) glass, which allows heat and light to pass through while limiting the amount of heat that can escape. You can find out more about much money you could save by installing more energy efficient windows by using the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Energy Saving Calculator. And just in case you’re wondering, every window Kingfisher installs is A rated, uses low emissivity glass and complies to the latest government building regulations.