Choosing the best energy efficient window for your home can make a big difference to how you live and your bills. These windows can help lower your energy costs, keep your home more comfortable and reduce your carbon footprint. The most energy efficient windows also reduce external noise, and can even help prevent cold spots. Choosing the right windows can also create a warmer internal environment for you and your family.
There are many different types of energy efficient windows available, including steel, wood, aluminium and composite. Each of these materials is effective in insulating your home. The materials can also affect how much heat your home loses, so it’s important to choose the right type.
The most energy efficient windows are double-glazed. Using two glass panes that are separated by a gap of about 16mm, these windows allow light to enter your home while insulating the rest of the room. It is a good idea to install heavy blinds and curtains around the window for additional insulation.
Another great way to increase your home’s thermal performance is by installing inert gases. Unlike air, inert gas is heavier and can hold and retain heat. These gases can be used in single and multi-pane units to increase their performance. Some installers offer a recycling scheme for the windows they sell, which can reduce the cost of new windows.
When it comes to materials, the cheapest is uPVC. It is 100% recyclable and requires little maintenance. It can be used to create a range of styles, from contemporary to classic, and is available in several colours. However, you may need to replace these windows more often than aluminium. The cost of replacing your windows will depend on their size, style and material.
Other windows that are effective at insulating your home are those that have acoustic glass, which reduces noise. The best acoustic glass is made of two or more sheets of glass with acoustic interlayers.
You can use the WER (Window Energy Rating) scale to determine the energy efficiency of a window. These ratings are calculated by calculating the L value of air leakage, as well as other factors. The highest performing windows are rated A and A++, while the lowest are rated G. The BFRC, the British Fenestration Rating Council, rates the thermal efficiency of windows in the UK.
The WER scale measures the total air leakage and solar heat gain of the window. The lower the U value, the better the energy performance. The U value is a measure of the rate of heat transfer through the materials used to make the window. You should not get a window with a U value that is higher than 1.8 W/m2K.
The best uPVC windows should also feature a warm edge spacer and a Thermoflex spacer, which is a shim between the glass and the frame. This will help keep the windows insulated and reduce the cold spots in your home.
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