Find out below the best way to make your home as energy efficient as possible and how this can save you money. You can also view a complete write-up of this infographic below.
Infographic Write-up
A pleasant and comfortable environment in our home is perhaps the primary concern for most of us. Among the many tricks to achieve this, one is by saving on bills, which can be achieved through energy saving windows and doors.
So, What are Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors?
The term “energy-efficient” is generally attributed to windows and doors that are double or triple-glazed. These have high thermal insulation, and can save you money on your bills.
Why Use Them?
44% of all energy consumed in the EU is used by buildings – domestic, industrial and tertiary.
| Consumer | % of Energy Consumed |
|---|---|
|
Domestic & Tertiary Buildings |
37% |
|
Transport |
33% |
|
Industrial Processes |
21% |
|
Industrial Buildings |
7% |
|
Agriculture |
2% |
It’s worth noticing that: Windows are responsible for around 20% of the total heat loss from a typical house. However, of all windows in the EU, less than 15% have energy-efficient glass.
- 42% – Early Uncoated Double Glazing
- 12% – Modern Low-E Coated Double Glazing
- 2% – Triple Glazing
- 44% – Angle Glazing
Imagine your windows and doors saving up to 15% of your energy bill each year!
And it comes with added benefits;
- Helps to maintain a consistent temperature indoors all year round
- Reduces noise penetration from outside
- Decreases the amount of dust coming in
- Provides a healthy and safe atmosphere
- Comes with great durability
- Gives you peace of mind
Oh! And you also make a positive contribution to the planet by reducing approximately 680kgs of C0² emission every year.
How to Upgrade my Window?
It’s not much of a hassle, and with just a little one-time investment you can add up to 80% of the cost to your home value.
Double-Glazing Windows – The window is fitted with two low-emissivity glass panes with the space between them filled with either air or a heat-insulating gas, preferably argon or krypton.
Triple-Glazed Windows – Triple glazing works in a similar way to double glazing except that three panes are used instead of two.
Do I Need Triple Glazing?
Installing triple-glazed windows can cost approximately 40% more than double-glazed windows. So it’s important that you know if you really require triple glazing or not.
Triple Glazing windows are likely required if you live in a cold climate; quite popular in Scandinavian countries, or if you live in a noisy area. If you already have good double glazing, it might not be worth changing your windows to triple glazing.
Tip: Given the weather conditions aren’t extreme, using thick curtains with good double-glazed windows will give you almost the same result as triple-glazed windows.
How Much Do I Save?
Considering that an entirely single-glazed house installed double-glazed windows, the savings can reach up to £110 per year. It’s worth noting that the costs and savings vary depending on:
- Geographic location of the house
- Size of the windows
- Type of house
- Materials chosen
Saving in England, Wales & Scotland
| Energy Rating A+ | Energy Rating A | Energy Rating B | Energy Rating C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Detached |
£110 |
£105 - 110 |
£100 - 105 |
£100 - 105 |
|
Semi-Detached |
£75 - 80 |
£75 |
£70 - 75 |
£70 - 75 |
|
Mid Terrace |
£55 - 60 |
£55 |
£50 - 55 |
£50 - 55 |
|
Bungalow |
£55 - 60 |
£55 |
£50 - 55 |
£50 - 55 |
|
Flat |
£35 |
£35 |
£30 - 35 |
£30 - 35 |
Saving in Northern Ireland
| Energy Rating A+ | Energy Rating A | Energy Rating B | Energy Rating C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Detached |
£90 - 95 |
£90 |
£85 |
£85 |
|
Semi-Detached |
£65 |
£65 |
£45 |
£45 |
|
Mid Terrace |
£50 |
£45 - 50 |
£45 |
£45 |
|
Bungalow |
£55 - 60 |
£55 |
£50 - 55 |
£50 - 55 |
|
Flat |
£35 |
£35 |
£30 - 35 |
£30 - 35 |
How to Upgrade my Doors?
As the name suggests, composite doors consist of a variety of materials including PVC, wood, insulating foam and glass reinforced plastic (GRP).
What Are the Benefits?
Among the many advantages of a composite door over a timber or uPVC door are:
- A composite door is 6 times more thermally efficient than a timber door.
- With a strong multi-layered structure, they provide a high level of security.
- uPVC doors are 28mm thick while composite doors have a thickness of 44-48mm.
- They are weather-resistant, and have a lifespan of around 35 years.
- These come with super easy maintenance – just wipe with a damp cloth and oil the hinges.
- Composite doors offer a wide array of attractive looks and can be designed to match your requirements.
This is the perfect season to upgrade your windows and doors. Get ready to save your bills before winter arrives.