Windows and Doors
When choosing a new set of windows, there are two major components to consider. The first component is the window frame. When considering the window frame, it's the design and materials that matter. Of course, the design will have to fit the overall theme of your house.
The second component is the Insulating Glass Unit which together with the frame will make a significant contribution to saving energy, it can also provide thermal efficiency, solar control and even self cleaning capabilities.
In addition to the components you also need to ensure that the company you choose is reputable and will provide you with a quality product and installation - choose a GGF Member and you are in safe hands.
Energy Efficient Windows
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Energy Efficient Windows
Contrary to popular belief, double glazed windows (fitted before 2002) are no longer the most energy efficient.
Before you invest your money in fitting double glazing replacement windows, check out the facts. You will save more on your fuel bills and reduce your carbon emissions if you buy Energy Efficient Windows.
At first glance Energy Efficient Windows may seem a bit more expensive. Even though they cost slightly more to begin with, it's worth considering all the benefits before you make a decision to buy less efficient and possibly cheaper windows.
Saving money on your fuel bills
Cost is always high up on the list of considerations when you're investing in your home. Energy Efficient Windows can noticeably reduce fuel bills as up to 20% of the heat loss from a home is through windows. If you have single-glazed windows, you could save £156 every year on your energy bills if you install Energy Efficient Windows. This could increase to £266 if your house is heated by electricity. And the cost of fuel is rising all the time.
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, environmental concerns of this Century. Being an individual or householder, it seems almost impossible to think of each one of us making a difference. But if we all took steps to use energy more efficiently - think of the power of millions of people.
Homes are responsible for 28% of all UK C02; emissions and yet we tend to be more conscious of the negative impact of the airline industry which contributes just 5.5% of UK C02; emissions.
So what should I buy?
These benefits are all very well but how do I know which one to buy? How do I know which is the most cost effective? How can I measure the initial cost against future savings, comfort, impact on the environment and the rest? It's impossible to provide absolute statistics for all the above but there are at least two simple ways to inform your decision. The first is a scheme launched by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) (a subsidiary of the GGF) called Window Energy Ratings and the second is the GGF's Energy Calculator where you can determine the actual C02, Carbon and financial savings for your home if you change your windows to different energy efficient products. You will need to load your window sizes and fuel type to undertake this personal calculation.
BFRC and Window Energy Ratings
Many people are unaware that windows are rated in the same way as fridges and dishwashers and other 'white' goods. So, for example, it is likely that you know that an 'A' rated washing machine is going to use less energy and cost less to run than a 'D' rated machine.
In the same way, there is an A-E rating scheme for windows (Window Energy Ratings) where the 'A' rated windows are the most efficient. The scheme assesses the total energy performance of a complete window (not just the glass) and allows accurate comparison of the performance of windows under identical conditions. It's a scheme that gives you the confidence to know what you are buying.
www.bfrc.org
Energy Saving Calculator
To help you understand the monetary, carbon and C02 savings you can make from having energy rated windows installed, we at the GGF have invested in a powerful software tool which has been used to paint an accurate picture of UK housing stock and its environmental credentials. It was developed by the GGF and Industry and has been verified by the Energy Saving Trust. All data contained within this tool has been taken from official data sources.
Energy Saving Calculator
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