Energy-efficient windows: The basics and how to make existing windows more energy efficient
One of the main reasons homeowners update or replace their old windows is to have more energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows help save costly home power bills while also ensuring that a home is more comfortable. Also, by decreasing the amount of energy used, widows that are Energy efficient aid homeowners in reducing their carbon footprint and thus help care for the environment. Even when using Energy efficient windows, aim at having an environmentally friendly power source in your house, such as solar power. This will, for example, light the house at night and other times when there’s no enough natural light. There are lots of energy companies that can install clean energy in your home. However, it is essential to use review sites such as Britainreviews.co.uk to look at a list of energy companies online reviews. Avoid the negatively reviewed energy companies from the list, and this way, you will get a dependable energy company to do the work for you. This article offers some important information about energy efficiency in windows and also insights on how to make existing windows energy efficient
The different types of energy-efficient windows
The thermal efficacy of windows is rated by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The rating ranges from letter A to G. A is the window with the highest thermal efficiency. Windows that have an extremely high-efficiency level are rated A+. As a requirement for a window to meet the energy-saving recommendation, it should be C rated at the very minimum. The higher the efficiency of a window, the more it will maintain heat in your home and ensure that you save on your energy bills. The higher the efficiency of a window, the more it helps keep heat inside your home, and thus you end up saving more on energy bills.
Double vs triple glazing
As opposed to only having one pane, double-glazing windows have two glass panes. The two glass panes offer an extra insulation layer. To enhance the insulation, the two glass panes have a gas, mostly argon, to separate them. Various benefits come with installing double glazing over single glazing in a home, and this includes:
- It offers an extra insulation layer
- Decreases dampness
- Increased security
- Decreases outside noise that could get into your home.
To further increase the benefits that double glazing offers, a third pane of glass can be added. Another option worth considering is secondary glazing. Here a secondary pane is installed to the present window without having to do a full replacement. While secondary glazing is similar to double glazing in that that both have two glass panes, secondary glazing is more affordable. The two also have different energy efficiency capabilities. By adding heavy curtains, this helps to increase the insulation around your windows more.
Low emissivity windows
Also referred to as low-E windows, Low emissivity windows have a 40% more efficient rate than double-glazed windows. Low emissivity windows are spectrally selective, meaning they permit the sun’s short-wave radiation to enter the …