When you buy a new washing machine or fridge freezer, you’ll notice that the machine has an energy rating. The most efficient washing machines on the market are rated A++, while less economical machines might be rated C or D. This alphabetical system is key to understanding the potential benefits of energy efficiency, and the same type of rating has been extended to windows and double glazing.
At Hamiltons, we specialise in manufacturing exceptionally efficient windows. Here are some of the reasons our customers are already benefitting.
What makes an efficient window?
The windows in your home are your first line of defence against heat loss. An A-rated window is the most efficient window you can buy. Get it right, and you could reduce the effect by more than 20% using two important techniques.
The rating is calculated by measuring heat loss through the entire window, including the glazed unit itself, and the frame around it.
The first important principle is solar gain, which is using the sun’s rays to your advantage. A-rated glazing is very good at trapping natural heat from the sun, which warms your home all year round, and helps to reduce the time you need the heating on.
The second principle of energy efficient windows is heat retention, which is achieved by designing the windows so they transfer as little energy through them as possible. We use a range of techniques to achieve this, including warm edge spacer bars, and inert gases between the panes of glass. The type of glass in the window can also affect the energy efficiency, and an upgrade to triple glazing can multiply the potential savings.
Energy efficiency
The obvious benefit of A rated windows is the energy efficiency they offer.
Better energy efficiency means lower energy bills, and we’ve published figures that prove this is the case.
As an example, if you replaced old, non-energy rated windows with E-rated glazing, you’d save £1,918.76 over 10 years. However, exchange the windows for A-rated glazing, and you’d save £3,192.27 over the same period.
These estimates prove that double glazed, A-rated windows are well worth the money; within a decade, they may even have paid for themselves. (Triple glazed windows are considerably more expensive, so the calculations for these require a little more thought, but they can provide better efficiency compared to double glazing. If you can afford to go for triple glazing, it may be beneficial to you.)
A side benefit of new windows is that they’ll probably fit more snugly, so you may notice fewer draughts and cold spots around the home. This all helps to make the house feel warmer, so your heating is running for less time.
Reduce your carbon footprint
We all need to do our bit to reduce our impact on the environment. Energy efficient windows are key, along with adequate insulation.
To calculate the energy efficiency of your existing windows, visit the simple calculator on the Glass and Glazing Federation website. If the results aren’t as good as you hoped, don’t hesitate to contact Hamiltons for a quote to replace and upgrade your windows.
