Glazing

Glazing

Every home experiences some level of heat loss. The key to saving with energy and heat efficiency is to minimise this loss as much as possible. In the average home, more than half of the heat loss experienced is through walls and lofts. However, there is also significant loss as energy escapes through window panes.

How Heat is Lost Through Windows

Unlike the insulation in your walls, your windows create a narrow barrier between your home and the outside temperatures. The glass of the window will respond how hot or cold it is outside and will transfer that temperature into your home.

This means that if it is colder outside than in, the air near your windows will take much more energy to heat.

How Glazing Prevents Heat Loss

The most popular type of glazing - double-glazing - reduces heat loss by trapping air between two panes of glass. This system creates an insulating barrier which reduces the exchange of heat between your home and the outside air.

Another option, which is slightly less expensive, but also slightly less effective, is secondary-glazing. This involves the installation of another window frame and glass on the room side of the existing window.

Installation

Here are some things to watch for:

Make sure that your glazing is installed by a professional, from a company you trust.
Ensure that the windows all carry an "Energy Savings Recommended" logo. This means that the whole window, including both the frame and glass, has been assessed and approved by the British Fenestration Ratings Council.

Savings

Double glazing dramatically reduces the heat that is lost by conventional windows. A typical home will cut their heat loss in half, saving £80-£100 each year.

Environmental Impact

If the average home can save £80-£100 each year on their heating costs, they are also going to save the emission of approximately 680 kg.

Other Benefits of Double Glazing

In addition to saving money on your heating costs, double glazing can also reduce the intrusion of outside noise and the build-up of condensation.

Reducing condensation is particularly important as window condensation can create damage to your home in several ways. First, window condensation can lead to the growing of black mould in the areas around the window, which is a potential health threat. Also, dripping condensation can damage painted finishes, leading to peeling or flaking paint. Finally, high levels of condensation inside your windows may lead to a high humidity level in your home, which can allow these problems and many more to spread throughout your home.

Tip:

Glazing need not be a major renovation cost for your home. If you do not feel that glazing every window in your house will work with your budget, why not consider only glazing a select few - you will still experience a dramatic improvement and you can always do the others in the future.

By eliminating heat loss through your windows you are taking a major step in ensuring that your home is as energy efficient as possible. This means a more comfortable home to live in and less wasted money on heat loss.

Here are some other ways British Gas can help you save:

Save on Gas and Electricity costs with British Gas. Learn More.

Save on a new Boiler with British Gas. Learn More.

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