Higher Cost Energy Saving Measures

If your home has single glazing or poor window frames, you are bound to be wasting money on your heating bills.

Almost 25% of heat lost from a home can be through poorly insulated window frames and single glazing.

Double glazing cuts heat loss through the windows by 50% with thehelp of trapped air in the gap between the two panes of glass. Thistrapped air doesn’t mix with the air in the room or outside, creatingan insulating barrier. This also reduces noise and condensationproblems.

Double Glazing

A good time to consider double-glazing is when your existing windowsneed replacing, as it will be more cost effective to fit thereplacement frames with double glazed panes.

If you are replacing your windows, go for Double Low E glazing whichhas a special coating on the inner side of the pane which reflects heatback into the room. It costs about an extra £275 if fitted by aninstaller and will save you £30 - £40 each year.

The New Building Regulations for England and Wales, which wereintroduced in April 2002, require replacement windows to meet a minimumstandard for thermal insulation. This means you will have to get acertificate to show that the work and windows meet the requiredstandards.

An approved installer (registered with Fenestration Self-AssessmentScheme - FENSA) can carry out the work and self-certify that thewindows meet the standard. If you do the work yourself, it will have tobe checked by a local authority building inspector.

Secondary glazing

This type of glazing uses framed glass panels that are attached behind existing window frames.

Secondary glazing is a cheaper alternative to replacement double-glazing but is nevertheless effective in reducing energy loss.

DIY kits are available with aluminium or plastic frames. They arefitted with draught-proofing strips and are available in either hingedor sliding panes. These can be easily opened and closed for cleaningand ventilation.

When buying any material ensure that it meets the British Standard BS7386.