Double glazing | How to Significantly REDUCE Your Heating Bill!

Reduce Your Heating Bill: Double Glazing

Double Glazing is always a good home improvement investment especially during those cold winter nights. By increasing the warmth of your home and keeping out draughts you’ll find bills are reduced and your quality of life improves. In addition, double glazing can add great value to your home as well as better security, ventilation and fire safety.

What are double glazed windows?

Double glazed windows help reduce heat conduction because they are made from two panes of glass with an air gap in the middle, this air gap is insulating.

What are the advantages of double glazing?

Double glazing will reduce your heating bills because it will stop heat escaping. The average house could save £135 a year by switching from single to double glazed windows. As well as saving you money, double glazing will reduce your carbon footprint, make your home more environmentally sustainable and increase your property’s value. Double glazing also improves noise reduction in your home so you could benefit from a warmer, quieter house.

How can I choose what double glazed windows to buy?

Double glazing can come in a range of styles to suit your needs, choose a frame that suits your home and personal taste, particularly if you are not replacing every window in the property it is important to keep continuity in the aesthetics of the house. Frames can be made from wood, aluminium or steel, as well as aesthetic differences wood has less environmental impact but needs more maintenance, you may wish to consider this before making your decision.

Do different double glazed windows vary in energy efficiency?

Yes. Before you buy check the energy efficiency of the window you are thinking of purchasing this can be in the form of an Energy Savings Trust Recommended logo or a BFRC energy label, which is the UK’s system of rating the energy efficiency of windows. You could also invest in triple glazed windows or Low-E glass which is specially designed to let in heat but stop it from escaping.

Do I need planning permission to fit double glazing?

Not usually, in fact building regulation in England and Wales now stipulates that windows being wholly replaced need to meet energy efficient requirements. However if you live in a listed building or conservation area you may need to check on building restrictions before buying and fitting double glazing so contact your local planning authority.

How can I find a good double glazing installer?

Before you choose a double glazing company do some research and speak to friends and neighbours in order to find a positive recommendation. You can also look through local yellow pages and newspapers to get a number of double glazing quotes from different companies. In general, a reliable double glazing company should offer guarantees and provide you with examples of previous work. If you’re unsure about a double glazing fitter visit the Glass and Glazing Federation website and choose from a number of reputable glaziers.

In your average family home the largest proportion of heat loss is through the windows. Therefore improving the energy efficiency of your windows by investing in double glazing can save you money and increase the value of your home, whilst ensuring your home is warmer, safer and quieter.