With the summer now a thing of the past and the cold winter nights closing in, it’s important to ensure our homes are ready for what’s to come. There are many ways to get your home ready for the winter ahead and insulation is key to not only keeping us warm, but ensuring our energy bills are kept to a minimum.
One of the very best ways to prepare for the winter is to upgrade your home’s windows. Energy efficient windows can help you save hundreds of pounds every year, whilst offering a number of other benefits such as extra security and aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to choosing energy efficient windows, it’s hard to look anywhere else than double glazing. Double glazed windows have two panes of glass which are separated by a gas spacer, usually containing Argon, Xenon or Krypton.
The double glazing structure can vary and you have a choice in materials and colours, giving you a fantastic opportunity to find something that suits both you and your home.
When it comes to choosing your very own windows, the Energy Saving Trust has some top tips for you:
- The glass: Although with double glazing, much of the energy efficiency comes from the motionless gas spacer, you can improve insulation with the type of glass too. Low-e glass is available, which has an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide. This allows light and heat to enter your home but restricts the amount that can then exit.
- The spacer: With double or even triple glazing, the whole unit’s efficiency comes down to the gas spacer preventing heat from escaping your home. For a very efficient unit you want Argon in between the glass panes, whilst Xenon and Krypton are also good.
- Pane spacers: The pane spacers are found around the edges of the glass and if you’re keen on extra efficiency, be sure the spacers have little or no metal.