When installing new windows double glazing is often the preferred option, but what exactly is it and why is it so popular? Double glazed windows are worthwhile investments for a number of reasons, but mainly it’s the energy efficiency quality they offer.
With new double glazing windows, homeowners have the opportunity to reduce their energy bills, whilst having the added benefits of extra security and noise pollution reductions. So how does double glazing achieve this?
Energy efficient double glazing
Double glazing’s primary benefit is its superb energy efficient qualities. This is achieved in how the units are manufactured and proves to be an excellent insulation measure.
Double glazing is made up of two panes of glass, with a spacer in between. Inside the spacer is a motionless gas, usually Argon, which restricts heat from passing through the unit. As a result, your home’s heat is retained inside the property, reducing your energy bills throughout the year.
Because of this energy efficient gas spacer, benefit from:
- Cheaper heating bills: With the new windows, the Energy Saving Trust believes you’d save up to £165 on your annual heating bills. This is by either replacing single glazed, or old inefficient double glazed windows.
- Reduced CO2 emissions: By retaining more heat in your home, you’ll eliminate the need to up your thermostat on cold days. As such, less fuel will be burnt and fewer carbon emissions produced and released into the atmosphere.
- A warmer household: New windows will be able to limit draughts and cold spots in your home, whilst keeping more heat in your property. Effectively, this will ensure you have a warmer home in the winter. On top of this, during the summer months excess heat will be locked out, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable.
- A peaceful home: Thanks to the energy efficient spacer, it’s not just heat which can be controlled. Sound is also affected and can’t pass through the efficient gas, keeping unwanted noises outside. This significantly benefits those living in busy residential areas or nearby main roads.
- Reduced condensation: Condensation is a process which occurs when moisture in the air settles on a cold surface such as a window or mirror. With double glazing, the inner pane of your unit is warm, in keeping with your property. Therefore, moisture will not land on the glass.
- The glass type: The glass you use in double glazing will influence the energy saving potential. The most popular is low emissivity glass, which has a metallic coating on the inner pane to lock more heating in the property. This invisible coating doesn’t affect how much light and heat enter the house though.
- The spacer type: There are a few options to consider for the gas spacer, with Argon being the most popular and most expensive. The spacer is inserted between the two glass panes and retains heat in the home.
- The frame material: For those looking at new windows, there are essentially three options with associated benefits and drawbacks. For energy efficiency, uPVC is often the preferred choice as it’s far cheaper than both aluminium and wooden units too.
Why is double glazing energy efficient?
The basic double glazed unit is two panes of glass separated by an energy efficient spacer. The gap between the two window panes is normally 16mm and the gas can be Xenon or Krypton, but Argon is by far the most popular.
To guarantee having an efficient window installed, always look out for the BFRC rating and Energy Saving Trust logo.
There are three aspects to the unit which will directly affect efficiency: