Sash windows look great and are a prominent feature on period properties. But one of their problems is they\u2019re notoriously draughty. This isn\u2019t good news when you consider how expensive it now is to keep your home warm. <\/p>\n
Essentially, the more heat that\u2019s allowed to escape the more you\u2019ll be spending on your bills. <\/p>\n
With a rough calculation there are 43 million sash windows still in Britain. That\u2019s fantastic for keeping an aesthetically pleasing appeal but isn\u2019t helping anything when it comes to their expenses. <\/p>\n
But fixing the problem isn\u2019t exactly cheap. A complete replacement would see you spend a few thousand pounds. So we\u2019ve listed below the six best ways of improving your energy efficiency, with appropriate costing included. <\/p>\n
First off, let\u2019s take a look at the option of not making a physical change to the window itself. Historic Scotland found that heavy blinds or curtains can be a major factor in energy efficiency and account for a 14-50% reduction in heat loss. <\/p>\n
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n Drawbacks:<\/strong><\/p>\n Draught-proofing the window is another solution. Try sticking masking tape over unused windows which is pretty effective, especially in winter. However, always be careful because if there isn\u2019t adequate ventilation, especially in bathrooms or kitchens, then your home could suffer from high humidity. <\/p>\n We recommend you avoid surface mounted metal strips as they aren\u2019t very effective and don\u2019t look particularly appealing either. <\/p>\n Secondary glazing is fantastic for properties in Conservation Areas or listed buildings because nine time out of ten you\u2019ll be granted permission. This is the complete opposite to proposing double or triple glazing. Secondary glazing is also cheaper. <\/p>\n Essentially, with secondary glazing a second pane is fitted on the inside of the original window. <\/p>\n Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n Drawbacks:<\/strong><\/p>\n This is probably going to be your best option if finances permit. And the good news is you\u2019ll probably be granted permission to do this, even by the most stringent of conservation officers. The frames will stay the same and the glass will simply be replaced by thin double glazing. <\/p>\n Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n Of course, this isn\u2019t work you\u2019ll be able to carry out yourself. You\u2019ll need to bring in an expert to replace the glass and prices will start from a few hundred pounds per window. <\/p>\n A more extreme way to go about suring up your home\u2019s efficiency would be to replace the entire sash unit rather than just the glazing. You could choose to replace like-for-like or even have a full double glazed window put into your home. <\/p>\n Planning permission could be an issue here though so you should always speak to your local planning officer before going ahead with any work. Otherwise you could be asked to remove the new windows. <\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want a FENSA or Certass registered installer to complete the work, because these companies comply with all regulations. <\/p>\n Also ensure your new windows have a low emissivity glass and the spacer is filled with a gas such as Argon or Xenon. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n
2.\tDraught-proofing<\/h2>\n
3.\tSecondary glazing<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
4.\tReplacing the sash glazing<\/h2>\n
\n
5.\tReplacing your sash windows<\/h2>\n