Blog>Expert Advice>Why you should invest in energy-efficient windows for your home
Last updated: 24 March 2023
Why you should invest in energy-efficient windows for your home
In this post, we'll explain the ins and outs of energy-efficient windows, helping you to understand the benefits and costs of this eco-home improvement.
The benefits of installing energy-efficient windows in your home
One of the key benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient windows is to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This reduces the need for heating and air-conditioning, saving you money on your energy bills.
Better insulation
The best insulating windows are made from special materials and low-E coatings that trap the heat inside your home during the colder months and block the heat out during the summer.
Frames are often made from materials with better-insulating properties such as uPVC, composite, aluminium, or wood
Tight seals and weatherstripping help to reduce air leakage and draughts
Reduced energy consumption
We all know that the increased use of fossil fuels contributes to climate change.
Installing energy-saving glass is one change we can make to help us use energy more efficiently to reduce our energy consumption and lower our environmental impact.
Noise reduction
Some of the best energy-saving windows also help to reduce noise pollution. This is a real bonus if you live in a city or near a busy road or motorway.
Reduced condensation
Thermal-efficient windows will help to reduce the condensation that can build up on the inside of windows, therefore helping to eliminate the problem of mould and peeling paint on windowsills.
Increased home value
If you come to sell your property, you may find that your green home improvements actually increase the appeal of your property with prospective buyers and indeed its resale value.
How energy-efficient windows can save you money on your energy bills
The best windows are typically double (or triple) glazed, which means they have multiple layers of glass with a layer of air or inert gas in between.
This special design means that energy-efficient double glazing helps to minimise the heat that can escape from your home through the glass.
Your home will therefore maintain a more comfortable temperature and you'll use less energy to heat your home during the colder months and keep it cool in the warmer months (with a/c), therefore lowering the cost of your energy bills.
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The average cost of energy-efficient windows
The cost of energy-saving windows will vary depending on a few factors.
First, the type of window you're after. For example, whether you need a standard style, an energy-efficient skylight replacement, or energy-efficient bay windows
The size of the windows you need will also contribute to the cost
The type of window frames you choose will impact the cost. As will your geographical location
The average cost of double glazing for a home with 8 windows and 2 uPVC doors, will be about £6,000 - £15,000.
While there's an initial investment in getting thermally-efficient windows installed, you will make long-term savings on your energy bills.
How much energy does double-glazed windows save (UK)?
The Energy Saving Trust states that installing A-rated double glazing to windows in an entirely single-glazed semi-detached gas-heated property could save you £195 per year and 330kg of carbon dioxide.
For more tips and advice, check out our post on making an old home energy efficient.
12 Home hacks to cut your bills in [year]
We've pulled together the 12 top things you can do to save money on your bills without having to break the bank in the first place. If you follow all of our hacks, you could save over £1,000 on your bills in a year. So, what are you waiting for? Please note that the savings in this guide are based
Available energy-efficient window grants
It is possible to get a grant to help with the cost of installing energy-efficient windows, helping to reduce the cost of installation.
There are currently no grants for windows (March 2023), but keep an eye out on the government website.
Choosing the best energy-efficient windows for your home
There's a widely-used rating scheme to help compare the heat-saving windows available, helping you to find the most energy-efficient options for your budget.
The energy rating scale grades products from A++ to E and is run by The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC).
Check your window fitter uses BFRC rated products to make sure they deliver the energy efficiency they claim to.
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FAQs
What type of window is the most energy efficient?
The most energy-efficient window is A++ rated. This relates to the energy efficiency of the entire window - frame and glass. The most energy efficient type of glass for double and triple glazing is low emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the internal glass surfaces. This coating reflects heat back into the home but still lets in the light from outside (Source: Energy Saving Trust).
Are energy-efficient windows worth it?
While energy-efficient windows are an investment, they bring many benefits including lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, noise reduction, a more ambient temperature in your home, and the eradication of mould. They can also increase the value of your home.
What are the most thermally-efficient window frames?
Fibreglass window frames that can be filled with insulation often make the most thermally-efficient option, versus wood or uninsulated uPVC.
Can you get a government grant for new windows?
Keep an eye out on the government website for information about grants.
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