How to Buy Energy Efficient Windows for Less

Written by   |  Published November 23, 2015  |  Posted in: Replacement Windows, Windows  |  Tags: , ,

Double glazing

As energy prices rise and homeowners have increased awareness around energy saving, many people are looking to ensure their homes are as energy efficient as possible. One way to do this is to replace your old single-glazed windows for double- or triple-glazed windows, and since lots of companies are offering discounts for scrapping your old windows with them, now is the time to act.

Many glazing companies have begun to offer scrappage schemes to encourage homeowners to change their old, inefficient windows. Although they differ from company to company, some schemes offer up to £100 off each window you replace. That brings the average cost of a new triple-glazed window down to £295, which is a considerable saving. However, steer clear of any companies who tell you that they are part of a government-backed scheme, because at the moment there isn’t such a scheme.

Double-glazed and triple-glazed windows are more efficient because they have either two or three panes of glass in the frame, separated by a gas such as argon with pane spacers. Pane spacers are normally made out of material with little or no metal, so they don’t conduct heat.

Just like other appliances, windows have an energy performance rating. They also have a u-value, which shows you how much heat the window lets out. The lower the u-value, the less heat they let escape through them. Sometimes, windows with a higher energy performance rating might have a higher u-value than windows with a lower rating. Whilst this might seem wrong, it will be because there are other features of the window that make it better overall, such as the coating on the glass or the gap between the panes. If you replace a whole single-glazed house with double glazing, you could save £160 a year. You could save even more with triple glazing.
The window scrappage schemes that different companies are offering could change or even end at any time, so it’s best to start looking for quotes to see what deals are available in your area now. Replacing your windows is a big investment, so make sure that you get at least three quotes from reputable installers and compare prices and quality before buying double- or triple-glazed windows.

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