Double glazing – making your home economic, green and cosy!

The next in our series looking at how to save money and become energy efficient around the house concentrates on double glazing; how to ensure that your current windows are up to scratch and if not what you can do about it.

How double glazing works

The gap between the two panes of glass in a double glazing unit traps air, creating an insulating barrier that prevents the loss of heat through the window.

Evaluating the effectiveness of double glazing

Heat escapes for many places around the home and in a previous article on loft insulation highlighted that almost 20% of heat within a home escapes through the roof. Latest estimates are that a further 25% of heat escapes through the home’s glazing i.e. through windows and doors. By installing double glazing that percentage can be halved, saving an average £150 per year on heating bills. That may not sound a great saving compared to the cost of installation, but there are additional benefits in having double glazing that include sound proofing, draft exclusion, and reduced condensation. There is also an estimated reduction in CO2 emissions of 720kg per year, making the installation of double glazing both an earth saver as well as an economic improvement. Indeed, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that if all the homes in the UK that needed double glazing had it fitted it would save the equivalent of 770,000 entire households’ CO2 emissions!

Double glazing options

Double glazing should always be fitted by professionals to ensure that they are installed correctly. Get at least three quotes but don’t necessarily opt for the cheapest quote as there are a number of other factors to consider. For example, make sure that the company you eventually choose fits energy efficient windows. In the same way as new electrical appliances, windows are rated according to their effectiveness - in a range from A to G - with A being the most efficient.

If you want to make a difference but cannot afford to replace all your windows then you could fit secondary glazing instead. Rather than replace all the frames and glazing in the property secondary glazing involves the addition of a second sheet of glass or plastic, which improves heat retention and prevents noise. Although cheaper than fitting double glazing it is also not as effective, but could still reduce an average heating bill by around £70 per year.

Don’t forget to check your draft proofing at the same time

Regardless of the standard of your glazing a further 15% of all heat can escape because of poor ventilation and draughts. Check around your window frames and ensure that there are no significant gaps. If you find any, then fill them!

In addition, a simple measure like fitting brushes to your letter box can make a significant difference to draft exclusion. Finally, check around the exterior walls where services such as satellite or telephones enter the property. Ensure that any holes drilled through walls are adequately blocked or insulated, and if they are not take corrective action.

Summary

Fitting double glazing results in savings on energy bills, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and reduces noise levels, drafts and condensation. It should only be fitted by professional double glazing companies or contractors and ensure that the most energy efficient windows are used for the maximum savings. Remember, not only will you save money but by cutting Co2 emissions you will also help the planet!

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