A quick guide to double glazing
Double glazing is a term that’s often thrown around, but many homeowners don’t really understand what it is and how it can benefit them. This quick guide will give you an idea of what double glazing incorporates, including the benefits associated with these energy efficient windows.
Remember, if you’re interested in double glazing you should compare quotes from a range of local, reputable companies to ensure you get the best deal available.
What is double glazing?
Double glazed windows are made from two panes of glass separated by a motionless spacer. This spacer is usually between 20mm and 28mm in thickness and contains Argon, Xenon or Krypton.
These three gases are proven to be energy efficient and retain heat in the property by restricting what passes between the two panes.
To make the double glazed unit even more efficient, it is possible to use special glass such as Planitherm. Planitherm retains more heat and captures natural sunlight, so you won’t have to turn up your heating during the winter.
With double glazing you’ll also have the choice in frame material, with three standout options being aluminium, timber and uPVC. All three have their own benefits and setbacks, but for the cheapest prices and fantastic energy efficient qualities, uPVC is the material for you.
Aluminium is by far the most durable as a metal, but this is countered by the cost associated and it’s by far the most expensive.
Timber frames look fantastic with traditional homes, but problems start to occur later down the line, especially with rotting and warping.
Meanwhile, uPVC is durable, resistant to changing weather conditions, can be coloured to resemble timber frames and is the cheapest of the three.
The benefits of double glazing
So now we’ve got to grips with what double glazing is, are the benefits useful for your property? In the tough financial climate where fuel bills are forever rising, every home should be double glazed.
- Reduce energy bills by up to £300 a year
Double glazing helps to cut your heating bills by retaining more heat in your property. This means you won’t have to turn up your heating system to keep warm and can instead spend the savings on something worthwhile.
Over the 20-year life expectancy of double glazing units, homeowners can expect to save over £8,000.
- Less noise pollution throughout the year
In exactly the same way heat is retained in the home with an energy efficient spacer, noise is kept out. Sound can’t pass through the motionless gas, which is particularly useful if you live near a busy main road or traffic works.
- An improved Energy Performance Certificate rating
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can be crucial if you want to sell your home. More and more potential buyers are looking at the EPC in order to see how much they’ll be paying on their heating bills.
The Government are also bringing in regulations concerning the EPC and other home improvements, such as solar panels. As it stands, from April 1, homeowners can no longer receive the full feed-in tariff rate for solar panels if their property doesn’t meet an EPC level D or above
- Reduced home carbon footprint
Carbon emissions are responsible for the rising fears of global warming and the UK Government has been set tough targets to reduce emissions by 2020. Double glazed windows help to do this as less heat is generated from boilers due to more being retained in the home.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, typical double glazing saves around 680kg of carbon emissions every year.
