Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to perform the same task. It brings a variety of benefits that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing demand for energy imports, and lowering our costs on household bills. Being more energy efficient is not only kinder on the environment, but kinder on our pockets too.
It’s no secret that older properties are not known for their naturally excellent energy ratings, however, that doesn’t mean they can’t be vastly improved. Modern technology means you don’t have to compromise on heritage and character to achieve an energy-efficient home. We’ve put together our top five tips on how you could make your home more energy-efficient.
Replace your double glazing
Double glazing uses two panes of glass separated by a layer of argon gas to keep your home more energy-efficient whilst also reducing noise levels from outside. Argon gas is a poor heat conductor and therefore keeps warm air from escaping, while the second pane of glass also acts as a barrier to noise, improving the acoustics of your home.
All of our windows are A-rated for energy efficiency. Window energy ratings provide an easy way to see how different window products compare when it comes to energy efficiency. The energy rating is displayed on a label showing a rating system that ranges from A++ to G, with A++ being the most energy-efficient. The letter rating is calculated using a formula that takes into account the window’s overall thermal efficiency, air leakage, and solar gain. Solar gain refers to how much heat from the sun oases through the window.
Consider triple glazing
When you upgrade your windows from double to triple glazing you unlock a wealth of benefits improving upon everything established within double glazing. By adding a third pane of glass, triple glazing will help you to achieve lower U-values which will maximise your home’s thermal performance. Triple glazing is guaranteed to eliminate condensation, stop draughts and cold spots, and significantly reduce outside noise. U-values refer measure the rate at which heat transfers through the window itself. The lower the U-value, the better.
Invest in more energy-efficient doors
Replacement doors increase curb appeal as well as home security, but there are also huge energy savings you could be making too. Just like windows, doors also have an energy-efficiency rating. This is a great place to start when choosing a door that’ll help you save money on heating bills. The difference between us and other double glazing installers in South Yorkshire is that we can actually show you how effective our energy-efficient doors are. Take a look at our thermal indication images here to see how our doors are guaranteed to prevent heat loss from your home.
We offer a number of doors in different styles and materials to suit your particular style and personal needs. Whether you opt for aluminium, uPVC, or composite doors, you can have peace of mind your new doors will bring you a good return on investment.
Use home accessories to improve your energy efficiency
It may not seem like a simple piece of décor, such as curtains, could do much to make your home more energy-efficient, but a set of thick curtains could do more than you might realise. By helping to regulate your indoor temperatures, curtains can help to keep you more comfortable whilst saving you money. They act as another barrier that heat has to try and travel through, keeping your warm air in and cold air out.
Change your everyday habits
These simple reminders can help you save energy every day in your home.
- It might seem obvious, but remember to turn the heating and lights off in rooms that aren’t being used.
- Keep furniture away from radiators, they will steal all of the heat. Moving your sofa to expose your radiator, for example, will help to keep your house warmer.
- Turn appliances off when not in use, as some of them still eat up your energy.
- Why not set yourself a rule that before you put the heating on, you try wearing an extra layer, such as a jumper or a blanket. If that doesn’t work, then it may be time to turn the heating on.
At Global Windows, we are proud of our products and their wealth of high-quality, energy-efficient features. More information on our energy-efficient options can be found via our online window and door brochure section. You can also design your own renovation project from the comfort of your home, with our innovative online project designer. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your home improvement needs with us.
