Homeowners across the country are battling an energy price hike and cost of living crisis like never before, with more than two million UK households now in debt on their electricity bills.
According to data from energy regulator Ofgem, the number of UK households behind on their energy bills soared to record levels in the second quarter of this year, with more than two million behind on their electricity payments.
By the end of June, 2.3 million households were behind on electricity bills, and 1.8 million behind on their gas bills.
With the crisis in full swing, people are already unplugging fridges, washing clothes by hand, and even skipping meals in a bid to save money.
Many cash-strapped households are even turning to prepayment meters in record numbers to cut back on energy bills, with 10,000 a month forecast to be installed this winter.
How can I save money on my energy bills?
While energy saving measures won’t make up for the sharp rise in prices, taken together, many small changes could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Simple things include using an air fryer or microwave instead of an oven, switching to LED lightbulbs, setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature, and using one less washing machine cycle a week, which according to the Energy Saving Trust, could save you around £28 a year.
While all of these methods go a long way in saving a little here and there, with the current energy crisis, we need to take further action and invest in more long-term solutions.
Long-term energy saving hacks
Getting into the habit of practising saving energy can go a long way, especially if you consider more long-term methods such as installing a smart thermostat, buying more efficient appliances, installing a new boiler, draught-proofing your property and even insulating your roof or loft space.
But by far the most effective way of cutting down your energy bills is by having double glazing installed – not only will this save energy in the coming winter months, but for years to come.
How much could I save?
Replacing old draughty windows with new double glazing goes a long way in protecting your home against the cold and saving money.
According to a recent government report, by installing double glazing in entirely single-glazed houses, a homeowner living in a detached home could save up to £155 a year. Those living in a semi-detached property could save up to £110, those in a mid-terrace up to £85, while bungalow residents could save up to £75 a year.
How does double glazing help?
A huge 18% of heat lost through our homes occurs through windows, so it comes as no surprise that homes with single glazing will pay the highest price to keep warm this winter.
With a single glazed window, one glass pane serves as the barrier between your home and the outdoors, while double glazing uses two panes, as well as a layer of air for additional insulation.
This is also the case for the window frame itself – unlike single glazing, double glazed window frames provide more space to include an insulating framework.
Essentially, double glazing is effective because while glass is a good conductor of heat, air is not. The air pocket between the two panes of glass therefore creates a seal against the outdoors, reducing the transfer of heat.
Double glazed windows are also filled with argon gas – and while this may slightly increase the cost of a new window, it does improve energy ratings in the long run.
Why uPVC?
Besides being stiff, strong and durable, uPVC is also an excellent insulator, and as a framing material, enhances energy efficiency.
How does it do this? Firstly, uPVC is a very low conductor of heat, meaning it doesn’t allow for temperature exchange between the outside and the inside.
uPVC windows are also sealed air-tight using high-quality sealants to further fill in any gaps around the window glass that may facilitate energy exchange.
The Global difference
Energy efficiency is an important consideration for all homeowners, and we all want to reduce our carbon footprint, help protect the environment, and also save on our energy bills.
At Global Windows, all our window styles are A-rated for energy efficiency, meaning by replacing your old windows, you’ll benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home this winter, while also reducing the cost of energy – something which is a priority for everyone thanks to the current cost of living crisis.
Of course the way replacement windows improve the overall look of your home is always worth the investment, but the energy savings can’t be ignored either.
And with Global Windows, we’re able to show you exactly the impact your new windows could be having.
Without getting too technical, the team uses infrared thermal imaging technology to demonstrate the heat being lost through old single-pane windows, and how this then improves with a newly installed double glazed unit.
Save money on your energy bills today
With energy prices set to go through the roof in coming months, it’s vital that homeowners are prepared, and investing now in quality double glazing is an important step in avoiding those soaring bills.
It’s something that could potentially save you hundreds of pounds, which during the current cost of living crisis, goes a long way.
If you’re a Yorkshire homeowner and you’re looking to replace your windows with more energy efficient ones and save on your energy bills, look no further than Global Windows.
Get in touch with a member of our expert team today and we’ll be able to book you a consultation to offer you a free, no-obligation quote. You can contact us by either giving us a call on 0800 610 1234 or by contacting us online.
Read more about saving money with energy efficient windows from Global Windows:
How do I know when I need to replace my windows?
How can I save money on gas and electric?
Why you should consider uPVC windows for your Chesterfield home
