Energy Rated Double Glazing sees growth in the UK window and door market

Author: West Yorkshire Windows  |  Leave a Comment >>

The UK double glazing industry is seeing a steady uptake in the development of more Energy Efficient Windows since the introduction of the new window ratings system by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC).

The BFRC Scheme is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows and is recognised within the Building Regulations as a method to show compliance for your replacement windows installation.

Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide similar to that used on ‘white’ goods (such as fridges, freezers, washing machines etc…). This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows you are looking to purchase. With carbon emissions high on the global agenda and the current high cost of fuel, we are all looking for ways to make our homes more energy efficient.

Fabricators and installers of uPVC windows in the UK have been developing a variety of energy rated windows since the scheme was established, and consumers are becoming more aware.

Matthew Glover, the Managing Director of Conservatory Outlet Ltd, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of Double Glazing and Conservatories is delighted with the progress in the market, and at his company.

‘We’ve found that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, and see their windows as a key element in reducing CO2 emissions,’ states Matthew Glover. ‘We have seen a ten fold increase in sales over the last twelve months, with most people opting for the most energy efficient A Rated windows’.

Simply put the new energy rated labels will determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping households contain and conserve heat within buildings in the winter, keep out the wind, resist condensation and contribute to improved sound insulation.

Buildings that are single glazed or the double glazing was installed prior to April 2002 then they could be losing more heat than necessary, and therefore money, literally out of the window. However, by switching to Energy Efficient Windows householders can save energy and reduce household bills by as much as £461 per year (according to the BFRC).

If you live in a single glazed house and install Energy Efficient Windows, you could reduce the energy you use by 0.30 tonnes or 18% – almost reaching the Government target of 20% reduction per household. Add to this other simple energy saving measures – such as insulating your home and turning down the central heating by 1° C – and you could be making a real impact on reducing your carbon footprint.

Conservatory Outlet have produced new literature to explain the benefits of choosing energy efficient windows, and have added more detail to their website at http://www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/energy_rated_windows.php