Knowledge Of How Double Glazed Windows Can Reduce Your Energy Consumption Will Save You Considerably In The Long Run

| Tuesday, July 12, 2011
By Gary Fisher


There are many ways to reduce your annual energy bill within the home. Knowing how double glazed windows can reduce your energy consumption is important as it is a very significant alteration in terms of the heat efficiency of your home. Although the costs of replacing windows may be high at the outset, the annual returns will be steady and the comfort of the home is greatly improved.

Double glazing is a method of insulation in that it provides an extra layer of glass to prevent heat loss. However, the sandwiched air between the two panes adds to this effect, therefore there is certainly a lot more to the concept than meets the eye.

Heat loss is reduced by the insulating qualities of the sandwich of glass and air that exists between the two panes. Often the performance of this is enhanced by being filled with certain gases, such as argon and xenon. In what is known as low emissivity glass, an invisible coat of metal oxide is placed on the inside pane which enhances performance through reducing heat loss whilst allowing sunlight and heat in.

It's not only the glass that's the star of the show. One of the important improvements in terms of double glazing over traditional glazing such a sash and case timber framed windows, is that the frames also perform better than traditional styles of window. As a complete unit it will greatly reduce heat loss through and around the installed window.

Various styles of double glazing are available to suit virtually every property. UPVC frames are generally the most popular options as they offer a modern appearance, are long lasting and require little maintenance by way of painting. More traditional styles of properties may benefit from timber frames which blend in with the character of the building. With regard to this important to check to see what consents may be required from the relevant local authority before changing windows in conservation buildings.

Another check to make before ordering your desired style is to see if they are rated in terms of overall efficiency. In the same way that many electrical appliances such as fridges and washing machines are rated for efficiency, window manufactures may have a grading for each model, which of course will affect the price for obvious reasons.

Double glazing offers a great way of reducing heat loss from the home. Saving heat loss means you won't have to crank that central heating up, hence the potential for savings. All considered, you certainly won't rue the day you found out how double glazed windows can reduce your energy consumption.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment