How Double Glazed Windows Can Save You Money As Part of an Energy Efficient Home

Environmental action is one of the most pressing concerns that will affect not only the current generations on the earth, but also future persons. For many, this can seem overwhelming, simply at a loss at how they can change their lives to preserve the planet. However, there are many individual actions you can do to tackle the problem. What's more, many of these are affordable too, and in fact, could save you money long term. One of these is double glazed windows, an exterior mechanism that will keep pesky drafts from escaping and can help heat your home. An upgrade of single glazed windows, they are commonplace in many modern buildings, however for period homes or older properties, the same cannot be said. Although many homeowners are now upgrading their window glass, some are deterred due to the fear of the initial cost. Moreover, many people may think that their period property, if listed, is unable to have these renovations done, and also they may have the misconception that it will detract from the aesthetics of the house. As we all know, period properties are stunning relics of past architectural styles, however, double glazing will create minimal aesthetic impact and also, other than it's environmental benefits, it will be the perfect bricolage of contemporary design and innovation with older features.

With this in mind, we decided to dedicate a blog post to how double glazing can save you money, and also, how effective it is in creating an energy-efficient home. In addition to this, we have compiled together affordable ways that you can do to enhance the energy efficiency of your home, as well as installing double glazing windows. For saving and preserving the environment, it is vital that we perform multiple efforts to help.

How does double glazing work?

First and foremost, how exactly does double glazing work? It can be easy to think that actually having two panes of glass, rather than one, doesn't make much difference as it appears too simple. However, it is far more complex than this. Double glazing is two panes of glass rather than one and they are around 16mm apart, these are often filled with a layer of argon gas, a chemical element that is colourless, odourless, non-flammable and non-toxic.

The gas is used to primarily help improve the insulative properties as it traps the heat emitted from the sun's rays, and as argon is a poor heat conductor it will prevent heat from escaping. What's more, you can also get double glazing windows that are created from an energy efficient type of glass called low-emissivity glass. Low-emissivity glass has an invisible coating of metal oxide which also lets in both light and heat, yet prevents heat from escaping. All in all this internally helps to naturally provide heat to your home and doesn’t cost the environment.

Another reason why double glazing is energy efficient and eco-friendly is that all of the frame materials are energy rated. For instance, both uPVC and wooden frames can be recycled. This also means that a wide range of framing materials allows you to easily choose a style that best suits your home. After all, if you are concerned that double glazing will aesthetically detract, rather than complement, your home - then a myriad of framing options could alleviate this concern. For example, timeless and homely wooden framing would better complement period properties.

A mini-guide to double glazing costs

The two most important reasons as to why you should upgrade and get double glazing is of course, how it saves you precious pennies and that it can help combat environmental issues. Yet, as with most things, the deciding factor whether to actually invest in something always comes down to the initial cost of installation. We understand that as economies fluctuate, many are tentative about making an initial investment. However, as stated above, it is certainly worth it with double glazing, and it would be a decision that you won’t look back on.

Double glazing is pretty much offered at every window and door company, and each rate will vary depending on what service you would like, demand, the size of your home and simply whereabouts in the country you are. Therefore, it is difficult to exactly pinpoint how much it will cost to install double glazing throughout your home. Generally speaking, on average, a single casement window of 60 x 90cm with a uPVC frame will cost around £250. However, a sash window, of the same size and style will cost around £500.

But then, how much will you save? Savings will depend on the type of home that you have and also the energy efficiency of your home overall. For example, for a detached home that has an A ++ energy rating, you can save between £115 to £120 a year on your energy bills, whereas, a detached bungalow with the energy efficiency rating of B will save between £50 to £55 a year. These monies could easily go towards treats for yourself, like towards a holiday, or be put away for future costs like your child’s university fees.

Affordable ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home

Of course, there are other ways you can maximise the energy efficiency of your home and your double glazed windows, and also could be used to save you more money. Essentially double glazed windows are designed for you to use the central heating less, and when you do use the central heating, it is for a shorter time. If your home is particularly drafty, or you are simply determined to all in all have an eco-friendly home - utilising these ideas below won’t break the bank.

Insulated curtains

Thick insulated drapes can help keep the heat into your home and prevent it from escaping. This is especially helpful for cold winter nights, and can make your home feel cosier. Many curtain manufacturers and makers will offer the added option of insulative fabric being attached to the curtains, whereby keeping your home the perfect temperature all year round.

Draft excluder

A quick, easy, and cheap purchase online, a draft excluder is a great way to prevent hot air from escaping your room. You can choose to have one installed underneath your door, or you can get a stylish design that you can place in front of the door crevice. Many retailers create the latter in beautiful patterns or quirky shapes like dog-shaped draft excluders.

Loft and Wall Insulation

Investing in loft and wall insulation, alongside double glazing windows, is another great way to boost the energy efficiency of your home, and in turn, help you save more money. What’s more, especially for loft insulation, this is inexpensive, easy to install, and (if you want to save even more money) you can do some of this yourself by adding old mattresses and duvets into your lofts, a great way to reuse old textiles.

Replace your boiler

Have you considered that perhaps your boiler could also be contributing to your higher energy bills? If this is the case, then make sure to do plenty of research and consider switching to an energy efficient boiler. Surprisingly, there are many energy efficient boilers to choose from on the market, so you don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket in order to get one.

Efficient secondary heating source

There is nothing quite as quintessentially cosy as huddling around a crackling fireplace on a chilly winter evening. However, have you considered how much detriment this could be causing to your local and wider environment? Installing a wood burning stove to replace your fireplace is a great way to still achieve that quaint setting, but also help the environment too.

At EDF energy, one of the UK’s largest and most reputable energy suppliers, they have a range of energy saving tips that cost little time and money. For instance, this can include turning down your thermostat one degree, running your central heating one hour less per day, and keeping saucepan lids on when cooking.

Grassmoor Glass: Window Repair and Double Glazing Specialists in Chesterfield

If you have been swayed to get double glazing windows for your home in Chesterfield and beyond, why not enlist the services of our professional glazing company? Here at Grassmoor Glass, we pride ourselves on putting the security, aesthetics, and energy efficiency of your home first, making sure that we can find the ideal product to suit both your requests and budget.

Utilising our thirty years of experience, we can fit glazing, beautiful new doors and light-abundant conservatories, transforming the exterior and interior of your home. To find out more about our range of services, or you would like to speak to a leading glazier, then simply contact us today.