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.
