Energy-efficient windows

Energy efficient windows can cut your bills

Energy-efficient windows can cut your household bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Benefits include a warmer, more comfortable living space, reduced condensation, and greater peace.
Windows with a high energy efficiency rating also mean fewer draughts, better heat insulation and lower energy bills.
However, energy-saving windows come with upfront costs, and the savings may be difficult to calculate. The cost savings for a centrally heated property depend on the type of heating, the size of the building and the choice of window materials.
Savings estimates for replacing single-glazed windows with double glazing on a property with gas central heating can be up to £120 a year for a large detached house, £80 for a semi-detached home, £65 for a mid-terrace property, £60 for a bungalow and £40 for a mid-floor flat (these estimates are before the recent price hike in gas bills).
A good rule of thumb is to save around 12% on energy bills by installing energy-efficient windows.

Windows that save energy

Several things can affect the energy efficiency of replacement windows. The most effective is to install double glazing. Multiple panes trap air, or other gases, between them to act as a 'blanket' against the cold and prevent heat loss from inside. Argon or krypton gas can be used in sealed double-glazed units to reduce heat loss even more. Triple glazing is even better, but it's a case of diminishing returns on your investment. Window panes can have special Low-E coatings that allow light and heat to penetrate but prevent heat from escaping. Other factors that can save energy include the window frame material, the gap distance between panes and the type of spacers used to keep them apart.

Why window frames matter

Windows come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Glass is common to all, but frames can significantly influence overall heat transfer properties. The energy rating of frames varies with the material, and each has advantages. In general terms, aluminium windows are the least thermally efficient. Manufacturers can improve this by incorporating thermal breaks into the design, but the benefits are marginal. Timber frames are reasonably efficient, but they require maintenance to keep them that way, and they are not as long-lasting as some other materials. PVCu frames are long-lasting, require little upkeep and are energy efficient. Composite frames are highly efficient. They usually have a timber core with aluminium and plastic outer layers, but they are more expensive.

Thermal properties of glass

The amount of glass used in a window significantly affects its thermal efficiency. Glass absorbs heat from sunshine and loses heat by conduction. Double glazing gives much better insulation than single glazing because dry air trapped between the panes prevents heat loss. Low-e or low-emissivity window glass coatings help control solar heat, especially in double-glazed units. The inner pane coating allows short-wave radiation to shine in while heat-carrying long-wave radiation is reflected into the room. Energy efficiency improves if panels are sealed with a gas with a lower thermal conductivity than air, such as argon. The traditional method of measuring a window's thermal performance is through its U-value, but the more efficient BFRC rating has superseded this, as explained below.

Do energy-efficient windows save money?

When weighing up the cost of replacing windows, much depends on what type of windows are already installed. Old, draughty, ill-fitting windows will certainly not reduce your annual heating bills. Replacing single with double-glazed windows will bring immediate savings, but it might be insignificant if you only replace one or two windows. However, energy saving is not the only way to calculate the value of installing heat-efficient windows. Not only do you get a more comfortable home to live in, but you can also add value to the property if you ever come to sell it.

How energy ratings work

Many window manufacturers now display the energy efficiency of their products in a scheme introduced by the British Fenestration Rating Council BFRC. This energy rating is now the most widely used system for establishing the energy performance of windows and doors. Products are rated on an energy scale of A++ to E, with E being the lowest. Knowing that the whole window is evaluated for retaining heat, not just the glass, is useful. Windows may also display a U-value, which measures how quickly heat can be transmitted through a material. The lower the U-value, the better it is at keeping the heat in and the cold out. The U-value rating is still used and can often be found in widow manufacturers' catalogues, but many are turning to the more reliable and valuable BFRC standard.

More on windows

Choosing new windows
Pitfalls of window replacement
How double glazing works
How long do windows last