Save energy and transform your home by revamping your windows

If you want to instantly transform the look of your home, think about replacing your windows. New windows will lower energy loss, enhance the security of your house and reduce noise pollution, so it’s well worth it.

Wood framed windows look great and
are a good insulator
C: Ell Brown on Flickr

 

Are your windows old, draughty, wet with condensation or a total eyesore? If the answers yes then you need to replace your windows. Graham Dear, from Addlestone Windows and Conservatories in Surrey, emphasises that: “Getting new windows will save you money by reducing heat loss and will enhance your homes security.”

If you don’t think you need completely new windows then you can always look into repairing your old ones or adding double glazing. However, if you live in a listed property, you need to make sure that you apply to your local authority before changing any of the windows.

Types of window frame

Wood windows - Wood window frames are good natural insulators and can be carved, decorated and painted to suit your homes style. Window installer Graham points out that: “Wood window installing is quite a specialist thing nowadays, it’s not that common.” This could be because you need to regularly repaint timber windows to prevent them from rotting. Good quality timber window frames are also expensive
to buy.

Metal windows provide good
security and low maintenance
C: Jon Rawlinson on Flickr

 

Metal windows provide good
security and low maintenance
C: Jon Rawlinson on Flickr

UPVC Windows – “The most popular type of window is PVC (uPVC) because they are durable and low maintenance, they also insulate your home well,” says Tom Rawcliffe from Dee Windows in Chester. UPVC window frames are also popular because they cost less than wood or metal windows and should last about 35 years if they are good quality. Some people may dislike the homogenised look of uPVC.

Metal/aluminium windows – Metal framed windows do not rot or rust and provide good security because of their strength. Graham, at Addlestone Windows, points out that: “Aluminium windows sometimes look nicer on an older house and they are low maintenance; you don’t need to repaint them like you would wood.” However, metal framed windows don’t insulate as well as uPVC and can cause condensation. A thermal break (a layer of plastic inside the frame) helps to combat this problem.

Double Glazing

If you don’t want to replace your windows, then adding double glazing can still make a big difference to your home. Double glazing involves adding an extra pane of glass to the window; this creates a barrier or air in between the panes which helps insulate your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, adding double glazing to your home can cut heat loss by half and save £135 on heating bills and 720kg of CO2 every year.

Double glazing has the added benefits of reducing noise pollution and eliminating condensation, which can cause serious mould problems in your home.

Tom, who installs windows and double glazing, emphasises that: “Double glazing will save you money on your energy bills, provide security for your home and make it more attractive. This year I have had a lot of people getting double glazing because they are not moving house and want to make their home more comfortable.”

Hiring a window contractor

Building regulations state that new windows and doors installed in homes must meet current thermal performance standards so that, as a nation, we reduce energy wastage. If however, you are installing windows in commercial premises, in a new build, or in porches or conservatories, you will need to go through the local building authority process.

New windows will insulate your home,
provide security and make it
more attractive

The easiest way to abide by the building regulations is to hire a FENSA registered installer. They will provide you with a certificate to show that your windows comply with building regulations and inform the local authority of this. A certain percentage of each FENSA recognised installers work is inspected to make sure that they maintain high standards.

“It’s important to use a FENSA or similarly registered installer because it saves the hassle of having to log the windows with the local authorities yourself,” explains window installer Tom.

How much do new windows cost?

You will need to consult a professional company to find out how much your new windows, double glazing or repair work will cost. Window specialist Graham says: “The cost of windows depends on the size of the house, what colour windows you want and the style.” Tom adds: “The average cost of PVC windows for a whole house would be around £3,000. We would offer a free quotation and that kind of work would normally take three to four days.”