ENERGY SAVING PRODUCTS
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Aspect Windows System 10 products are energy efficient. They are proven to help keep warmth inside your home whilst keeping the cold out and any heat loss to a minimum – all this will help reduce your heating costs significantly. The cost saving made from reduced fuel bills outweigh the investment cost over the life expectancy of the window.
Window Energy Ratings
Government Building Regulations require us to use energy efficient glass products that help to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment. These regulations have recently been updated to include a Window Energy Rating scheme which assess the overall energy efficiency of a window and offers a further means of compliance.
Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales (and Part F in Northern Ireland) includes Window Energy Ratings (WERs) as an alternative method of compliance.
The minimum level for replacement domestic windows is band E. For windows in new domestic extensions, the minimum requirement is band D. Additionally, in new dwellings, BFRC Ratings are now being used to guide building professionals towards more energy efficient design and building components.
Benefits
Using thermally insulating double glazing is the best way to improve the energy efficiency of your windows and make your home environment more comfortable.
- Improved thermal insulation – reduced heat loss saves you money on your heating bills.
- Promotes passive solar heat gain – free heat from the sun passes easily through the glass helping to warm the home.
- Improved energy efficiency – reduced need for heating helps to save energy and protect the environment.
- More comfortable rooms – improved thermal insulation means fewer cold spots and drafts near windows and doors.
- Less condensation – the inner surface of the glass stays warmer, reducing internal condensation and prolonging the life of your windows.
Decreasing Thermal Losses
Type of low-E glass
Choosing a new generation high performance low-E glass such as Planitherm 1.3 Total can help significantly reduce thermal losses compared to traditional low-E products.
Insert gas filling
Argon gas filling a double-glazed unit further reduces heat loss.
Low-iron glass
Has been specially manufactured to be significantly clearer than standard glass allowing better transmission of solar heat and light.
Increasing the sighted glass area
By changing the frame design to maximise the proportion of glass in the window allows for greater area through which solar heat gain can be transmitted.
Current regulations and estimated savings in ££ and carbon emissions
The current building regulations require a minimum energy rating of E but this is proposed to be upgraded to a C rating in October of 2010.
Calculations by the Glass and Glazing Federation show that you can make saving reductions in your energy bills by changing to energy rated windows, with savings to £697 per year in some cases. To see how much you could benefit log on www.ggf.co.uk to use their carbon calculator and work out your savings. In addition fitting an advanced performance window, for example a C rated window, cuts carbon emissions and will save 852kg of CO2 per year, that’s the equivalent of your car in the garage for three months or enough gas to sill five double –
See for yourself
We are able to offer A, B and C rated products in a wide range of materials PVCu, Aluminium and Aluminium / Timber composite in casement and vertical sliding options. All this can help to reduce your heating bills and are on display in our Exeter showroom.