Are you struggling with high energy bills and wondering how to make your home more comfortable year-round?
Double glazing could be the solution you’ve been looking for!
With energy prices soaring and UK homes losing heat three times faster than our European neighbours, it’s time to take action and invest in quality early insulation.
This guide explains everything you need to know about double glazing and shows you how it can slash your energy costs and transform the comfort of your home. Read on to find out more.
Let’s face it: most UK homes are energy efficiency disasters. We’ve all seen it – cold, draughty houses with massive heating bills.
But did you know that UK homes lose heat 3 times faster than European counterparts? That’s why energy bills have soared in recent years – because we simply can’t keep the warmth in!
But don’t worry – double glazing to the rescue! It’s one of the best things you can do to reduce heat loss in your home and lower your energy bills.
On this page, you’ll discover:
- How double glazing works so well
- The real money-saving benefits you’ll see
- The different types of double glazing available
- How to choose the best system for your home
- Tips for getting the best installation and service
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
Why Double Glazing Works So Well
Here’s how it works: Double glazed windows have two panes of glass with a gap in between. This gap is filled with air or sometimes an inert gas like argon.
The gap acts as a buffer of insulation that dramatically reduces heat transfer.
It’s basically like a thermos flask for your home. The double wall keeps hot things hot and cold things cold using the same principles as double glazing.
Right windows and glazing services from trusted installers like guaranteed doors and windows from Birmingham Glass provide professional installation and long-term, energy-efficient performance.
The great thermal efficiency comes down to three key elements:
- The air gap that acts as a barrier to heat flow
- Low-E coatings that reflect heat back into your home
- The sealed units that stop air leakage and help maintain insulation levels
All in all, not bad for something that seems so simple!
The Real Money-Saving Benefits
Here are some real numbers that count…
By upgrading single glazed windows to A-rated double glazing, homeowners can save £140 on energy bills in Great Britain and £160 in Northern Ireland every year.
But wait, there’s more – the benefits of double glazing go way beyond just the energy bills:
Energy Efficiency That Really Works
Studies have shown that double glazed windows can save up to 40% of energy consumption in your dream home.
Comfort That You Can Feel
The lack of cold spots near windows when using double glazing.
Noise Reduction Bonus
Yes, double glazing can reduce outside noise by up to 50%, making it great for those who live near busy roads and traffic noise.
Double glazing even increases the value of your property and improves your EPC rating, so it’s a home investment that will give you returns when you come to sell.
Different Types Of Double Glazing
Double glazing isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.
In fact, there are a range of options to choose from that offer varying benefits and prices. Here’s a rundown of the different types of double glazing available.
Standard Double Glazing
The most basic form of double glazing simply has two panes of regular glass with an air gap in between.
It’s the cheapest option and still offers big energy-saving benefits when compared to single glazing.
Low-E Double Glazing
Low emissivity (Low-E) coatings are the real game-changers here. This invisible layer of metal or ceramic reflects the heat back into the room during the winter but reflects solar heat back outside in summer.
Gas-Filled Units
Instead of the air, some double glazing units use argon or krypton gas in the gap. These heavier gases are denser than air and offer even better insulation.
Triple Glazing
As you can probably guess, triple glazing is just like double glazing but with an extra pane of glass. It’s around 20% more expensive but has even greater energy efficiency benefits in very cold climates.
How To Choose The Right System
Picking the best double glazing system for your home really depends on a few factors:
Your Budget
Entry-level double glazing systems start at around £300-400 per window but you can easily reach £600-800 for the high-performance options. Of course, the energy bill savings quickly start to add up over time.
The Age Of Your Home
Older properties can see much greater benefits from double glazing installations. In fact, if you have a pre-1980s home, you’ll likely be losing a huge amount of heat from single-glazed windows.
Your Local Climate
Live in a cold or exposed location? Then you might want to look at the more high-performance options like Low-E coatings and gas-filled units.
Frame Materials
uPVC: the most affordable option, very low maintenance and good insulation properties.
Aluminium: more modern look, very durable but thermal break essential.
Timber: good insulation and a traditional look but requires maintenance.
Getting The Best Installation
Here’s the thing: no matter how good the double glazing is, if it’s not installed properly, it won’t work properly.
Poor installation can lead to reduced efficiency by up to 30%, so it’s essential you get this right.
What To Look For:
- Certified and qualified installers
- Warranties on products and workmanship
- Energy efficiency ratings and certifications
- References from previous customers
Installation times vary, but for an average home, you’re looking at 1-2 days. Most good installers will also dispose of your old windows for you as part of the process.
Planning permission: Double glazing is exempt from needing planning permission – but there are exceptions like being in a conservation area or listed building, so be sure to check.
Making The Investment Decision
It’s no secret that double glazing is an investment that costs a pretty penny.
But with savings of £140-160 per year, it’s one that will typically pay for itself in 7-10 years before giving you pure profit on your energy bills from then on.
Add in the value it adds to your home, the comfort and the reduced carbon footprint, and you’ve got a home improvement investment that’s hard to beat.
Ready to find out more? Go ahead and book your free double glazing survey from a reputable supplier.
Wrap Up
Double glazing is a real game-changer when it comes to the energy efficiency of your home. It slashes the heat loss, the energy bills and it even improves the overall comfort.
86% of surveyors name double glazing as the most popular energy saving measure chosen by homeowners, and there’s a reason it’s so popular.
With UK homes losing heat three times faster than our European neighbours, it’s no longer a luxury or a nice to have – it’s a necessity if we’re going to keep our energy bills down.
The cost of installation will soon be recouped in energy bill savings, property value increases and better comfort levels.
Choose the right installation and it will give you decades of service in return.
So there you have it – the full lowdown on the benefits of double glazing.
