Home improvements represent a major purchase for most homeowners, and can be far more expensive than the annual family holiday or a new car. When undertaking any investment on this scale, it is always sensible to research all of the options thoroughly, and this is especially the case with double glazing as there is so much choice available. One of the ways that this decision has been made easier for home owners is the introduction of a ratings system for the energy efficiency for windows, similar to the A – G rating scale found on domestic white goods such as fridges and washing machines.
The A – G rating scale
The rating system is simple to understand. All windows are rated on a sliding scale of A to G, with A representing the best, most energy efficient windows on the market and G representing very poor windows which are not at all efficient. The scale is designed to help customers more easily compare different windows and evaluate which products would be best to install in their home.
Savings on heating bills
Whether a home’s heating is gas, oil, or electric fuelled, the price of running heating has never been higher. The main reason that a homeowner invests in replacement windows is to reduce draughts and heat loss, and make their home warmer through the cold winter months. The higher up the scale the windows are rated, the less heat will be lost through the window. The top grade A rated windows are the most efficient windows of all, and buying windows rated highly for energy efficiency could save the average household £165 per year on their heating bills. If the windows are installed in conjunction with other measured such as installing loft insulation and replacing doors, the savings could be even higher.
Guarantee of Quality
Companies who manufacture double glazing are not all the same, and comparing the energy efficiency of the various products can help the customer sort out the best deal for them. A company who manufacture windows which are rated as A on the scale has demonstrated a commitment to producing a top quality product, which uses cutting edge technology to ensure that the product is the best in its class. Companies who produce such high quality windows generally have a good reputation in the local community, and take pride in both the product they produce and the workmanship of their installation team. If a company is unwilling or unable to provide details about where on the scale their windows lie, they should be treated with caution. A company producing a good quality, energy efficient product will be keen to advertise this fact and sales people or marketing materials will feature the graph showing the energy efficiency rating. Energy efficiency is going to become an increasingly important factor when considering which windows to purchase, and it is safe to say that more and more companies will be striving to achieve the A rating in the future.
The Glazing Guide 