Are you thinking of investing in timber sash windows for your property? Whether you’re treating your home to brand new sash windows, or restoring existing ones, it’s important to consider energy efficiency. The type of windows that you invest in, as well as the materials used and the quality of craftmanship and installation, has a large impact on your home’s ability to efficiently retain heat. We look at how sash windows will improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Why is energy efficiency so important in the home?
Think of energy efficiency in your home like making your money stretch further. It’s all about using less energy to get the same results—whether it’s heating, cooling, or powering your gadgets. Why does it matter? Well, first off, it’s kinder to your wallet. You’ll see lower energy bills, and who doesn’t love that?
But it’s not just about saving cash. Being energy-efficient is like giving the planet a high-five. Using less energy means producing fewer greenhouse gases, which helps fight climate change. Plus, it’s a bit like being a superhero—saving energy means using fewer resources, and that’s good news for the environment.
With the advancements in technology, design and materials, new timber sash windows can make a drastic difference to how you run your property. They keep your rooms cosy in winter, cool in summer, and they’re like a fortress against drafts. It’s like having a built-in thermostat that just gets you.
Plus, they’re eco-friendly, using renewable timber that’s kinder to the planet. And let’s not forget the style points – they give your home that classic charm. So, it’s not just about windows; it’s about saving cash, being kind to the Earth, and looking good while doing it.
The material used in sash windows
To improve energy efficiency, the materials used must be of the highest quality. Although there are arguments made that uPVC could be superior, there is so much evidence that timber sash windows are just as effective at keeping your home warm. As a naturally insulating material, timber is a brilliant material to use as the frames of your sash windows. As well as being energy efficient and warming your home, they also provide excellent aesthetic benefits, and are loved for their authenticity and traditional charm.
The installation of your sash windows
The energy efficiency provided by timber sash windows is supported by the excellent quality of installation. Quality installation requires lots of precision, attention to detail, quality products and expert craftmanship – skills that our team of bespoke joiners have in abundance. Professional installers need to work with the intricacies of your property to ensure no draughts are caused and any other issues are negated. If an installation isn’t done to a high standard, issues could arise that may negatively impact your home’s energy efficiency.
Sash window glazing options
The glazing is an incredibly important part of keeping your home’s energy efficiency high. Working in tandem with the materials used in your window frames, the level of glazing in your windows can do wonders for the energy efficiency in your home. There are several types of glazing that you could select for your home.
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Double glazing
Double glazing is a popular option for many homes, providing an increased amount of insulation than single glazing window due to the double panes. With an insulating layer of Argon gas between the two panes of glass, this technology allows your home to retain more heat than single glazed glass.
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Triple glazing
Triple glazing goes a step further than double glazing, with three panes of glass held together. There are two insulating air gaps that ensure maximum heat retention, slowing down the thermal transfer of cold or heat. These are even more thermally efficient than double glazed windows and can increase the u-Value of your windows including the energy efficiency of your property.
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Vacuum insulated glass windows
Vacuum insulated glass windows include incredibly advanced glazing technology. This glass offers the warmth of triple glazing, whilst boasting the thickness of single glazing. This allows homeowners to retrofit energy efficient windows into existing frames – this is particularly helpful in older homes and listed buildings. If you have single glazed windows, the replacement of excellent glazing is an investment you want to make. Single glazed windows can lead to you wasting money, with increased energy bills to keep your home warm. The upgrade to vacuum insulated glass can ensure that your home benefits from glass that insulates properly, whilst allowing you to keep your original frames.
Additional ways of insulating your home with windows
There are additional ways that you could make sure your windows are insulating. Here are some options to help you positively impact your home’s energy efficiency.
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Draught proof your existing windows
If you’re keen to take additional measures to increase your property’s energy efficiency and insulate your home in the winter, you could draught proof your windows. This could include the following elements:
- Installing a new parting bead – this can ensure there aren’t any gaps between the window sash and the box frame.
- Replacing the staff bead – this is fitted around the box frame. A worn, older staff bead could let in draughts.
- Installing or replacing a draught-proof strip – a draught-proof strip can reduce the amount of cold air coming into your property, helping your energy efficiency.
Although these measures are small and easy to accomplish, you can witness a major difference in your home as a result. Less draughts means less cold air rushing into your home, ensuring that you retain any heat in the space. This increases your energy efficiency and lowers your carbon footprint.
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Install window film
Window film can increase the energy efficiency on your windows. This energy saving film can reduce heat loss, making your home warmer by reflecting and radiating heat back into your space. These films are transparent, meaning there is no aesthetic compromise made to your home and you can make the most of your windows and increased energy efficiency.
If you would like to learn more about how to make your windows energy efficiency, why not speak with our team at Wandsworth Sash Windows? We are the experts in the industry, and we can provide you with tips and advice when it comes to the energy efficiency of your home, and how this can be achieved with your windows. We’re available to speak to and we would love to visit your home to see how we can help.
