The label pictured to the right is an energy efficient window rating label.

The energy efficient window labelling scheme was created by the BRFC (the British Fenestration Rating Council). It’s aim is to rate the energy efficiency of windows in the same way as household appliances are now energy rated.

As with household appliances, the most energy efficient windows are rated A to C.

A to C rated windows also carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo which is issued by the Energy Saving Trust.

To find out more about the scheme, read on, or visit their website.

What Does the Energy Efficient Window Ratings Label Tell You?

Each window rated by the BFRC has a unique label which contains the following information:

1. The rating level - A, B, C and so on
2. The energy index
3. The thermal transmittance
4. The solar factor
5. The air leakage

In plain English, each of these factors will determine how well the window will perform in terms of:

- Helping you contain and conserve heat within your building in the winter

- Keep out the wind

- Resist condensation

- Contribute to improved sound insulation

Does the Energy Efficiency Rating Apply to the Glass or the Window?

The scheme rates the whole window (i.e. including the frame and any casement) not simply the glass.

How Much Money Can I Save?

By installing energy efficient windows a typical homeowner could see their household energy bills reduced by as much as £461 per year*. Of course the amount you save will depend on the size of your home, and the size and condition of your current windows.

How Much Carbon Can I Save?

Energy efficient windows can assist you in reducing your carbon footprint by up to 18% - so it’s a worthwhile change both from a financial and environmental perspective!

How Do I Know if the Windows I’m Buying are Energy Efficient?

Firstly, be sure to check that the company providing and installing your windows is registered with the BFRC - you can easily check this by clicking on this link: http://www.bfrc.org/Consumer/search_companies.aspx

Additionally, when speaking to your chosen supplier / installer, ask them about their BFRC rated products - if their windows carry the energy efficient label, then you can rest assured that you are getting an energy efficient window.

How Much do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?

The cost of energy efficient windows depends on a variety of factors including the frame materials used (i.e. timber, aluminium, PVCU), and the sizr and style of the window.

Additionally, the higher the energy efficiency (i.e. the more energy efficient a given window is) the more it costs - so an ‘A’ rated window will cost more than a ‘C’ rated window; but this cost can be off-set by the savings you will make on your energy bills. 

SEHBAC & Energy Efficient Windows

Here at SEHBAC we understand the importance of energy efficiency when considering replacement windows. As such all of our windows are energy rated. We’re also very happy to talk you through the various options and their associated costs.

View our full double glazing range, or call us on 0800 666 444 to discuss your needs, we’re here to help you.

*in an electrically heated house, taken from DTI Quarterly Energy Prices. December 2007. Calculation provided by the BFRC.

Increasingly, consumers are thinking ‘green’ and are looking for more information on the environmental impact of their purchases. As such, many people are concerned about the use of PVC, and as such seek alternative materials for their replacement windows and doors; or if they are planning to have a conservatory built.

However, a recent press release from PVC Aware aims to highlight the environmental creditials of PVC, and address the concerns of those consumers. 

Jon Skinner who chairs the PVC Aware committee says “PVC’s environmental credentials are well proven, but as yet, they are little known, in part because the majority of the tests are relatively new. Equally, few people are aware how recyclable PVCU is. The double benefit is that it has environmental advantages and is affordable.”

The Facts about PVC:

1. It’s 100% recyclable.
2. It’s manufactured using 57% chlorine (sea salt) and a comparatively small amount of oil.
3. Very low maintenance (i.e. unlike wood, it never needs re-painting!)
4. The PVC Industry has committed to recycle 100% waste by 2010.
5. Old PVC window frames can be recycled to fabricate new ones - with a minimal impact on the environment. Plus, PVC window frames may be recycled up to 10 times - offering a potential lifespan of more than 350 years!
6. PVC windows are energy efficient and will help you cut your carbon footprint and your utility bills.
7. PVC is available in a wide choice of colours and finishes so you’re bound to find something to suit the style and character of your home.
8. PVC manufacture releases very few dioxins into the air. In fact the average European PVC plant would need to run non stop for 30,000 years to produce the same level of emissions as are released on a single Bonfire Night!
9. PVC is totally inert in the environment.
10. Today’s advanced PVC products already include a high proportion of recycled content.

The good news is, that today’s advanced performance PVC windows and doors can deliver significant energy savings. As such they can play a positive role in making homes more sustainable by cutting carbon emissions, not to mention heating bills. And while glass remains the most important single factor in window energy efficiency, PVC remains far more thermally efficient than alternative materials.

Here at SEHBAC we offer a wide range of PVCU double glazing, doors and conservatories. We’ve over 38 years experience and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.

PVC Aware is an organisation set up to promote the sustainable values of PVC as a material for window frames and other building applications. They are committed to implementing and promoting procedures to ensure that all off-cut and post-consumer PVC material is recycled into new products, thus preventing waste.

All images, and stats from this post were sourced from the PVCAware.org website.

SEHBAC launch a brand new TV advertisement for Spring/Summer 2009, to promote their range of conservatories and double glazing products. You can view the advert below.

Gary Emmerson from SEHBAC says “In the current climate, with many electing to ‘improve not move’ - a new conservatory is an ideal solution, providing additional flexible living space. You can use your conservatory as a living room, a dining space, a play room for the kids - the possibilities are endless.”

The adverts are running throughout March, April and May in various primetime slots on ITV1 in the Anglia South region.

According to an article in the Daily Mail last week, Buckingham Palace is the least energy efficient building in London. It was awarded the worst possible score 0 out of 10 (!)  in terms of energy efficiency, and branded London’s most environmentally damaging building. You can read the full article here.

So what was all the fuss about?

Well, Buckingham Palace is without a doubt a beautiful building, and it is only appropriate that it’s looks and heritage should be preserved.

However it is unfortunate that buildings of this type are typically not very energy efficient. You can see that there are lots of windows - and as they are only single glazed; and indeed perhaps because the frames have warped over time, they let in draughts.

A member of the team responsible for measuring the energy efficiency of the buildings surveyed said:

“So much energy is being lost through the windows… It appears the building is better at heating the air outside, than inside”

In terms of environmental impact, the message is clear - if you’re home is not energy efficient you are wasting energy, and harming the environment.

Of course, in addition to this, you are also wasting money. In 2008 the Buckingham Palace spent £2.2million on utility bills - so the benefits of making this building more energy efficient are clear.

The top twelve worst offenders (in terms of energy efficiency) of the buildings surveyed were as follows:

1. Buckingham Palace
2. DECC (Defra)
3. Ministry of Defence
4. Horse Guards Barracks
5. Shell Building
6. Home Office
7. Houses of Parliament
8. Treasury
9. Portcullis House
10. MI6 HQ
11. Albert Hall
12. St James’ Palace

The Mail call them the dirty dozen, and we’d have to agree!

If you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient, there are some fantastic resources out there for you to learn more.

We’d recommend the following sites:

The Energy Saving Trust - a non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice on how to save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home.

Directgov - information about energy efficiency grants and offers to help you make energy saving improvements to your home. These grants and offers come from government, your local council or your energy supplier.

Here at SEHBAC we too believe in the importance of making homes as energy efficient as possible. As such we’ve written a few articles which may be of interest:

Can Fitting Double Glazing Save Money on Heating Bills?

Pilkington energiKare - Energy Efficient Glazing

If you’d like to talk to someone about double glazing, with specific regard to making your home more energy efficient, please give us a call on 0800 666 444.

Image credit dbaron

If you’re considering replacing your front door, you’re probably pretty overwhelmed with the options which are open to you.

There are a vast number of materials and finishes available, and of course you need to select something which suits the style and character of your home. In addition to this, you also need to consider security - everyone wants to feel safe in their home, so in addition to looking good, your front door also needs to provide adequate security features.

If that wasn’t enough,  with the cost of heating your home ever increasing, you might also be thinking about the most energy efficient option. A draughty, ill-fitting door, will most certainly allow precious heat to escape; and if heat’s escaping - you could be paying more for your heating than you need to; not to mention the impact on the environment.

At SEHBAC we supply and fit a vast range of doors in a variety of materials. Below, we’ve highlighted the key options open to you, and pros and cons of each:

PVCU Doors

PVCU doors are an excellent choice in terms of security, and energy efficiency. Plus, PVCU is very hard wearing, and as such will resist weathering for many years - unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular sanding and repainting in order to maintain their looks.

Previously, there were some concerns over PVCU doors warping in cases of fire - however thanks to modern manufacturing methods, all SEHBAC PVCU doors meet fire safety standards.

Wooden Doors

For some people, only the look and feel of real wood will do. Whilst timber doors do require more maintenance than PVCU, our doors are triple coated with sealant which provides long lasting protection and helps to prevent distortion.

In addition to this our wooden doors will not let the elements in, so you can rest assured that you’ll not find yourself with a door which lets draughts in.

Perhaps best of all, our timber is all sustainably sourced - so it’s a planet-friendly option all round!

Composite Doors

Offering perhaps the best of both worlds, composite doors are as secure, energy efficient and hard wearing as PVCU, but with the great look and style of real wood. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles; and with a variety of glass options, there’s bound to be a composite door which suits the style and character of your home.

Plus, unlike traditional wooden doors which will need regular maintenance, to preserve the good looks of your door, all you need do is wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Aluminium Doors

As with PVCU, aluminium doors are available in a wide range of styles and colours, and of course they offer excellent security and energy efficiency.

At SEHBAC we’ve over 38 years experience in providing replacement doors and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.