Here at SEHBAC we’re really excited about Pilkington’s new K Glass™ OW launch.

This new development is particularly important in terms of energy efficiency ratings for windows. You may remember last week we wrote a post about Energy Efficient Window Ratings - essentially, all new double glazed window units are assigned an energy efficiency rating from A-G (with A being the most efficient and G being the least).

Pilkington’s launch of K Glass OW is an improved form of Pilkington K Glass. Designed to be used as part of the Pilkington energiKare system, K Glass OW offers increased light transmission and improved solar gain.

Andy McDowell, Pilkington spokesperson, said:

“Pilkington energiKare™ is going from strength to strength – Pilkington K Glass OW is an invaluable addition to the range.

The increase in solar gain helps to improve window energy ratings meaning lower heating bills, whilst the increased light transmission helps to create a brighter environment reducing the need for artificial lighting and further reducing energy costs.”

So it’s excellent news for those interested in safe-guarding the environment!

If you’re interested in replacing your windows, why not drop into one of our show centres and speak to a member of staff - they’ll be happy to advise you on all the options available. Alternatively, call us on 0800 666 444, or book a home visit online.

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.

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

Last year, we wrote about how double glazing your home can help save money on heating bills, but now, with the introduction of energiKare from Pilkington - energy efficient glazing has arrived.

All double glazing of course offers a degree of energy efficiency, and it’s certainly more energy efficient than single glazing. However energiKare is twice (yes, twice!) as efficient as standard double glazing.

How does energiKare work?

Unlike the glass utilised in standard double glazing, energiKare works in two ways to save you money, and improve the energy efficency in your home:

1. It reduces the amount of heat lost through your windows
2. It allows more heat from the sun in through the window

The action of allowing more heat from the sun through the window is called ’solar gain’ - because it’s using free energy from the sun to help heat your home.

How does energiKare differ from standard double glazing?

Like standard double glazing, energiKare double glazing units are made up of two sheets of glass, with a spacer (or gap) in between. Where energiKare differs from standard double glazing is in the types of glass used.

The outer pane is Optiwhite™ - a special glass which allows more heat from the sun into the window than standard glass. The inner pane is K Glass™ - a glass specifically designed to stop valuable heat escaping from inside the house. You benefit, as your home will feel warmer without the need to turn up the heating.

Why are energy efficient windows important?

If you’re considering replacing your windows, energy efficiency should be a key consideration - firstly because you will save money on your heating bills; but also because you are reducing your impact on the environment if you use less energy to heat your home.

Plus, as and when you come to sell your home in the future, having energy efficient windows will contribute to the home’s overall environmental rating - which could be viewed positively by prospective buyers.

The Benefits of energiKare:

1. Improves the energy efficiency of your home
2. Reduces the amount of energy you use - saving you up to 20% your heating bills
3. Is more effective than single or standard double glazing
4. Reduces your carbon footprint
5. Contributes to your home’s overall environmental rating
6. Is endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust

 Depending on the size of your home, you could save enough energy to*:

1. Run 9 TVs for a whole year
2. Drive over 1000km in an average sized car
3. Make over 34,000 cups of tea

A typical semi-detached house upgrading from single glazing to energiKare could save over £10,000** in energy costs over the life of the windows!

If you’re considering replacing your windows, and would like to find out more about energiKare, why not speak to one of our members of staff, who will be happy to talk you through the options available, and provide you with a quote. Call 0800 666 444, or request a quote today.   

Images & all statistics sourced from the Pilkington website. *Calculatuions based on a new house with approximately 13m² of windows. **Based on the assumption of energy prices increasing by 10% per annum, window lifetime assumed to be 20 years.