Call us on 0800 666 444
Lines open from 8:30am - 5pm weekdays
With the possibility of home improvement vouchers worth up to £5,000 looming on the horizon, high-performance renovations such as secondary glazing, double glazing, triple glazing and energy efficient windows and doors are an exciting prospect for many homeowners and landlords. Aiming to cut fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions, this is a particularly exciting time for low-income households to make their homes warmer and cosier.
With 600,000 households expected to benefit from this latest initiative, now is the time to get your head around Window Energy Ratings (WER). And even if you don’t qualify for the scheme, taking an interest in your home’s energy efficiency is an investment you’ll never regret. Once you’ve read this blog, we’re sure you’ll have the confidence to compare the performance of different window products out there and make the right decision, first time around.
Similar to the rainbow labels found on quality household appliances, white goods and lightbulbs, windows that contain the WER rainbow label show they’ve been independently verified by experts for thermal efficiency. Based on a scale of G to A++, A++ being the most efficient, window energy ratings were originally launched in March 2004 by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), and, since October 2010, legislation dictates that replacement windows must have a minimum Window Energy Rating of band C to comply with UK Building Regulations.
Applying to the whole window (the frame and the glazing), the WER label also provides insight into:
The U-value measures how easily heat can pass through a material; the lower the U-value, the more efficient the material. The WER Rating band C is the equivalent of a 1.6 W/m2k U-value or lower.
The G-value measures how much heat from the sun can pass through a window; the lower the G-value, the more protection the glass has against infrared radiation.
The L-factor measures how airtight the window is; the lower the L-factor, the more draught-proof your windows will be.
The energy index is determined by a formula that considers the available solar heat gains (G-value), subtracted by the thermal losses (U-value & L-factor). Although, as the label says, the actual energy consumption for a specific application will depend on the building, the local climate, and the indoor temperature.
Our high-performance 44mm triple glazed uPVC windows can achieve A++ ratings – the very best rating available to-date. Modern aluminium windows can attain A+ energy ratings, minimising heat transfer of cold elements with innovative thermal break technology. Classic timber windows are natural insulators that can also achieve A+ energy ratings. ‘C’ Rated windows can still make considerable savings on household bills, however better savings can be made with A rated windows, whether they’re uPVC, aluminium, or timber.
Many ‘A’ Rated windows provide U-values of 1.4 W/m2.K. A+ Rated windows can achieve U-values of 1.2 W/m2.K and A++ Rated windows can reach U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2.K. However, this all depends on getting the glazing specification correct, as the best performing glazing products (like ours!) have lower G-values; effective protection against solar heat gain.
To calculate the savings you could be making on your energy bills, why not give the GGF’s Energy Savings Calculator a go? Then return to SEHBAC for the most energy efficient windows, doors, and glazed extensions around!
With energy efficiency in the spotlight, homeowners could be forgiven for asking themselves whether their home is as energy efficient as it could be...
Is your home as energy efficient as it could be?
Learn more
We’ve taken the time to put together a quick guide to help you pick the most energy efficient doors for your home...
Which entrance doors are the most energy efficient?
Learn more
With energy bills soaring, it’s becoming more and more important to make sure that you’re doing all you can to keep your energy bills down this winter...
Top tips for saving on energy bills this winter
Learn more
Customer promise
We have the knowledge and experience to provide you with exactly what you need. Our staff are expertly trained to guide and advise you. We offer you a 10 Year Guarantee.
We are one of the largest regional retail companies.
Please view our customer & staff announcement in regards to COVID-19 Read more