Energy efficient windows: the practical way to keep energy bills down
As energy prices continue to rise, many Leeds homeowners are looking for practical ways to make their homes more energy efficient. As a local family business with over 40 years of experience serving West Yorkshire, we’ve helped countless homeowners improve their home’s energy performance through better energy efficient windows and glazing.
We know that nobody enjoys receiving hefty energy bills, especially during the chilly Yorkshire winters. The good news is that your windows can play a big role in keeping your home warmer and your energy costs lower.
How your windows affect your energy bills
Did you know that almost 20% of your home’s heat can escape through poorly insulated windows? That’s a fifth of your heating bill potentially going, quite literally, straight out the window.
When it comes to making your home more energy efficient, your windows might not be the first thing you think about. Most people consider loft insulation or a new boiler first. These are definitely worthwhile investments, but upgrading to energy efficient windows can make a huge difference to both your comfort and your wallet.
Many older properties in Leeds still have single glazing or outdated double glazing that just doesn’t perform well by today’s standards. Modern energy efficient windows are designed specifically to keep warmth in and cold out, making your home more comfortable year-round while reducing those energy bills.
Understanding window energy ratings
If you’re thinking about replacing your windows to improve energy efficiency, it’s helpful to understand how window performance is measured. There are several important factors to consider:
Window energy ratings (ER Rating)
Window energy ratings work similarly to the energy ratings you see on appliances, with A++ being the most efficient. This rating considers the overall energy performance of the entire window, including the frame and how it’s installed. When you’re comparing different window options, this rating gives you a simple way to see which performs better overall.
U-Value windows: Keeping heat in
The U-value measures how effective a window is at preventing heat from escaping your home. The lower the U-Value, the better the window is at insulation. Modern double glazing typically has a significantly better U-Value than single glazing.
For Leeds homes, where we experience cold winters, lower U-Value windows should be a priority. It means less heat escapes, your heating works more efficiently and your home stays warmer with less energy used.
G-Value windows: Letting the sun in
While U-values focus on keeping heat in, the G-value measures how much heat from the sun passes through the glass into your home. A higher G-value means more solar heat gain, which can be beneficial during winter months as it provides free heating from the sun.
It’s about finding the right balance for your home – you want to keep heat in during winter while also managing solar gain to prevent overheating during summer.
Types of energy efficient windows
Double glazing
Double glazed windows remain the most popular choice for energy efficiency in Leeds homes. They feature two panes of glass with a gap in between, usually filled with argon gas, which acts as an insulator.
Modern double glazing is significantly more effective than older versions. Advances in glass technology, better sealing methods and improved frame designs have all contributed to much better performance. If your double glazing is more than 15 to 20 years old, you might be surprised at how much more efficient new windows can be.
UPVC windows
UPVC windows are incredibly popular with our Leeds customers, and for good reason. They offer excellent thermal performance, need minimal maintenance and are available at a reasonable price point.
The multi-chamber design of modern UPVC frames provides natural insulation, helping reduce heat transfer through the frame itself. Many homeowners notice the difference in their energy bills after upgrading to quality UPVC windows, even in the colder Yorkshire months.
Beyond windows: complete home energy efficiency
Energy efficiency often involves looking at your home as a whole. Here are some steps that work well alongside energy efficient windows:
- • Check your door seals: A lot of heat can escape through and around doors. Our composite and UPVC doors offer excellent thermal performance to complement your windows.
- • Consider secondary glazing: If you live in a period property or conservation area where replacing windows isn’t an option, secondary glazing can improve energy efficiency while preserving the original character.
- • Ventilation: Good ventilation prevents condensation and mould while maintaining energy efficiency. Our windows include trickle vents that allow fresh air in without letting valuable heat escape.
Real benefits for Leeds homeowners
Investing in energy efficient windows isn’t just about saving money on bills – although that’s definitely a welcome benefit. Our Leeds customers tell us they notice several improvements after upgrading:
- • More comfortable living spaces: Reduce cold spots and draughts near windows.
- • Less condensation: Better insulated windows reduce condensation problems.
- • Quieter homes: Modern double glazing provides effective sound insulation too.
- • Reduced carbon footprint: Using less energy for heating means lower emissions.
Choosing the right windows for your Leeds Home
Every home is different, and what works for a Victorian terrace in Roundhay might not be right for a 1970s semi in Pudsey. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs before recommending products.
We’ve been serving the Leeds area for over four decades, so we understand local housing types and the challenges they present. Our team can provide advice based on your home’s age, style and your specific requirements.
We don’t believe in pushy sales tactics or unnecessary upselling. Instead, we offer honest, straightforward advice to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Taking the next step
If you’re thinking about improving your home’s energy efficiency, we’d be happy to help. You can visit our showroom to see our range of energy efficient windows and doors, or arrange for one of our team to carry out a survey and provide specific recommendations.
With energy prices unlikely to fall significantly anytime soon, investing in better windows isn’t just about immediate savings, it’s about making your home more comfortable and efficient for years to come.