At this point, we should all know why double glazing is the best option when it comes to putting in new windows. It is estimated that if every home in the UK had double glazing, more than £700 million a year would be saved on energy bills and we would collectively reduce our emissions of CO2 by the equivalent of approximately 750,000 homes. Double glazing keeps heat in and reduces the level of noise you will hear from outside. They also require less maintenance than other windows and are available in a range of different designs. Yet there are different types of double glazing windows, some of which are better than the others.
Gas Or Air?
When choosing double glazing windows, you have the option of choosing dehydrated air or a gas such as argon or krypton to fill in the gap between the two panes of glass. Although argon is more expensive than air, it also gives you a greater level of insulation thus reducing your energy bill. Argon’s thermal conductivity is 34% less than air and this leads to an increased ‘U’ rating of 30% when compared with double glazed windows filled with air. Indeed, it is estimated that the average window will not lose more than 5% of its air over the course of its 25 year lifespan. Krypton and Xenon are also superior to air when it comes to energy efficiency but they are far more expensive than Argon which remains the most popular choice.
Frames
Double glazed windows also come in a variety of window frames. You can choose between wood, PVC and aluminium. Although PVC frames are the cheapest option and require the least amount of maintenance, they are not as good a choice as aluminium. In fact, even wooden frames are stronger than their PVC equivalent. Wooden frames are extremely attractive but they have a tendency to crack and shrink in extreme weather conditions. The other option for a double glazed window is aluminium. This metal frame is strong, will last for the window’s lifetime and requires little cleaning. However, aluminium is not a good insulator and is also very expensive.
Glass
When it comes to choosing the glass for a double glazing window, remember that the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) require windows to have a rating of ‘C’ or better. There are a variety of glass types that can be used but low-emissivity (low-e) is the best choice when it comes to energy efficiency. The reason why low-e glass is the best is because it undergoes a manufacturing process that builds up tiny layers of coating. The coating allows heat and light to enter the room while preventing it from escaping. It is estimated that low-e glass reduces heat loss by almost 40% more than regular double glazing glass.
Although almost any form of double glazing windows are superior to single pane glass, you need to make certain choices to enhance the energy efficiency of the windows. For example, a wooden window frame with argon between low-e glass will probably save the most money in the long run.
