What is Energy Efficient Glass?

Energy efficiency is crucial when designing a new home, be it for yourself or a client. Choosing the right doors and windows will help to optimise energy performance. Reduce energy consumption, lower bills and improve the comfort of your space.

How Windows and Doors Impact Energy Efficiency

Windows and doors can be a key weak point for energy loss. Old or low-quality versions should be replaced in order to significantly improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Measures such as airtight seals and robust frame materials can make a noticeable difference in energy retention. However, choosing energy-efficient glass is arguably the most important change to make.

The Science Behind Energy Efficient Glass

Not all glass is created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Modern advancements in glass technology have made it possible to significantly enhance a home’s energy performance.

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a prime example. This type of glass features a special coating that reflects heat back into your home during the winter while reflecting external heat away during the summer. By controlling heat transfer, Low-E glass reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Another factor to consider is glazing, the number of glass layers in a window. Single-glazed windows are less energy-efficient because they allow heat to pass through easily. On the other hand, double or triple-glazed windows provide extra layers of insulation, trapping heat and reducing energy loss.

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The Importance Of Glass Thickness

Another critical consideration when choosing energy-efficient windows is the thickness of the glass. Thicker glass generally offers better insulation and noise reduction, contributing to a more energy-efficient and peaceful home.

Thicker glass can improve energy performance by slowing down heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. However, it’s important to balance thickness with weight and structural needs. For example, if your windows are too thick for the frames, they may compromise the overall performance.

Here at Benchmark Windows, we have a team of professionals who will be able to advise you on which of our energy-efficient glass solutions will be best suited to your needs.

Choosing The Best Frames

The frame material you choose for your new windows will impact the energy efficiency of the glass.

  • Wood frames provide excellent insulation due to their natural properties, but can require slightly more maintenance.
  • Aluminium frames are durable and lightweight, but they tend to conduct heat unless they have a thermal break, which adds an insulating barrier inside the frame.
  • uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frames are popular for their high insulation performance, affordability, and low maintenance requirements.
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Understanding Energy Ratings

To make informed decisions about windows and doors, it’s helpful to understand the energy performance ratings associated with these products. These ratings give you a clear picture of how well a window or door can retain heat, reflect sunlight, and block drafts.

  • U-values measure the rate of heat transfer—a lower U-value indicates better insulation.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much heat from sunlight is allowed through the glass. Depending on your climate, you may want to maximise or minimise this value.
  • Window Energy Ratings (WER) provide an overall efficiency score, combining U-value, SHGC, and airtightness.

Long-Term Benefits

Investing in energy-efficient windows and doors is not just about immediate energy savings, there are long-term benefits to consider as well.

Energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly reduce your energy bills by minimising the amount of heating and cooling required to keep your home comfortable.

The right windows and doors can Prospective buyers are often willing to pay more for energy-efficient homes, as they understand the long-term savings and environmental benefits that come with it.

Upgrade Your Windows Now

Ready to upgrade your windows to be more energy efficient? Benchmark Windows are specialist in both supplying and installing high-quality windows.

Our range of exceptional products features a range of materials and styles, we are bound to have the ideal option for you. We pride ourselves on offering bespoke solutions tailored to your property. Our specialist team offer customer service, guiding you through every step of the process.

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