We are all no strangers to rising energy bills. In fact, according to a recent article by BBC News, it is thought that by next month, the average household will be paying around £2,500 a month. There is no denying that this is a daunting figure; however, there are many ways that you can proactively reduce your energy usage and, in return, lower your monthly payments.
We are currently working with many clients to improve efficiency by upgrading their windows, doors and conservatories. There are many questions we are regularly asked revolving around the potential savings, so we have put together a guide on how to save energy at home with the help of our Crown Windows team.
Our Tips On How To Save Energy At Home
Having spent 20 years specialising in conservatories, doors and windows in Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, we have seen first-hand how the use of materials has evolved. With each new introduction, the ability to retain heat and reduce wasted energy improves, now making it easier than ever to track down products that offer a much-needed saving on energy bills.
Our tips below detail just some of the many ways that you can keep your home cosy this winter while keeping energy costs at a more manageable rate. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule your installation, please do not hesitate to get in touch or visit our showroom in Bletchley.
- Swap To Double Or Triple Glazing
- Replace Your Old Windows
- Upgrade Your Conservatory Materials
- Opt For Energy Efficient Doors
Project by Crown Windows: Casement Window Replacement – Milton Keynes
Swap To Double Or Triple Glazing
If your home is still fitted with single-glazed windows, we can be almost sure that you are wasting a significant amount of heat. The reason is simply down to the glazing being far too thin to keep warmth inside and cool air from seeping in.
The proof is in the statistics – based on an article by Energy Management Magazine, a property fitted with single glazing is likely to be losing up to 70% of its heat and energy. For this reason, since April 2022, building regulations have stated that all replacement glazing or glazing on new homes must be at least to double-glazed standards.
So what is double glazing, and how does it reduce heat loss? Double glazing is designed with two panes of glass separated by an air gap filled with an insulating gas. This sealed unit then sits on a frame made from uPVC, timber or aluminium.
How Much Energy Does Double Glazing Save?
The main benefit of double glazing is that it prevents heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. When the cold winter air hits the exterior of your winter, it will be captured by the insulating gas, preventing it from seeping in. And vice versa when it comes to trapping heat inside your home rather than allowing it to escape.
In terms of monetary savings, the figure will depend on your property type and the energy rating of your glazing. Research published by GOV.UK states that, by upgrading from single to double glazing, you could save the following:
- Detached Homes: From £105 to £155 a year.
- Semi-Detached Homes: From £75 to £110 a year.
- Mid Terrace Homes: From £60 to £85 a year.
- Terrace Homes: From £50 to £75 a year.
To maximise your savings and heat retention, triple glazing is also available, which follows the same design but with an extra layer of insulating gas. If you would like more information on replacing your glazing, our team are always happy to help. We have been supplying and installing double glazing in Aylesbury and the surrounding areas since 2002, so you have complete peace of mind that your home is in safe hands.
Project by Crown Windows: Conservatory With Guardian Tiled Roof – Woburn Sands
Replace Your Old Windows
While on the subject of glazing, it is important to also mention that your window frames themselves can also be the culprit of higher energy bills. Old or inefficient windows can hugely impact your level of insulation, and even the smallest gaps around the frame can waste a significant amount of energy. So, if you are feeling a draught and find yourself compensating by turning the central heating up a few degrees, this may be your perfect solution.
The easiest way to determine whether your window frames are allowing cold air to creep in is the candle test. Carefully light a candle and move it slowly around the perimeter of your windows (of course, steering clear from any curtains or other flammable materials). Keep an eye out on the flame; if it moves or curves, then there is a high likelihood you have a draught.
How Much Energy Does New Windows Save?
On average, replacing all windows across your home with energy-efficient frames and double glazing will save 335kg of carbon dioxide a year. This is not only ideal for saving money on energy bills but also for reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
When replacing your windows, a huge factor to keep in mind is the material you opt for. While timber windows can look fantastic, they do require more upkeep and, without this, will deteriorate. For this reason, we typically recommend uPVC or aluminium frames to our clients. Both materials boast excellent energy ratings and are designed with multi-chambered sections to improve insulation further. To view our full range of windows in Milton Keynes or any of the other areas we cover, why not head down to our showroom?
Project by Crown Windows: Full Window & Door Replacement – Milton Keynes
Upgrade Your Conservatory Materials
Do you have a conservatory that is freezing in the winter but unbearably hot in the summer? While many assume that all conservatories have fluctuating temperatures, this is most definitely not the case and is likely to be contributing to your wasted energy. There are two main ways that you can insulate your conservatory and create a usable space all year round; these are:
1. Book A Conservatory Roof Replacement
Replacing your existing conservatory roof with a tiled alternative is the most popular way to prevent heat loss. At Crown Windows, we specialise in Guardian tiled roofs in Milton Keynes, a solution specifically designed to maximise insulation and transform your conservatory into an extension of your home.
The replacement process is simple and will take around a week to carry out; this includes plastering your new ceiling and installing any electrics such as LED spotlights and light switches. It will involve completely removing your glazed roof, fitting new structures, adding a waterproof membrane and lastly, tiling. You can find more details on tiled conservatory roofing in our previous article.
2. Swap To A uPVC Conservatory
As uPVC specialists, our uPVC conservatories in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas have grown in popularity in recent years, not only for their aesthetics but also for their energy-saving capabilities.
As one of the most affordable conservatory materials, uPVC requires little maintenance yet can last up to 25 years. It is hugely versatile, available in a range of colours and even able to be customised to replicate other materials, such as grains added to mimic wood. As for efficiency, uPVC is designed with tight weather seals and multiple chambers, creating a barrier between indoor warmth and cold outdoor air.
Project by Crown Windows: Guardian Tiled Roof Installation – Milton Keynes
Opt For Energy Efficient Doors
Last but certainly not least is our final energy-saving recommendation, upgrading your doors for efficient alternatives. Like windows, doors can cause significant air leakage for many reasons, such as:
- Deterioration down to age or wear and tear
- Lack of or poor quality insulation
- Poor installation or not properly sealed
The most common way to spot whether your doors are allowing air to escape is to check whether there is any visible light seeping through around the edges. You can also consider the candle test mentioned previously, but again, ensure that you are careful around flammable materials.
How Much Energy Can You Save With New Doors?
Replacing your doors will save energy regardless, but the extent of the savings depends on the material you opt for. When our clients approach us to discover more about our doors in Aylesbury or any of the other areas we cover, we pair them with one of three main options; uPVC, aluminium or composite.
uPVC doors are best suited to those looking for a quality installation but want to keep costs low. As mentioned above, uPVC is an affordable yet durable option and is inexpensive to maintain.
Aluminium is an excellent option if longevity is your main requirement, as this material can last up to 45 years! Modern aluminium doors are equipped with a thermal break which creates an insulating layer between the door frames, reducing heat loss.
To combine the benefits of both uPVC and aluminium for ultimate energy efficiency, we recommend composite. Composite doors are uniquely designed to utilise the best features of each material. They feature a dense core and GRP shell to provide not only exceptional insulation but also strength.
Project by Crown Windows: Window & Door Replacement – Milton Keynes
Contact Us Today & Begin Reducing Your Energy Bills
Although the rising energy prices are something we cannot compete with, it is possible to take control of your usage and begin making energy-efficient home improvements. Whether you opt for upgrading to triple glazing, replacing your doors or installing a Guardian tiled roof, our team will ensure that every aspect is tailored exclusively to your requirements. Please do not hesitate to contact us to request a quote and begin discussing your project.
