If you are even thinking about double glazing for your home, then people have likely been trying to convince you of the potential savings on energy bills. However, are they truly effective or simply marketing hype? What follows is a fact-check of that statement.
The Short Answer: Yes, But…
It can work for you (by bringing down those high energy bills), but the savings depend on a number of factors. You might notice a difference if you are replacing very old, single glazed windows. That said, if your current windows are somewhat up-to-date the gain may be more middle of the road.
Double Glazing Saves You Money
A home typically loses between 10-20% of heat through its windows. It works by trapping a layer of air, or inert gas (typically Argon) between two panes of glass – like having dead air as an insulating barrier. It helps that this is good for the other thing going on in your house — your heating system doesn’t have to work so hard maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Double glazing protects the warm air in winter. In summer, it helps keep your home cooler by decreasing heat gain. At any rate, you’re lowering the amount of energy consumed in balancing your house temp. For Tewkesbury Double Glazing, consider www.firmfix.co.uk/
How Much Can You Save
The Energy Saving Trust calculates that replacing all single-glazed windows with A-rated double glazing would lend to an energy bill saving of between £135 and £150 per year. On a garden variety, three-bedroom semi-detached home such savings would add up over the long run.
Naturally, your real savings will be a question of how large is the area you are keeping warm and how properly protected the home is all round.
The Hidden Benefits
In addition to the numbers on your energy bill, double glazing provides additional benefits. You benefit from a home that feels warmer, with fewer cold spots and draughts. Condensation problems often improve dramatically. In addition to that, these days double glazing serves as an effective noise reducing barrier, giving you peace and quiet in your own home.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Although you will need to invest some money up front, most people find that double glazing costs pay for themselves over time in terms of energy savings and higher quality living conditions. The payback period could be less if your windows are in terrible shape and have poor insulation.
