Almost half of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the main greenhouse gas which caused climate change, actually come from the things we do every day.
What is being done?
An A-G energy rating has been developed for windows by the BFRC. It is the same as the rating systems used for household appliances – such as fridges, washing machines and light bulbs – to clearly show the products that can save customers money and assist in the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The British Fenestration Ratings Council’s ‘Window Energy Rating’ scheme – currently a non-mandatory system – calculates the overall energy efficiency of glazing products. It has given shoppers an easy way to distinguish between the top energy saving A-C rated windows and less eco-friendly alternatives.
Now consumers can instantly verify the performance claims of manufacturers and compare different window types according to their need – as well as deciding which product is best and, most importantly, whether they’re getting value for money.
You can do this by visiting www.bfrc.org and click on search for windows – find a company. To verify P W Installations ratings please search for our manufacturer – UK Window Systems – Stoke On Trent.
Whilst this system is not yet mandatory, in the future all window products are likely to be energy rated. This will make it even easier to choose the right energy efficient glazing – one that generates tangible savings for the home, and the environment.
Windows rated A, B and C are now considered best practice by the Energy Savings Trust and automatically awarded the coveted Energy Savings Recommendations logo. This is because they reduce our energy usage and therefore have less of an impact on the environment.
What does it mean to you?
The current minimum requirement for replacement windows is – E energy rated, which is achieved by using a 24mm double glazed unit with Pilkington ‘K’ glass and aluminium spacer bar. An average E energy rated window loses 45 kw of heat per square metre per year. Most window companies in the UK are installing E energy rated windows.
P W Installations C energy rated windows are achieved by using a 28mm double glazed, argon filled unit with Pilkington ‘K’ glass and Warmedge, non metalic spacer bar. This window has been BFRC tested and only loses 14 kw of heat per square metre per year, whilst our A energy rated windows actually gain 1 kw of heat per square metre per year. |
