Due to Britain’s incredibly temperamental climate, there are many issues to take into account when considering new windows and doors for your home. Obviously, choosing windows with aesthetic appeal is very important, but reliability and energy efficiency is absolutely key. It is essential that heat can be effectively retained in your house, to keep energy bills low and your carbon footprint at a minimum.

Heat is a highly valuable, yet elusive commodity, particularly in older, more traditional style properties that are commonplace in Britain. Since the price of fuel has leapt in recent years there has been huge demand for a new breed of energy efficient, environmentally friendly homes.

If improperly fitted, windows and doors can be horribly wasteful in terms of heat loss, pushing fuel bills up and increasing the carbon footprint of your home. In the case of some houses with older heating systems, badly fitted windows and doors can mean that a house simply cannot be kept warm, no matter how high the thermostat is pushed.

One simple way of improving energy efficiency is to install windows and doors so that they are set in from the exterior of the building by at least 20mm, ideally at 75mm. This reduces the wearing effects of weathering and greatly increases the lifespan of any installations, as well as reducing some unnecessary heat loss. This method of recessing windows and doors, also greatly enhances the physical appearance of the property, adding depth of shadow and traditional styling often forgotten.

It is also important to consider the type of glass used. In recent years, many companies have started to offer “intelligent glass” installations. Traditional glass is a poor insulator but these new types of glass can offer better insulation and help keep a home cool during the summer months. For instance, tinted insulation glass converts incoming solar energy into infrared radiation, which can then be filtered back through the glass to the exterior.

There are many misconceptions about environmentally friendly ways of insulating homes, specifically about uPVC being a valid choice as energy efficient, cost-effective solution for windows and doors. One commonly upheld myth is that double glazed, uPVC fittings are amongst the best choice for insulating your home. However, timber is also known to be an energy efficient choice and also has a number of other benefits too:

Timber is an effective natural insulator and can outperform uPVC and aluminium in preventing heat loss.

• Double and even triple glazing options are available with timber window designs (although many people don’t realise it!)
• Timber is considered the most environmentally friendly choice, when compared to the amount of CO2 produced in the manufacturing stage of uPVC. Obviously all timber must be used from sustainable FSC sources.
• When initially treated and preserved correctly, timber is an option that is extremely durable and really stands the test of time
• Timber is simple to maintain and easy to repair when necessary
• Timber suits the style of the majority of British homes far better than its plastic alternative

Timber windows and doors can cost slightly more than their uPVC and Aluminium equivalents but they can reduce energy loss and are far more physically appealing. This is an investment that will pay for itself in a matter of years, as well as increasing the value of a home and improving quality of life, by maintaining indoor temperatures during periods of excessive heat or cold.

When adding other glazed installations to your home, such as roof lanterns, the need for insulated glass is even greater, due to the large and exposed surface area position, as we know heat rises. Roof lanterns are a beautiful addition to a home but it is incredibly important to ensure that they are energy efficient, as the loss of heat can be a real drain on finances.

For installations such as this, there are specialised types of glass than are coated with a special enzyme that deteriorates organic matter, allowing rain water to wash away any stubborn stains. Some cleaning is still required, but much less regularly, and the task is made much easier to do when compared with traditional glass.

It is vital to take energy efficiency into account when planning any type of glazed installation, from simple skylights to extravagant garden rooms or roof lanterns. With a variety of different glass and timber products on the market, all properties can now be ecological and economical without compromising on appearance.