Energy Rated Windows
With effect from the 1st of October 2010, the building regulations changed and Document L now means that the minimum standard for windows is an energy rating of C.
KJM has been offering a choice of either E, C, or A-rated windows since 2009. To comply with regulations, we now we only offer C-rated windows or A-rated windows. The cost difference between them is so small that we feel 'A' rated frames should be your standard choice.
What is Window Energy Rating (WER)?
The WER is the objective method used to assess the total energy performance of windows. To determine the energy rating the following is criteria is used:
- Frame material used (PVC, aluminium or timber)
- Glass used
- Air leakage
- Solar Gain
The BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) rating system is designed to determine a window’s thermal efficiency. It is displayed on a colour-coded traffic-light style label with a scale from ‘A’ (the most efficient) – to ‘G’. This means that you can make a quick yet informed decision when choosing new windows, taking energy conservation into account. With carbon emissions and other environmental issues high on the global agenda, we are all looking for ways to make our homes more energy efficient.
Combined factors, such as solar gain, result in the fact that the ‘A’-rated window is energy-positive, meaning it can absorb more energy into the house than it lets out. To see how much money you could save on your energy bills and to find out how significantly you could reduce your carbon footprint, use the 'Carbon Calculator' on www.ggf.org.uk.
KJM 'C'-rated windows have a warm edge spacer, are argon gas filled and have low e glass. The enhanced 'A'-rated window, has the best warm edge spacer on the market, be argon gas filled, soft cost low e glass and the external pane is manufactured from 'low iron' glass to improve the solar gain.
Swisspacer Warm Edge Spacer
Spacer bars which conduct less heat at the edge of the glass are referred to as 'warm edge spacer'
The benefits are as follows:
- Reduced heat loss through windows
- Condensation on windows can be reduced
- Better sound insulation
Argon Gas filled sealed units
Filling the gap between the panes increases the thermal performance of insulating glazing units is to reduce the conductance of the air space between the layers. Originally, the space was filled with air or flushed with dry nitrogen just prior to sealing. In a sealed glass insulating unit, air currents between the two panes of glazing carry heat to the top of the unit and settle into cold pools at the bottom. Filling the space with a less conductive, slow-moving gas minimises the convection currents within the space, conduction through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside decreases.
High-performance Low-E (low emissivity) glass is designed to reduce heat loss and must be used on energy rated windows. There are two types of low e glass, Hard Coat and Soft Coat, we use soft coat glass as it gives the following benefits over hard coat:
- Better light transmission
- Better U-Values
- Enhanced clarity/neutrality.
KJM's Managing Director Mark Pearce talks about Swisspacer bars and energy efficiency
Low Iron Glass
By reducing the amount of iron in the external pane of glass, the solar gain of the window is improved. KJM's 'A'-rated windows have this as standard.
When this web page was first written, we did not sell 44mm triple glazed windows & doors. Today we can improve on our best rated double glazing by over 40% with our Veka triple glazed range. You can find out more information on our web page triple glazed windows.
Replacing Old uPVC Windows?
If you have old uPVC windows, then they are probably very energy inefficient. Modern 'A' rated windows offer considerably better insulation and more secure locking mechanisms. See our free brochure download Replacing your old uPVC windows
KJM specialise in installing Energy Efficient Double Glazing PVC Windows, Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey
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Our no pressure promise
At KJM Windows & Conservatories, we pride ourselves on our no hassle, no pressure approach to providing high quality home improvement products to the thousands of customers who have put their trust in us since 1982.