For many households, having double glazing installed is a key way of achieving cheaper energy bills. Here, we explain how it works, how much you could save on your bills, different frame types and what the energy ratings mean.
If you decide to go ahead and buy double glazing, use our double glazing company reviews to find the best option for you.
You can also use our guide to double glazing costs, where we list the average cost for a number of different window types and sizes, along with double glazed doors, to help you decide whether it's right for you.
What is double glazing, and what are the advantages over single glazing?
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air. Double glazing has many benefits over single glazing (where there's just one pane of glass and no air layer):
- Keeps warm air in, meaning your property is better insulated. This results in fewer draughts and cheaper heating bills.
- Keeps noise out - you'll hear far less noise from outside with double glazing.
- Reduces the amount of condensation on the inside of your windows.
- Heightens security - double-glazed glass is more difficult to break than single glazing.
If you were to replace all of the windows in a three-bedroom, semi-detached house, going from single-glazed windows to double glazing, the Energy Saving Trust says that you'd save between £75 and £100 per year with B-rated glass and £85-£110 per year with A-rated glass.
As double glazing should last for at least 20 years, that's a saving of between £1,500 and £2,200 over 20 years.
The picture below is a thermal image showing the difference in heat loss between single-glazed and double-glazed windows. The house on the left has a single-glazed window where we can see more heat escaping - indicated by the bright-yellow colours.
What types of double glazing frames are there?
The most common type of window frame for double-glazed windows is uPVC - or, to give it its full name, un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride. Not only is it up to three times cheaper than traditional wooden frames, but it's also recyclable, durable, and the most energy-efficient frame type.
uPVC frames are available in a variety of colours and finishes, including wood, but white is the most popular option. It's easy to keep clean, too, requiring little more than a wipe down with a soft cloth and a spot of washing up liquid every now and again.
Alternative options to uPVC include wood or aluminium frames. Timber is a greener option than uPVC as it's a naturally renewable material. Many people feel wooden windows look nicer and more subtle than uPVC, particularly in traditional or period-style houses.
While timber windows tend to be more expensive and need maintenance, if properly looked after, they can last a very long time.
What is the Window Energy Rating (WER) system?
The Window Energy Rating system (pictured above) follows a similar pattern to appliance energy labels, with windows being rated between A+ (the best) and G (the worst). Building regulations require all new windows to be at least C-rated.
The difference in energy saving between an A, B or C-rated window isn’t huge. We calculated that getting B-rated windows instead of C, or A-rated instead of B, would save around an additional 6.5% on your energy bills. And the cost of going up a rating is up to 15% extra per window, according to independent double glazing installers surveyed in July 2014.
Are there any alternatives to double glazing?
If you are unable to install double glazing (for example, if you live in a listed building), secondary glazing is an alternative. This involves fitting a second layer of glass inside your existing windows. It isn’t as effective as full double glazing, but it could still save you some money on your heating bills - and it's much cheaper to fit.
C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd
65, Seymour Road
Gloucester
GL1 5PT
65, Seymour Road
Gloucester
GL1 5PT
01452 506296
www.candlwindows.co.uk
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