Windows and Doors Technology Information

Introduction

Up to 25% of building heat may escape through windows and doors. Careful choice of materials and glazing types, as well as attention to air gaps in window and door frames, are hence a relatively straight forward and cost-effective way of achieving instant savings to your energy bill.

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Key Points

• Fitting solar reflective film to windows increases the proportion of incident solar radiation that is reflected and hence reduces the heat gain during the summer months.
• The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) developed the UK’s national system for rating energy efficient Windows
• Window energy ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide. This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows you are looking to purchase.

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Typical UK System

• Energy Efficient Windows are windows that help to contain and conserve heat within the home keeping out wind and rain, resisting condensation, contributing to improved sound insulation, and yet allowing natural free energy from the sun to heat the home.
• They can be made using any frame material - aluminium, PVC-U, steel or timber or even a combination of materials.
• Energy Efficient Windows are easy to recognise - simply look for the BFRC Label.

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Requirements

As from 1 April 2002, Building Regulations request that building owners installing replacement windows or doors must obtain Building Regulations consent and have the installation inspected to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Any FENSA approved installer will be aware of the relevant regulations which are:

• L1 Conservation of fuel and power
• N1 Glazing protection against impact

In addition, you must also ensure that replacement windows and doors are no less suitable than the existing windows and doors in relation to the following regulations:

• A1 Structure
• B1 Means of escape in fire
• F1 Means of ventilation
• J2 Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
• K2 Protection from falling
• M2 Access and facilities for disabled people

Repair work, such as replacement glazing or repair of rotten or damaged frame members is not subject to Building Regulation approval.In new buildings, under part L regulations, Suppliers must prove that their windows meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements of U2.0 for wooden and PVC-U frames, and U2.2 for aluminium frames as of April 2002. For retrofit it

New Part L building regulations come into effect 1st October 2010, and require higher standards for energy performance from installed windows and doors. Make sure with your installer that proposed products comply.

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Costs

• The cost of energy efficient windows varies not only between the various ratings (A to E) but is also dependent on the frame materials used and the size and style of window.
• A rated windows will cost more than B, C, D and E rated windows, but this has to be set against the energy savings you will make as you go up the ratings scale.
• The rule of thumb is that energy efficient windows cost less than the heat lost through old windows, over a given period of time.
• If you use an energy efficient window supplier who is also a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation, they will use an Energy Calculator. This allows them to input information on your energy supplies, the cost of that energy, the type of property you live in, your existing windows and the type of energy efficient windows you are purchasing. At a press of a button your annual energy saving can be calculated. What’s more, a comparison in energy saving costs can be provided for the different ratings of windows.

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FIT/Grants

There are currently no grants available.

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Planning Guidance

The UK planning systems plays an important role in helping protect the environment in our towns, cites and our countryside. Any building work or installation requires approval via a planning authority. The installation of any proposed new windows or doors at your property will therefore require planning permission. Due to the fact that planning in the UK is a devolved responsibility, ease of the planning process depends entirely on your Local Planning Authority (LPA).

If you get a no obligation quote through the S&G Get a Quote function the local installers contacted will be able to advise you further. Alternatively you can check with your local planning authority (LPA) for details. The contact details of your LPA can be found by going here and entering your postcode.

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Further Information

• If you have any outstanding questions once you have looked at all the information pages relating to this technology, please write to us on info@saveandgenerate.com and we will aim to get back to you with an answer ASAP.
• You can also use the above email address to get in touch with our independent energy experts who will be more than happy to provide you with tailored project consultancy support if required. Click here to find out more about Save & Generate's Independent Energy Assessment services, or visit the S&G Energy Consultancy web site for more details on our consultancy services.
• Our latest independent energy expert blogs on energy efficiency provide further critical insights into developments within the industry and topics of current debate, including latest Government policy developments. Click here to read more.

Next steps to Save & Generate

• Use the above tabs to find out further information on this and other technologies.
• Use the feasibility function to instantly see how well suited your location is to these technologies
• Use the S&G Get a Quote function to receive FREE, no obligation quotes from the accredited and user rated installers working in your area.
• Once you are happy that you have reduced your energy consumption as far as feasible, why not have a browse of our microgeneration technologies to find out how you can generate your own energy and make money in the process?

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