Electricity and gas prices have soared over recent years. When compared to the prices in winter 2021/22, the average energy bill has increased by almost 45% in the UK, leaving many households struggling to make ends meet.
If you’re dealing with skyrocketing rates and endless costs, it’s a brilliant idea to look at energy-saving upgrades you can make to your home, including double-glazing.
Whether for timber windows or your front door, discover more about double glazing and how it can help reduce your household’s energy usage in this guide.
What is Double Glazing?
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass, separated by a spacer to create a narrow gap of 1-2cm. Air or harmless gases (like argon gas) are then used to fill the gap.
Traditional single-glazed windows typically use a single pane of glass. While this weatherproofs homes, it doesn’t do a great job at insulating them, and you’ll often feel a cold draught when standing by a single-glazed window in the winter.
How Double Glazing Saves Energy
When considering energy-saving upgrades, it’s the gap between the glass in double glazing that’s crucial for improving your home’s thermal insulation.
The air or gas used to fill this gap is always a poor thermal conductor, reducing the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. Argon gas, for instance, is slow-moving and dense, with low conductivity that makes it an effective insulator in double-glazed windows and doors.
This significantly reduces heat loss in your home. With better insulated glass, your house stays warmer for longer. In slightly milder months, like autumn, you might not need to turn your heating on at all. During winter, double glazing enables you to have your heating on less frequently, and when you do turn the thermostat up, it’ll be far more effective at warming your home.
In fact, double glazing can reduce heat loss through windows and doors by as much as 18%, which saves an average of £235 per year. This is better for your budget and for the planet, ensuring you don’t need to rely so heavily on energy-guzzling heating to stay warm.
Can All Types of Window Be Double Glazed?
Most styles of window can be fitted with double glazing, although you may need to adjust your plans to accommodate existing frames. Timber sash windows, for example, often require bespoke slimline double glazing to suit the look of the frames while boosting insulation. Other options, such as modern casement windows, are typically designed with double glazing in mind for a simpler home upgrade.
There are, however, some window frames that won’t be suitable for double glazing. In older properties with period windows, you’ll often find that the existing frames don’t suit the weight and thickness of double-glazed windows. Mullioned windows (which are made up of many smaller sections of glass) can be tricky to work with, too.
It’s also important to note that even if your windows are ready for double glazing, your home might not be. Listed homes or properties in conservation areas often face restrictions, and local councils may require you to keep the original style and materials. In such cases, planning permission may be required.
If you’re struggling to install double glazing but want to save energy, explore options for secondary glazing. This is when an additional pane is fitted inside your property, providing excellent thermal insulation without affecting your existing frames.
Other Benefits of Double Glazing
Double glazing offers numerous benefits beyond energy savings. Some of the top advantages include:
- Reducing noise: The extra pane and insulating gap are effective at insulating your home from noise, helping to minimise traffic and street sounds for a quieter, more comfortable living space.
- Enhancing security: Double-glazed windows are more resistant to breakage than single-pane windows, offering an additional layer of protection and peace of mind.
- Reducing condensation: By keeping the inner pane warmer, double glazing helps cut down on moisture build-up and protect your timber window frames and doors.
If you’re thinking of selling your property in the near future, or looking for ways to speed up a current sale, double glazing could also help. New, well-maintained windows and energy-efficient properties are in demand, and upgrading yours could help you find a buyer quickly.
Final Thoughts
With electricity and gas bills far higher than they were just 5 years ago, every energy-saving upgrade counts. To determine if your windows and doors are suitable for double glazing, we recommend consulting with professionals who specialise in windows and glass.
For more advice on upgrading your property or getting ready to sell, read the latest on our blog.
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