IS YOUR MONEY GOING OUT THE WINDOW?

Last Updated on : 16th December 2013

As we’re all painfully aware all the big energy companies are putting up their fuel prices by as much as 11%. That coincides with temperatures falling fast and experts predicting the coldest winter since 1947. Time to be thinking about how to keep costs down.

A large amount of heat loss from the home goes straight out of the windows. Ill-fitting, rattly and draughty old windows are very thermally inefficient. And while everyone knows that double glazing is warmer than single, there’s a world of difference between average double glazing and the best in class.

The benefits of energy-efficient windows

Lower bills – according to the Energy Saving Trust replacing all single-glazed windows with B-rated double glazing could save you around £170 on your energy bills. Here’s a calculator

http://www.ggf.org.uk/energy-savings-calculator

that you can use to work out just how much you could save. There’s also a lower carbon footprint; typically, 680kg less CO2 is generated.

Comfort – fewer draughts and cold spots – particularly important for mums with young children.
Peace and quiet – the best new windows give superb protection from outside noises.
Reduced condensation – energy efficient glazing reduces condensation build up on the inside of windows.

The best energy-efficient windows

Are made of high quality timber – they won’t warp or distort to leave gaps
Around two thirds of the heat lost from a standard window is through the glass. The best windows use low emissivity (Low-E) glass and have an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide to cut how much heat can escape.
Very efficient windows have the gap between the glazing panels filled with a gas such as argon or xenon.
Aluminium pane spacers – set around the inside edges to hold the glass – let out heat. Look for “warm edge” foam spacers.

Come and see for yourself

Nappy Valley members are especially welcome at Ayrton Bespoke’s Wandsworth showroom, where they’ll be given some extremely good coffee and shown what makes a great window or door. The address is 406 Merton Road, SW18 5AD
Or contact Ayrton to arrange a free, no obligation home design visit. Call 0208 877 8920, or visit www.ayrtonbespoke.com

Think about shutters

Shutters can add the perfect finishing touch to your windows. They look great, and are a chic alternative to curtains and blinds. Ayrton works only with the New England Shutter Company who make superb wooden shutters in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary styles.

Special discount for Nappy Valley members!