One of the best and most well-known ways you can reduce household energy bills is through the installation of double and triple glazed windows. They are made in such a manner that they aim to reduce energy loss as much as possible. This means your house remains warmer even when the weather becomes harsh.
What Are Double and Triple Glazed Windows?
Double glazed windows are those that are made using two sheets of glass. They are separated 20mm apart from each other so that an insulation space is created through which heat loss is minimized.
Triple glazed windows are very similar to double glazed. The difference is that instead of two sheets of glass, it uses three, separated 12mm apart. When choosing your windows, it is very important that you look into the actual A+ figure, as these can differ immensely. A lot of companies will say A+ without giving you an actual figure, which could be as low as A+1 for instance, which is much less efficient than an A+12. Ask for these calculations as they are important to you as a buyer.
How Do They Work?
The double and triple glazed windows have gaps in between them, as stated above. These gaps are often filled with certain gasses, like argon, that help slow down the molecular movement. This is the reason why the transfer of heat, or rather loss, is slowed down exponentially.
The dense nature of gasses is also a way through which convection is discouraged. This use of gas has been proven to be 30% more energy efficient which entails that this is one of the best ways through which you can organically reduce household energy bills. The latest windows have frames made up of “multi-chambers”. These are multiple cavities inside the frame which make the frames themselves as thermally efficient as possible.
How Efficient Are Double and Triple Glazed Windows?
All over the US, at least 7% of all households do not have double or triple glazed windows installed in their homes. This is because many people are not aware of this small measure that can earn you savings by reducing your energy bills.
Many people believe that their old double glazed wooden or indeed uPVC windows are working efficiently and insulating their homes. In many situations, this is not the case. Old windows were not fitted using the latest technology of low iron glass and argon gas. Frequently you will find that gaskets on the opening sections have perished or flattened so are not sealing correctly. External caulking may have come away from the brickwork or window frames, allowing heat to escape. There is also the security issue that most old windows are externally glazed. The latest double or triple glazed windows ensure that your house is secure and retains as much heat as possible, so that you are protected against the long and harsh winter season. Additionally, this conservation of heat will save you the money that would have gone towards installing, maintaining and paying the bills of elaborate heating systems.
What Other Benefits Do Double and Triple Glazed Windows Give?
Aside from the vast savings you can make by investing in Double or Triple glazing, you can also expect to enjoy the following benefits:
- Your household produces a smaller carbon footprint
- They reduce the money and time spent on maintaining windows and their frames
- They are stronger in nature and, coupled with a multi-point locking system, are much more secure
- The insulation space left between the sheets of glass allows for external noise to be repelled also. This would ensure that your house is quieter.
Have you already invested in double or triple glazing? Share your experience with us in the comments below.