Get the Most from Your WINDOWS
Get the Most from Your Windows All Year Round
The Importance of Energy Efficient Homes.
Spiralling energy prices are hitting many households in the pocket, whilst climate change is resulting in hotter drier summers with more frequent and intense weather extremes predicted. The importance of running an energy efficient home and reducing carbon emissions has therefore become increasingly apparent to homeowners.
Windows are not just designed to keep heat inside a property, but also to keep it out during our hotter summers. By taking simple steps to maximise their performance, you will get the most from your windows all year round. Crucially, limiting dependence on expensive air conditioning during summer and heating systems in the winter is an effective way of reducing both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
Make an Informed Choice.
Understanding how the window system works to provide energy efficiency will ensure you choose the right product for your particular needs.
The window frame plays a crucial role in providing insulation. Though poorly insulated, draughty properties can leak heat during winter, those same cracks and crevices can let in hot air during summer months, contributing to overheating.
Liniar’s multi-chambered window frames are designed to trap air and prevent heat migrating from warmer to cooler areas, with more chambers meaning more insulation. Design & Development Director Chris Armes explains, “It’s worth reminding homeowners that although this prevents warm air escaping the building during colder months, when the temperature is hotter outside the reverse is true, the frames’ insulation prevents excessive inward heat transfer keeping cooler air inside.”
The next crucial component is the glazing unit (the glass). Options such double, triple, and even quadruple glazing, are available. The more panes used back-to-back the more insulation, with the additional benefit of reducing outside noise.
The glazing units can be further enhanced by reflective coatings, gas fillings, and spacer bars made from low conductive, insulating material such as Edgetech’s SuperSpacer. These can all significantly improve thermal performance and influence the Energy Performance Rating, a system created by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The least efficient rating is E, with the most efficient being A++.
Although desirable, it may not always be economical for the highest rated energy efficient A++ windows to be fitted throughout your home, but you can optimize your spending by making sure windows more exposed to direct sunlight (often south-facing) and the harshest weather conditions receive the most investment.
Maximize Comfort & Performance.
Once installed, practical steps can be taken to complement your window system’s contribution to maintaining a pleasant ambient temperature. Here is Liniar’s roundup of top tips.
When It’s Hot.
Longer, lighter days are one of the greatest summertime pleasures, though a property’s prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to uncomfortably high indoor temperatures.
A natural reaction might be to open all the windows, but this isn’t always a good idea, especially if the temperature outside is hotter than inside. Keeping windows closed will allow you to benefit from their insulation’s cooling properties. Monitor inside and outside temperatures by having a thermometer located in both areas.
Keep curtains, draperies and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, in particular those covering windows exposed to direct sunlight, as this will reduce solar heat absorption. Light-coloured curtains reflect heat more effectively than darker colours which absorb the heat.
Open windows and interior doors during the night to let in the cooler evening air and flush out the warm air built up throughout the day.
Large appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers emit lots of heat. Try timing their use to coincide with the cooler parts of the day (early morning and early evening).
When It’s Cold.
Just as curtains, draperies and blinds can block solar heat during the hotter parts of the day, they can help trap it inside when temperatures drop. Open them early in the morning to allow sunlight to flood into your home throughout the day, closing them when the sun sets and temperatures fall.
Since darker colours absorb more heat and heavier materials are more insulating, consider switching your curtains or draperies to coincide with seasonal requirements. Using lighter colours and material in the hot months, and heavier darker ones in the cold season will help you control the temperature in your home.
A Final Word.
It is important to keep your windows’ glass clean for features such as reflective coatings to function properly. Although PVCu is low maintenance, it still requires a little looking after, and taking care of your frames will ensure they retain their optimum thermal performance and attractive appearance for longer. Visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/homeowners/ to see the full range of Liniar products and download our guides on how best to care for your windows.