With energy bills high and the cost of living causing issues for families all over the East Midlands and the wider UK, energy efficiency has never been more important. The last thing you want this winter is to be paying out more and more for energy at increasingly higher rates because your home is letting warmth escape left, right and centre. Put simply, the more energy efficient your home, the less you will pay on your energy bills.
The part of your home where you lose the most warmth and naturally has the biggest impact on your energy efficiency are windows and doors. Heat escapes through the glass or small gaps around these entrances, especially in older homes with older windows and doors. One way to counteract this potential issue and bring your costs down long term is to invest in high-quality modern windows and doors from a trusted home improvement company like KLG Rutland.
In this article, we are going to assess how to make your home more energy efficient, with a focus on the significant benefits new windows and doors can provide, before outlining a few other home improvements you could consider outside of our remit.
The Significance Of Windows and Doors in Energy Efficiency
Unfortunately, our windows and doors are often the biggest culprits when it comes to heat escaping homes in the UK. Old, single-glazed windows are notorious for letting cold air in and warm air out – not what you want during the winter!
Similarly, draughty old doors can also allow significant heat loss, especially during those colder months. Over time, seals around your front and back doors will deteriorate, allowing cold air to seep through gaps around the frame. These heat leaks from both windows and doors will dramatically increase your energy bills and make it more difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With Upgraded Windows and Doors
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can have a dramatic impact on your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Insulated glazing (double glazing or triple glazing) reduces heat transfer through a window by creating more barriers for the energy to escape through. The gap between each pane is filled with gas, which acts as a further layer of insulation.
Aside from the glass itself, window energy efficiency is also affected by the material used in the frame, with uPVC, aluminium and timber the three most common window frame materials available today. uPVC has become the most popular option and the super-tough frames supplied by KLG Rutland are some of the most technologically-advanced on the market. They are designed to save energy, save money and save you from a cold home in the winter.
Similarly, composite doors are known for their immense heat retention and strength, offering benefits in both saving energy and helping homeowners feel secure in their property. At KLG Rutland, our composite doors are made with compression moulded Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) and a CFC-free Polyurethane foam core. This naturally insulating material combination keeps your house warmer and your energy bills lower.
Other Considerations Around Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
There are a few more factors you should consider when trying to make your home more energy efficient with new, improved windows and doors.
For example, orientation makes a big difference. Windows facing south get more sun so more heat gain than those facing north, so focusing your insulating efforts around north-facing windows is a good idea.
You should also consider the relative climate of your home. The further north you are, the colder your climate and so energy efficiency is more important. Additionally, the height of your home above sea level makes a difference too. Homes set at high elevation are more exposed to the elements and harsher weather conditions. If your house suffers in this way, high-quality windows and doors are even more important.
Of course, budget is also a big factor. Home improvements like new double or triple glazing windows and doors come with a high upfront cost, but the long-term savings are often substantial, especially with energy bills in the UK remaining high for the foreseeable. Ultimately, it will come down to your short-term budget, but there’s no doubt over a number of years these advanced windows and doors pay for themselves. Not just with your bills either, as they will also raise the value of your home when it comes to moving.
Other Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
It’s not just upgrading your windows and doors that can have a real impact on how energy efficient your property is. There are a variety of other methods homeowners in the area use to try and bring down their home’s energy usage and save on heating bills. We’ve summarised the most popular options below.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are a modern heating system that extracts heat from the outside air, even in cold conditions and transfers it into your home. Unlike traditional boilers that burn fossil fuels, heat pumps are significantly more energy-efficient, offering substantial savings on heating bills. They also produce lower carbon emissions, making them a greener, low carbon heating choice for homeowners.
Solar Panels
Solar panels harness the sun’s energy to generate renewable electricity, reducing your reliance on the national grid and making for a more energy efficient home. This clean and renewable energy source sitting on your roof can power your home appliances, lighting and heating systems. By installing solar panels, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also benefit from long-term savings on electricity bills. Some homeowners who install solar panels are even able to sell their produced energy back to the national grid.
Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. By filling the empty space between your external and internal walls with insulation material, you can significantly reduce heat loss. This helps to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced household energy costs. Modern properties tend to benefit from better insulation in their walls and loft space, but older property owners should certainly look at installing insulation where possible.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Upgrading to more energy efficient appliances can make a noticeable difference in your home’s energy consumption. Modern electrical appliances are designed to use less energy while delivering the same performance, compared to aged appliances. From refrigerators and washing machines to ovens, dishwashers and tumble dryers, choosing newer energy-efficient models can result in significant savings on your electricity bills over time. Additionally, these appliances often have longer lifespans, reducing the need for costly replacements.
Energy Efficient Home Improvements With KLG Rutland
During this guide to a more energy efficient home, we have not only highlighted the ways that KLG Rutland can improve your efficiency and reduce your energy bills, but also summarised some of the other ways homeowners can do so.
We have been providing homes in the Nottingham and Derby area with the most advanced windows and doors for over 50 years now, and energy efficiency has always been one of the key benefits we have brought to homeowners. We’re always at the forefront of technological advances in glazing products, so you can always rely on us to provide your home with the most energy saving windows and doors on the market. For more information on how we can replace your existing windows and doors to improve your energy efficiency, feel free to reach out to our experienced team.