Energy Efficiency - Windows and Condensation
Windows
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If your home has single glazing or poor window frames, you are bound to be wasting money on your heating bills. Almost a quarter of heat lost from a home can be through poorly insulated window frames and single glazing.
Double-glazing cuts heat loss with the help of trapped air in the gap between the two panes of glass. The air doesn't mix with the air in the room or outside, creating an insulating barrier. This also reduces noise and condensation problems. A good time to consider double-glazing is when your existing windows need replacing, as it will be more cost effective to fit the replacement frames with double glazed panes.
Types of glazing
There are many sizes and styles of double glazed window. Frames can be made out of wood, uPVC (a type of plastic) and aluminium. Aluminium and uPVC frames need almost no maintenance, whilst wooden frames will need to be painted from time to time.
Low-E (low emissivity) glass
Low - E glass has a special coating on the inner side of the pane which reflects heat back into the room. This can significantly reduce heat loss, giving you an effect similar to triple glazing for less cost. For optimum efficiency you can have inert gas in the gap between the panes with Low-E glass.
Secondary Glazing
Secondary Glazing uses framed glass panels which are attached on top of existing window frames. It's a cheaper alternative to replacement double glazing but is still very effective in reducing energy loss. DIY kits are available with aluminium or plastic frames. They are fitted with draught proofing strips and are available in either hinged or sliding panes. These can be easily opened and closed for cleaning and ventilation.
More information about glazing is available from the Pilkington website.
Where to fit double glazing
The decision on which windows to double glaze will vary from home to home. Generally speaking, you will see most benefit if you give priority to the rooms you heat most, such as the living room, or to particularly draughty rooms.
Permission
Before installing windows, check whether planning restrictions apply to your house because of its age or location.
Condensation
What is condensation?
Every home gets condensation at some time, usually when lots of moisture or steam is produced or when there are variations in air temperature. If this air is cooled by contact with a cold surface such as a mirror, window or even a wall, the water vapour will turn into droplets of water – this is what we call 'condensation'.
The rooms where you need most ventilation are usually kitchens and bathrooms. By all means draught proof internal doors, but leave kitchen and bathroom windows alone to keep condensation under control. If you do have a problem with condensation, fitting an extractor fan will help. Also, open the window while cooking, running hot water or drying clothes.
Trickle vents (fitted in the window frame) provide background ventilation. They are not usually enough on their own but do reduce the need to open windows.
How can I prevent condensation?
If you have a problem with condensation you can try the following (but some of these should only be tried if you have a problem, as they can make your home more draughty and make it more difficult to keep warm).
You will get less condensation if you keep your home warm most of the time, but other measures you can take include:
- Try to leave some background heat on during cold weather spells.
- Adequate ventilation - open windows slightly during the winter if they begin to mist up. However, do not allow so much ventilation that the air temperature falls.
- If you fit draught proofing strips, allow a minimum space for air to get through.
- Never completely block up a chimney place.
- Fit an air vent if you do block up a fireplace.
- If drying clothes on radiators, open windows slightly to provide adequate ventilation.
- Try not to use tumble dryers without either outside vents or adequate ventilation.
- Keep internal doors closed and open windows to ventilate the room when cooking or when taking showers or bathing.
- Avoid allowing kettles or pans to boil for longer than necessary.
- If you have an extractor fan, use it when cooking or washing.
- If you use bottle gas and paraffin heaters, allow extra ventilation.
Contact us
If you would like any further information please see the Contact us section for our telephone numbers and email address.