Noticing these signs? You probably need new windows

Are you thinking about updating your windows, but not sure if it's really necessary?

In some cases, you may be able to hold onto old windows. However, if you're experiencing serious issues with their structure or efficiency, it's a time to update to a new model because its most likely costing you money!

Photo Credit: Katy Silberger

We've noticed a dramatic increase in people replacing windows recently and we would like to let you know of our free service. If you want window quotes from installers based in the UK in your area use our website here and we'll find you the best quotes possible free of charge!

Check out these clear signs that it's time to replace your windows.

You Can Feel Draught in Your Home

Obvious, but means more than you think. Even the highest quality windows will allow a slight amount of air enter, but it should never be something you can feel or notice, your comfort shouldn't suffer!

Why? Because your windows will wear out over time and let more air in/out, resulting in you feeling a bit cold. For example, wooden windows can become warped from exposure to moisture in the air resulting in making the window too tight to function properly in some places, while creating gaps in other areas.
Also, another indication would be when the corners of the sashes and frames become loose and create gaps that allow air to penetrate the window

And while your first instinct may be to apply weather stripping, it's good to note that noticeable drafts often indicate an air leak caused by more than missing or damaged weather stripping. In fact, sealing and weather stripping should not be considered as anything more than just a temporary fix and should not be relied upon to perform properly.

The only solution to fixing these drafts is to replace your windows entirely. Trust me, it's worth doing it otherwise you're just going to pump wasted heat out the house, might as well just throw your money out the window!

You Have Some Difficulty Operating Your Windows (Shutting/Opening)

Again this is obvious, but people do tend to ignore this like it is no big deal! The windows that are most effected tend to be the bigger models. This is especially true for older double hung and single hung windows, which have issues with balance. When the balance fails, the window will no longer remain up when opened and can slam shut, posing a potential hazard.

Also be aware that wood and metal windows can also experience similar operating failures, if not properly cared for they can rot or rust so look after your windows like it's your baby!

There's Condensation Inside the Glass of Double- or Triple-Paned Windows

Photo Credit: David Dodge

If you have double or triple-paned windows and notice condensation or fog inside the glass, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window!

Why? Because condensation and fog between the glass panels can indicate seal failure. When the seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass and as a result, air will condense on the glass. And when this happens, the insulated glass is no longer doing its job.

TOP TIP: Condensation in between the panes of glass will leave a white film which is caused by calcium deposited on the glass. If you see this white film, even if there is no visible condensation, it's a safe bet that the insulated glass unit has failed.

Your Electric/Gas Bill is Expensive

If your heating and cooling costs are high, it's likely that you have an inefficient furnace, or old windows that are simply not energy efficient, to keep your home at your desired temperature.

So, should you replace your windows?

Photo Credit: Ken Teegardin

According to Energy UK, "If your home has old and/or inefficient windows, it would  be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs."

We've noticed a dramatic increase in people replacing windows recently and we would like to let you know of our free service. If you want window quotes from installers based in the UK in your area use our website here and we'll find you the best quotes possible free of charge!

http://windowquoter.co.uk/

Photo Credit: Evan

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Triple Glazing contributes to energy efficiency

Triple glazing in upvc windows has always had a reputation for being very good at blocking outside noise, hence you'll see it in many homes sited next to busy roads or under airport flight paths.

But with more and more emphasis being put on energy conservation and lowering energy bills, triple glazing shouldn't be ignored as a major contributor.

What's interesting is we're actually seeing examples where installations may include a mixture of triple and double glazing.

Especially on large windows on north facing walls whilst sunnier, warmer south facing aspects can manage with the cheaper traditional double glazed unit.

So if you're keen to reduce your energy usage to a minimum, whilst making your home as warm and as comfortable as possible, then you should be asking your preferred double glazing companies about triple glazing or at least triple glazing on the coldest faces of your home.

How triple glazing works: Like the name suggests, triple glazing features 3 panes of glass, each separated by am insulating air gap, within a upvc (or hardwood) frame. Because of the overall thickness of the glass layers, it may not be possible to have triple glazing in slimline frames, however, your preferred double glazing company will be able to advise you further on what's possible.

Whilst some experts reckon that modern double glazing with gas filled cavities and a-rated glass is as effective as traditional triple glazing, adding those options to a normal double glazed unit may make it nearer the triple glazed price.

Finally, because the triple glazing refers to the glass pane, you'll find some companies will offer triple glazing on conservatories too. The ultimate escape from the world outside, yet still with the energy efficiency and insulating properties of a triple glazed construction.

*This article first appeared in our weekly homeowner newsletter dated 23 May 2011. Click here to read the full newsletter.

Why are upvc windows so energy efficient?

With energy bills ever-increasing, we're being forced to think smarter and more long term about making our homes as energy efficient as possible. One of the best ways of achieving that is to get a quote for replacing your old windows. But what makes upvc windows so energy efficient?

A upvc window is made up of a upvc frame and double (or even triple) glazed panels, which are inserted into the frame. Both components add to the overall energy efficiency of the complete window.

Modern frames are a very engineered piece of the energy efficiency puzzle. They're designed to place as many barriers between the cold outside air and the warm interior air as possible, lessening the cooling effect of outside temperatures and the heat loss through the frame. Look through a cross-section and you'll see multiple chambers that create barriers and air pockets.

Each frame manufacturer will claim their frame is the most efficient, when in reality, your choice may be limited to what frame manufacturer your preferred window company uses. If the company make their own frames (and many do), then it will depend on the manufactured plastic extrusion design - the raw lengths from which window frames are made.

The frame also deals with the insulation and draught proofing around opening panels.

The second component is the glazing itself.

Most upvc windows achieve a 'C' energy efficiency rating (think energy ratings similar to electrical appliances) although by choosing the right glazing option, it is possible to specify an 'A' rated window.

To achieve this, you'll want to think about specifying glass that goes beyond the normal twin glazed sealed unit. You'll need to think about gas filled cavities and glass coatings which reflect cold but absorb warmth.

If you live in a particularly noisy environment, then you may want to consider triple glazing. That's 3 panes of glass with a cavity between each pane.

In the process of improving your homes comfort and reducing your energy bills, you'll also benefit from increasing your homes value. Double glazing is one of the key elements people look for when buying a new home.

Of course, the best, most efficient window available is only as good as the team that installs it. Correct installation will ensure that you get the energy savings you've paid for.

To help homeowners avoid the double glazing cowboys, we developed Window Quoter - Instant online double glazing and conservatory quotes.

Users can enter their own approximate measurements, select the style and number / position of openers before getting an instant online quote.

After you've got your online quote, we'll give you the opportunity to get that quote confirmed in writing by up to 3 companies that cover your address.

It's a completely free, no obligation service but not only could it save you pounds on your double glazing, it will save you the hassle of weeding out the cowboys yourself - we've already done that, with a feedback system where other homeowners have left their honest opinion on the service they received and the quality of the finished job.

*This story first appeared in our weekly homeowner newsletter, dated 21st February 2011. To read the full newsletter - click here.

Energy efficiency measures knock 17% off energy usage.

Between 2006 and 2010, the UK's gas usage fell by 17% due to the adoption of energy saving measures and schemes.

From small measures like turning off lights and closing curtains at night to replacing boilers with newer energy efficient models, the reduction is a great achievement.

But there's still plenty you can be doing. We've reported on the large numbers of homes still without adequate loft or hot water tank insulation and the Government's Green Deal due later this year should pave the way for more homes being able to get insulation including cavity wall insulation fitted for free.

Window design and the advances in glass cavity and glass coating technology now means that double glazing is more efficient than ever, with window units able to qualify for a-rated energy saving status.

If you've got draught and heat loss issues with your present glazing, then remember, that you don't necessarily have to have the whole house's glazing replaced at the same time.

If your budget is limited, pay attention to those windows that are the worst or in rooms where you spend the greatest waking time as new windows should mean you'll be able to turn down the heating in those rooms whilst making your lives more comfortable, you'll also be saving money and energy.

It's a fallacy that window companies are only interested in 'whole house' installations. Whether it's one window or ten, because each window is individually manufactured anyway, the quantity is unimportant.

Choosing a reputable company with a good track record and the right design should help in the event that you do wish to upgrade further windows at a later date. Ensuring you're able to buy the same style of window as previous installed all goes towards the final aesthetic appeal of your home and can be especially important if you ever sell and move on.

One safeguard might be to update an individual house face at a time - i.e the front of the house on a single installation, the side / back etc on another future installation.

Window Quoter can help you choose the right local (or national) window company. With just a few clicks, you can get an instant online quote for the number of windows (and sizes) you require. Later, if you ask us too, we can offer to match your requirements with out nationwide database of window companies that install in your area.

Because many of these companies don't advertise locally, we may surprise you with good value companies you were unaware of, plus show you feedback from other homeowners in your area that have used them in the past.

*This article first appeared in our 14th February 2011 homeowner newsletter - with a weekly subscription of nearly 300,000 readers - click here to read it in full.

photo credit: jonathanb1989