Understanding Window Energy Efficiency Ratings
You are probably aware that new windows are likely to reduce heat loss from your home, reduce noise and save you money on your heating bills. But did you know that some are more effective than others? Window Energy Ratings (WER) help you understand just how energy efficient your new windows are. But how can you use these to decide what’s best for you? We thought we’d help you understand how they work and what they mean for customers like you.
Energy Ratings were originally introduced by the European Union for items such as fridges, microwaves and other products. Window Energy Ratings are determined by a government-supported independent body, the British Fenestration Rating Council which are used for our windows. These energy ratings help customers understand what products are the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The ratings, now from A++ to E help you understand how energy efficient windows can be.
You can find energy ratings on plenty of products, including fridges, freezers, ovens, and boilers. All energy efficiency ratings are the follow the same rule. A-rated are highly efficient products and E-rated are the least efficient products.
How is Window Energy Efficiency Calculated?
New windows are always tested for their efficiency. This involves testing them and working out their average efficiency for a whole year. The two main factors that determine the efficiency of a window is the heat loss through the window and the heat gained through the window (through solar gain).
These two values are then offset against each other. The end value will then provide you with the overall average heat loss or heat gained through a window over a whole year.
If the result is 0 heat loss or positive figure, then the window achieves an A rating or higher. If the rating is in the minus figures, it will fall into one of the lower categories, meaning that there is an overall loss of heat through the window.
Image Courtesy of BFRC
What are E-Rated Windows?
It’s clear that new windows are getting more and more energy-efficient. So as ratings get higher and higher, the older the window is; the less energy efficient it will be. E-rated windows are likely to be older single-glazed windows, that let a lot of heat out through them.
As a result, it’s incredibly unlikely that you’ll find a new E-Rated window on the market today. And you definitely won’t see us selling any of them!
What are A-Rated Windows?
To make sure you’re always getting the best windows for your home, all of the windows we sell are A-Rated or higher. As windows get more and more energy-efficient, new grades such as A++ have been added to rate them.
SCI replacement windows incorporate the very latest glazing technology. PlatinumNRG double-glazed PVCu casement windows achieve the ‘greenest’ Window Energy Ratings (WER) rating of A+9 for energy efficiency. To find out more about how our windows are some of the most energy-efficient you can get, click here.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in reducing your heating bills and need help finding the energy-efficient windows that are right for you then get in touch with us. We can then answer any questions you may have.