Energy

Window Energy Rating – Questions Answered

What is a Window Energy Rating?
A Window Energy Rating (WER) is the overall energy balance of a window taking into account the frame, the U value of the glass, the available solar heat gain, the type of spacerbar used and air leakage. The resulting numerical value (Energy Index) is generally a negative number which is then placed into a band on an A-G scale consistent with other energy performance labels already familiar to the consumer. Window Energy Ratings were launched in early 2004 by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), an independent organisation dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of fenestration products. For more information please see our "Technical Datasheet on Window Energy Ratings".

What is a U-value? 
The U-value of a window is a measurement of the rate of heat loss indicating how well your windows are keeping valuable heat in. It is expressed as Watts per square metre Kelvin W/m2 K. The lower the U-value the better the thermal performance of the glass.

Understanding Window Energy Labels

The BRFC Window Energy Rating is a voluntary scheme used by the glazing industry, in which the whole window (the frame and the glass) is assessed on its efficiency at retaining heat. The scheme was developed by the British Fenestration Rating Council and looks like the standard EU energy labels as seen on many other goods and products. The BFRC Window Energy Rating contains bands from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G the least. Only the most efficient windows also carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo.

What Does the Energy Efficient Window Ratings Label Tell You?
The BFRC Scheme is the system for rating the energy efficiency of windows Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide similar to that used on ‘white’ goods (such as fridges, freezers, washing machines etc…). This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows you are looking to purchase.

With carbon emissions high on the global agenda and the current high cost of fuel, we are all looking for ways to make our homes more
energy efficient.

Each window rated by the BFRC has a unique label
This label will display the following information:

1. The rating level – A, B, C, etc…
2. The energy rating eg. -3kWh/(m²•K) in this example the product
   will lose 3 kilowatt hours per square metre per year.
3. The window U value eg. 1.4W/(m²•K)
4. The effective heat loss due to air penetration as L eg. 0.01 W/(m²•K)
5. The solar heat gain eg. g=0.43

 

Simply put this will determine how well a product will perform the functions of:

• Helping you contain and conserve heat within your building in the winter
• Keep out the wind
• Resist condensation
• Contribute to improved sound insulation

So What are Energy Efficient Windows – Use Solar Gain to Benefit the Home
So exactly what are Energy Efficient Windows? They are windows that help to contain and conserve heat within the home keeping out wind and rain, resisting condensation and yet allowing natural “free” energy - the warmth of the sun - to heat the home. They can be made using any frame material - aluminium, PVC-U, steel or timber or even a combination of materials.
Energy Efficient Windows are easy to recognise - simply look for the BFRC Label.

Energy Saving Recommended

Under the Energy Saving Recommended scheme only products that meet strict criteria on energy efficiency can carry the logo.

The criteria is set by an independent panel and reviewed annually. In addition we test a percentage of our products so you can rest assured that where there's a logo there's a smarter choice.

We also endorse products in categories where there isn't a statutory EU energy label for example glazing.

Energy Saving Recommended & Glazing

Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways of improving the energy efficiency of your home. Stay warm with energy saving glazing. Poorly insulated window frames and single glazed windows account for up to 15% of heat loss in the average home. Double glazing cuts heat loss and also reduces noise and condensation problems. If you can't afford to replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat?

How it is installed
Fitting double glazing is a professional job. Always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo when choosing your windows - that way you can be sure they are the most energy efficient as the whole window (frame and glass) is assessed on a rating of A-G by the British Fenestration Ratings Council.

The savings

Energy Saving Recommended double glazing can cut heat lost through old windows by half. By replacing your old windows with our Senergy+ Energy Saving Recommended windows as well as saving you around €148.00 a year on your heating bills it can also save you around 720kg of carbon dioxide (CO_{2) a year .}

Look for the logo
Remember to look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo when choosing your windows, that way you can be sure they are the most energy efficient, as the whole window (frame and glass) is assessed on a rating of A-G by the British Fenestration Ratings Council.

Always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo.

What to do next

If you have other questions why not call one of our representatives on 1850 77 44 55