A Rated Windows

With today’s global awareness of climate change, many people are looking for new ways to reduce energy and carbon emissions. That’s why Senator Windows, having led the way in energy-effi cient windows and doors for 25 years, is proud to launch the new Senergy+ range of products. Made exclusively from lead-free PVC material, these new windows actually exceed the energy standards set down by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) new Window Energy Performance (WEP) initiative. Which means the Senergy+ window range will not only reduce your heating costs but will also help to reduce your carbon footprint, enabling us all to live in a greener environment.
We appreciate that it can be diffi cult to understand the industry jargon, so we have produced this leafl et to help you understand more about Window Energy Ratings, current industry standards and why you should choose the new Senergy+ Windows.

So what are Energy Efficient Windows?

They are windows that help to contain and conserve heat within the home by keeping out wind and rain and resisting condensation, while at the same time allowing natural ‘free’ energy – the warmth of the sun – to heat the home.

What is a Window Energy Rating?

Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffi c-light-style A–E ratings guide, similar to that used on ‘white’ goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines. This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy effi ciency of the windows you are buying.

So how do you know if a window is Energy Efficient?

Energy Rated Windows are easy to recognise – just look for the labels! If the window does not have a BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) or NSAI energy-rated certifi cate, it’s not a registered Energy Efficient Window. NSAI’s Window Energy Performance (WEP) Certifi cate displays an overall energy rating (similar to the Building Energy Rating BER label) for a defi ned window and window-frame assembly that helps consumers to make an informed selection. The scheme is applicable to window manufacturers and companies marketing imported windows for domestic buildings. The purpose of the scheme is to independently certify windows for an energy performance (WEP) rating.

How are windows rated?

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

• rating level – A, B, C, etc.
• window U-value (thermal transmittance), e.g. 1.4 W/(m2.K)
• effective heat loss due to air penetration (air leakage) as L, e.g. 0.01 W/(m2.K)
• solar heat gain (solar factor), e.g. 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
• keeping out the wind

 

Example of a Window Energy Label