We’re all under pressure these days to reduce our energy consumption, both to cut our bills and reduce emissions. Whichever fuel you use, the biggest household consumption of energy is usually for heating. Making sure you retain as much of that heat as possible is a first step toward becoming energy efficient.
Houses can lose a lot of heat through their windows, so switching to efficient, modern double glazed windows can make a big difference. Why exactly is double glazing so good at retaining heat? Let’s have a look at the science behind it.
Key benefits
Fit double glazing in Gloucester and you get some immediate benefits. It keeps in heat, providing insulation, and the close-fitting frames eliminate draughts. There are side benefits, too; double glazing with well-fitting frames also cuts noise transmission so you’ll be less disturbed by traffic and other external sounds.
How does this work? Heat, as you’ll know if you were paying attention in your physics lessons, is transmitted in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. The sealed units of double glazing in Gloucester have two panes of glass with a gap between them. Because the air – or more often these days, an inert gas – between the panes is a poor conductor of heat, it slows down the rate of transmission so your room stays warmer for longer.
Because the air between the panes is trapped and can’t circulate very far, it also reduces the chances of heat escaping by convection.
In addition, most modern double glazing is fitted with low-emissions glass. This has a coating that reflects heat back into the room, preventing it from escaping via radiation. This has the extra benefit of retaining solar heat from the sunlight that comes into the room during the day.
You’ve been framed
The double glazing itself takes care of the three main causes of heat loss, but the frames have a part to play, too. Compared to old wooden windows, the frames of double glazed windows – which are made from UPVC or aluminum – are much closer fitting and have seals on the edges. This eliminates draughts, keeping your room warmer, and also helps stop heat escaping.
Fitting good, modern double glazing increases the energy efficiency of your property and ultimately can increase its value.
