By 2022, over 87% of British homes had full double glazing, alongside a growing number that also had cavity or solid wall insulation, and 200 mm or more loft insulation.
One of the reasons for this is that the benefits of double glazing on energy efficiency are well known. Compared to the increasingly rare single glazed windows, double glazed windows are less draughty, stronger, and more secure, providing clear benefits to homeowners.
However, like any feature, double glazed windows do not retain their benefits indefinitely. High quality windows should give you a lifespan of 20 to 35 years, depending on the quality of materials, installation standards, and maintenance. However, before this time, the seals between panes may degrade, leading to condensation and reduced insulation efficiency, the frames may warp or become damaged, and the panes themselves may develop small cracks and leaks.
These accumulated issues can cause the efficiency benefits of double-glazed windows to, literally, seep out into the outside air, undermining the home’s energy efficiency.
This is why we recommend that, if your windows are 12 to 15 years old or more and you are starting to notice structural issues, fogging between panes, or difficulty opening and closing, it may be more cost-effective to replace them now rather than waiting until they fail completely X years down the line.
These are just two of the ways that new double glazed windows can transform your home’s energy efficiency:
1. Improved insulation for a cosy home – double glazed windows work by trapping heat inside during the winter and keep heat outside in the summer, thanks to their insulating layer of air or inert gas in between the two panes. This only works if the panes have a strong functional seal. By upgrading your windows to new and improved panes, you improve the efficiency and insulating value of your windows, helping to keep your house comfy and cosy.
2. Reduced condensation – if your home suffers from excessive condensation on or around your windows, especially during winter, this could be a sign of damaged or inefficient double glazing. Over time, this can increase your home’s risk of black mould, mildew, and damage to your window frames. Misting between the frames themselves is even worse news – this indicates that your windows are no longer effective at keeping cold air and damp outside of your home. Investing in new windows gives your home a reset button. Since the inner pane of a high-quality window stays warmer with double glazing, condensation is less likely to form around your windows. This helps keep your home looking great and avoids issues caused by damp, contributing to better health for your family.
It’s a good time of year to start planning new double glazing for your home. At Harveys, double-glazed windows are available from £750, which includes VAT and full fitting. So, don’t wait any longer – get in touch with one of our team to find out about our range of stylish and affordable windows, and start enjoying the benefits of a more energy-efficient home.