Energy Efficient Windows

Energy Efficient Windows – Homeefe: Your Gateway to Sustainable Living in the UK

Lower bills, warmer rooms, better comfort

Energy efficient windows reduce heat loss through the glazing and frame, which translates to lower heating bills, warmer rooms in winter, and a more comfortable home year-round. For UK homeowners replacing older single-glazed or 1990s double-glazed windows, the energy savings typically show up on the heating bill from the first winter after installation.

We supply and fit A-rated and A+-rated energy efficient windows across an 80 km radius of our Rushden showroom. Available across uPVC, aluminium and timber construction with U-values from 0.8 W/m²K on triple glazed configurations.

What makes a window energy efficient

Energy efficient windows combine several engineering choices that work together to minimise heat loss:

  • Low E coated glass reflecting heat back into the room in winter
  • Argon gas filling between the panes conducting heat more slowly than air
  • Warm edge spacer bars reducing thermal bridging at the unit edge
  • Multi-chamber frame profiles minimising heat transfer through the frame itself
  • Thermal break technology on aluminium frames preventing cold-bridging
  • Multi-point locking compressing the sash firmly against perimeter seals
  • Quality weather seals eliminating air infiltration around the window

Each element contributes to the overall U-value of the window assembly. The lower the U-value, the better the thermal performance.

    Close-up view of an energy efficiency rating label from A+++ to D on a window, with a verdant garden seen through the glass, symbolising the benefits of energy efficient windows.

    Energy efficiency ratings explained

    The BFRC labelling scheme rates window energy performance from A++ (best) to E (worst), similar to fridge energy ratings:

    • A++ rated windows achieve U-values from 0.8 W/m²K, the best residential performance
    • A+ rated windows achieve U-values from 1.0 W/m²K, premium thermal performance
    • A rated windows achieve U-values from 1.2 W/m²K, the standard for modern installations
    • B rated windows achieve U-values from 1.4 W/m²K, still better than 1990s double glazing
    • C rated windows achieve U-values from 1.6 W/m²K, the minimum for new installations

    UK Building Regulations Part L currently require new replacement windows to achieve at least band C energy performance. Our standard windows comfortably exceed this minimum.

    Comparing window energy performance

    The improvement from older windows to modern energy efficient windows is significant:

    • Single glazed windows have U-values around 4.8 W/m²K
    • 1990s double glazing typically has U-values around 2.8 to 3.2 W/m²K
    • Modern double glazing with Low E achieves U-values from 1.2 W/m²K
    • Modern triple glazing with Low E achieves U-values from 0.8 W/m²K

    Replacing single glazing with modern A-rated double glazing typically cuts window-related heat loss by around 70%. Upgrading from 1990s double glazing to modern A-rated equivalents typically cuts window-related heat loss by 40 to 50%.

    Benefits of energy efficient windows

    The practical benefits of upgrading to energy efficient windows:

    • Lower heating bills with savings typically showing up in the first winter
    • Warmer rooms at the same thermostat setting
    • Less condensation because the inner glass surface stays warmer
    • Reduced draughts around the window perimeter
    • Better temperature stability with less heat loss overnight
    • Higher EPC rating for the property, useful when selling or letting
    • Lower carbon footprint through reduced heating energy demand

    Properties on exposed elevations and older buildings with existing thermal problems benefit most from the upgrade.

    More on energy efficient windows and features

    Energy efficient glazing options

    The glazing spec drives most of the energy performance:

    Double glazing with Low E

    The standard energy efficient spec. Two glass panes with Low E coating on one inner surface, argon gas fill, warm edge spacer bars. Achieves U-values from 1.2 W/m²K. Best balance of cost and performance for most UK homes.

    Triple glazing with Low E

    The premium energy efficient spec. Three glass panes with Low E coatings, two argon-filled gaps, warm edge spacer bars. Achieves U-values from 0.8 W/m²K. Best for exposed elevations, properties near busy roads, and new builds aiming for the highest energy ratings.

    Low E glass technical detail

    Low E (low emissivity) glass has a microscopic metallic coating on one glass surface inside the sealed unit. The coating:

    • Reflects long-wave heat back into the room in winter
    • Allows short-wave solar gain to enter the room
    • Doesn’t darken the glazing or affect the view through the window
    • Improves U-value significantly without changing the visible appearance
    • Comes as standard across our double and triple glazed sealed units

    Energy Efficient Window FAQs

    What are energy efficient windows?

    Energy efficient windows are designed to reduce heat loss through the glass, frame and seals compared with older or poorly performing windows. They often use features such as Low-E glass, argon gas filling, warm edge spacer bars, insulated frame profiles and high-quality weather seals to help keep the home warmer, reduce draughts and improve comfort.

    How much can energy efficient windows save on heating bills?

    The savings from energy efficient windows depend on your current windows, property size, heating system, insulation levels and energy usage. Replacing single glazing or old draughty double glazing with modern energy efficient windows can help reduce heat loss and may lower heating bills, but the exact saving varies from home to home.

    What is the difference between A-rated and A+-rated windows?

    A-rated and A+-rated windows are energy performance ratings used to show how well a window performs. A+-rated windows generally offer stronger thermal performance than A-rated windows, but the best choice depends on the full specification, including the glass, frame, spacer bars, seals and installation quality.

    Is Low-E glass worth it?

    Yes. Low-E glass is a worthwhile feature for energy efficient windows because it helps reflect heat back into the room while still allowing natural light through. It can improve the thermal performance of double glazed and triple glazed windows without significantly changing the appearance of the glass.

    Are energy efficient windows eco-friendly?

    Energy efficient windows can support a more eco-friendly home by reducing heat loss and helping to lower the amount of energy needed for heating. The overall environmental benefit depends on the existing windows being replaced, the new window specification, the heating system and the long-term performance of the installation.

    Do energy efficient windows improve home comfort?

    Yes. Energy efficient windows can improve home comfort by helping rooms stay warmer, reducing draughts and limiting cold spots near the glass. Better insulated glazing can also help reduce condensation on the inside of the window, especially when combined with good ventilation and a suitable indoor humidity level.

    Can I get energy efficient windows in any style?

    Yes. Energy efficient window specifications are available across many popular styles, including casement windows, sash windows, bay windows, bow windows, tilt and turn windows and flush casement windows. The right combination of glazing, frame material and installation detail can help improve thermal performance while keeping the look you want for your home.

    Where do you install energy efficient windows in Northamptonshire?

    Homeefe supplies and installs energy efficient windows from our Rushden showroom for homeowners across Northamptonshire and nearby areas. Our installation area covers approximately 80 km, including Wellingborough, Northampton, Bedford, Kettering, Cambridge, Peterborough, Corby, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding towns.

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    Energy efficient window materials

    Each frame material handles thermal performance slightly differently:

    uPVC energy efficient windows

    • Multi-chamber profiles deliver good frame thermal performance
    • Double glazing with Low E achieves U-values from 1.2 W/m²K
    • Triple glazing with Low E achieves U-values from 0.8 W/m²K
    • Most affordable energy efficient option in the UK market
    • VEKA, Profile22 and Deceuninck profiles all deliver A-rated performance

    Aluminium energy efficient windows

    • Thermal break technology prevents cold-bridging through the aluminium frame
    • Modern aluminium achieves U-values comparable to uPVC when properly broken
    • Slim sightlines maximise the glazed area, where Low E glass does the thermal work
    • Cortizo profiles deliver A-rated performance across the range

    Timber energy efficient windows

    • Natural insulation properties of wood contribute to overall thermal performance
    • Engineered timber stays flat over decades, maintaining the perimeter seal
    • Best combined with double or triple glazing with Low E glass
    • Premium choice for period properties wanting authentic appearance with current performance

    Energy efficient window costs and savings

    Energy efficient windows pay back the upfront cost through reduced heating bills over the years they’re in service.

    Typical UK heating bill savings when replacing older windows:

    • Replacing single glazing with modern A-rated double glazing saves £150 to £400 per year on a typical 3-bed semi
    • Replacing 1990s double glazing with modern A-rated equivalents saves £80 to £200 per year
    • Upgrading double glazing to triple glazing saves an additional £30 to £80 per year on exposed elevations
    • Heating cost savings increase with higher fuel prices, making the payback period shorter

    The exact savings depend on the property size, the existing window spec, the heating system efficiency and the local climate exposure.

    Energy efficient window installation across Northamptonshire

    We install energy efficient windows across an 80 km radius of our Rushden showroom, covering:

    • Northampton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Kettering, Cambridge
    • Peterborough, Rugby, Hemel Hempstead, Wellingborough, Corby
    • Daventry, Towcester, St Neots, Higham Ferrers, Raunds
    • Hitchin, Stamford, Stevenage, Luton, Market Harborough

    Installation is FENSA-registered with the certification paperwork supplied at handover. The FENSA certificate confirms compliance with UK Building Regulations Part L energy performance requirements, and stays with the property for future house sales.

    See energy efficient windows at our Rushden showroom

    The visible appearance of an A-rated window doesn’t tell you anything about its energy performance, which is why the BFRC ratings exist. Our Rushden showroom has full-size samples with the energy rating labels visible, so you can see exactly what spec you’re considering.

    Free home survey and itemised quote covering the energy performance choice across the 80 km installation area.

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