A third of your heating bill is spent on energy that’s lost through the walls and windows of your home. Ensuring your insulation and windows are in line with current regulations reduces the amount of heat that is lost and so the amount of fossil fuels or electricity needed for heating or cooling your home is less. This is key to reducing carbon emissions.
Just starting out?
Take a look at the information sheets below for handy tips and advice.
Ready for the next level?
Insulation
There is no single best route for insulation or windows as the age of your property will determine what’s suitable. But provided you use the correct method and the best insulation products there’s no reason why you can’t insulate and draught proof your home, no matter its age. Check out our handy guide here.
Window replacement
Did you know that the type of windows you have in your home can drastically affect its energy efficiency and the money you spend on heating? For instance, by installing A rated double glazing to windows, on average you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 330kg per year, or by 405kg per year with A++ rated double glazing.
It’s not just the glass either. There are many different types of window available and making an environmentally friendly, energy saving choice goes way beyond double glazing.
Timber Frame
A naturally insulating material, timber is energy efficient and great for traditional homes. When choosing wooden frames make sure they’re made with sustainable timber by looking for credentials such as FSC certification. This ensures the wood used to make your frames is sourced from a responsibly managed forest.
Aluminium Frame
Aluminum is light, strong and durable, and is becoming a more popular choice for window frames, not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its eco credentials too. When treated properly it is energy efficient and also the most recyclable industrial material.
uPVC Frame
Widely used in development due to its thermal efficiency, uPVC has been a popular choice for many years. Thanks to advances in manufacturing standards, as well as recycling schemes, it is becoming more sustainable.
Energy Performance
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has calculated an energy performance rating for windows using a label to classify windows from A to G (where A is the most energy efficient window).
You can find more information about energy performance ratings here.
Recycling
You can replace your windows responsibly by looking into repurposing or recycling your windows before you start your project. This will not only save you money but make your installation more eco friendly.
Warm Homes Suffolk
If your annual income is less than £30,000 and you live in a home with a low energy rating then you may be eligible for help. Please visit Warm Homes Suffolk for more information.
