How flush windows and doors can help reduce your energy bills
Saving energy is one of the most important goals for the home improvement industry. Manufacturers worldwide are in a constant race to create the most energy-efficient windows and doors possible and we’re no different. For starters, it’s a great thing to offer our customers; reducing energy consumption means they don’t use their central heating as often, so they’ll save money in the long run. And who doesn’t want more money in their bank account?
However, it’s also worth remembering the wider effects. Climate change is a serious subject and anything we can do to limit our greenhouse gas emissions will help. Saving energy in a single house won’t do much in the grand scheme of things, but imagine if every homeowner in the country used their heating a lot less? That’s a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint.
Here at Deceuninck, we’re committed to limiting our environmental impact. We’re keen to spread the word on how our products can help, so let’s take a moment to consider the flush windows and doors from the Heritage Window Collection. Here’s everything you need to know.
Flush Windows: Timber Versus uPVC
Our flush sash windows are a popular choice for homeowners searching for an authentic timber look. They’re made with uPVC but are designed to replicate the aesthetics of wood, however this raises a pertinent question; how energy efficient are they? Aren’t wooden windows a better option?
Well, no. Wood is a better natural insulator than uPVC, but it’s also far less durable. Wooden windows are great for trapping household heat but over time, their quality degrades. They’ll absorb moisture and suffer problems with warping, as well as mould and rot. Wooden windows are more high maintenance than uPVC and gradually, you’ll spend more effort repairing weatherproof seals and replacing frames than you would with uPVC. Household energy bills will start to creep up and your carbon emissions will increase too.
uPVC meanwhile is a classic “low maintenance” option. Once you’ve installed uPVC windows, you could all but forget about them and they’ll continue to perform well. Water can’t pierce the surface so they don’t suffer the same problems.
Yes, there is a difference in their energy efficiency compared to wooden windows, but it’s only marginal. Modern plastic windows have benefitted from years of research and development and can be relied upon to achieve consistently low U-values. A wooden window might deliver superior thermal performance at first, but it will gradually degrade, whereas uPVC windows can be relied upon for their entire lifetime.
uPVC Flush Doors
The energy benefits of uPVC windows apply to our doors as well. We’ve noticed that our customers don’t ask about the thermal performance of our doors as much as our windows, but they play a pivotal role in keeping the house warm. If you want some idea of how important the energy efficiency of a front door is, try opening it on a cold day and see how long it takes for your home temperature to drop.
Our flush uPVC doors are designed to keep the worst of Mother Nature at bay while simultaneously trapping indoor heat. Ours have a weatherproof build which includes air permeability to Class 4 600 PA and they can achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K. In layman’s terms, this means they’ll prevent the heat from escaping and even in the colder months, you won’t need your radiators on constantly to keep comfortable.
Why Choose A Heritage Door Or Window?
In other words, if you want a high-performance door or window that will reduce energy consumption for decades, uPVC is a great choice. However, wood does have other advantages besides heat retention. One of the selling points of timber windows is their charm; wood has a distinctive character that homeowners love, so how can uPVC measure up?
Well, the good news is that our Heritage windows and doors have been specifically designed to recreate that particular look. We use modern materials to create traditional aesthetics and are very proud of the results. There isn’t a scrap of wood used anywhere in our Heritage windows or doors, but you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. Unless you painstakingly examine our Heritage range up close, you could easily mistake them for genuine wooden products.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
With all this in mind, it’s easy to understand why the Heritage collection from Deceuninck continues to impress homeowners and professionals alike. We’re committed to helping our customers lower their carbon footprint and reduce their monthly spend as well. If you want some idea of how much you can save, try out our energy savings calculator for free. Alternatively, you’re welcome to contact us if you have any questions. Get in touch today and let’s see how we can help.