Poor quality windows are a major source of heat loss, especially with winter looming around the corner. They can also reduce comfort and the amount of effective living space as well as being an eye-sore.

Energy efficient windows will help to minimise heating and lighting costs, as well as reduce CO2 emissions – helping to protect the environment and work towards a greener future.

After a certain amount of time the windows will pay for themselves due to the money saved on bills.

Window Ratings

Assessed by the BRFC, the rating system is a clear and effective method of calculating the energy performance of the whole window. This includes the frame material, the frame design, the glass type and all the other components that make up the window.

The rating system is similar to that applied to white goods (such as fridges). Windows are rated using an A to G scale on the basis of their total energy efficiency, with A being the most energy efficient.

Reducing Heat Loss

Uncontrolled air flow trough a window loses heat and creates draughts.

Windows with compression seals reduce this air flow, help to provide good ventilation when desired and have a better resistance to draughts than the sliding seals on vertical sliding windows.

Be sure to use a reputable installer, as poor installation will nullify the efficiency of the windows. If a window is installed incorrectly then it will not save you as much money as it should.

Windows with a low U-Value offer a greater efficiency in heat retention. Many factors effect this including the type of glazing material, the number of glazing layers, the type of gas used as insulation (often argon), the size of the cavity between the panels, and the type of frame used.

Glazing

Advances in glazing technology allows special glass to be used, which helps control heat loss through a window. The glazing (low-e) has special surface coatings which reflect heat back through the window, the percentage of heat reflected depends on the energy efficiency of the window – normally ranging between 40 and 70%.

This glass is now standard for most homes in the UK.

The number of glass layers, space and gas-type between the panes also help to resist heat flow. Air spaces that are narrow offer greater heat resistance.

Highly energy efficient windows are manufactured with inert gases (argon or krypton) between the panes because these gases transfer less heat than air.

Frames
Window frames are available in a wide variety of materials, the main two being wood and uPVC. UPVC is the standard for most homes as it doesn’t rot or warp like it’s wood counterpart. The use of foam insulation in uPVC windows also helps to make the frame more energy efficient to completely eradicate the possibility of a draught.

Energy Efficient Windows carry the BFRC label with a rating from A-G. Select the window with the highest rating for the maximum energy efficiency.

You bought a Conservatory through us last year. How are you finding it?
Oh it’s lovely thank you. I sit out in it every day enjoying the sun. We use it together, but my skin burns quite easily so it’s nice to sit in their in the shade. It picks up the heat very well.

And what’s your favourite feature?
My favourite feature is the PVC Windows. I love to look out them at the badgers in the garden. Of course badgers come out at night so it’s not as easy to see. I remember once there was a robin and he flew right into the window, it was so beautiful.

What do you have in your conservatory?
We have two chairs, a coffee table, a desk because my husband loves to write short stories. We have a rug, and a standing light.

So you don’t just use it as a greenroom?
Oh definitely not, we are in there nearly every evening.

Would you recommend conservatory outlet to your friends?
Oh yes I would. All of my neighbours have already asked who we bought it from. ou may get some more business very soon.

This time they’ve opened up a Conservatory showroom right next doors to a Hooters restaurant!

So if you’re looking for a Conservatory or some Double Glazing, make sure to visit our showrooms – and maybe a quick visit to hooters!

If the glass is damaged below approximately waist height then it has to be toughened to the British Standard. This can be achieved by heat treatment to toughen the glass, laminated glass or adding an approved plastic safety film onto the glass. Either way it must meet building regulations.

The red area below is critical location and needs to be replaced:

Replacement Door Guidelines

The regulations were implemented based on a risk analysis of the hazards and the possible injuries from glass at vulnerable locations.

A swinging sheet of glass (whether in a door or window) is more likely to cause injury if damaged, than a fixed, or limited opening Casement Window.

These new showrooms have been opened by Chris Mitchell and Andy Ross, two former managers of My Planet and backed by John Beaty who was involved in the success of the previous trading company Planet in the early years. John’s partner from that period, Dean St John, has no involvement in this new venture whatsoever.

With full agreement from the official administrators, the new company, trading as Lancashire Conservatory Outlet and Cheshire Conservatory Outlet will be assisting in the completion of unfinished installations and returning deposits, where required, taken by the previous company. This new trading agreement has quickly secured jobs for approximately 50 loyal and hard working staff.

The concept of the Conservatory Outlet dealer network has proven hugely successful thanks to the extended levels of marketing support including what is arguably the most comprehensive website within the industry at www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk and its sister site http://www.conservatorytv.com/. Throughout the dealer network, each showroom has been able to achieve strong growth each year and the prospects for further success look very promising, something which attracted John Beaty to the Conservatory Outlet concept.

John Beaty comments: “The decision to venture back into the industry was a cautious and measured one. I wanted to be in a position to offer the consumer a strong and well-respected brand and the Conservatory Outlet dealer programme and branding will prove to be the perfect vehicle.”

Matthew Glover, managing director of Conservatory Outlet concludes: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all those concerned. John’s decision to venture back into the industry is a welcome one and the fact that he’s chosen our dealership programme shows that we have a very capable and proven business model.