Winter Window Watch: How to Spot (and Stop) Heat Loss Before the January Heating Bill Arrives

Winter Window Watch: How to Spot (and Stop) Heat Loss Before the January Heating Bill Arrives

According to the GFF (Glass and Glazing Federation), a staggering 98% of UK homes are losing energy through underperforming windows. Not only is this a damning indictment of the quality of fenestration in the United Kingdom, but it also highlights the need to make an upgrade.

The rising costs of energy, of course, are not helped by statistics like this, especially as January rolls around again and there’s even more need for properties to make use of their central heating.

See, poorly performing windows allow warm air to escape and for cold air to invade, causing uncomfortable interiors and rises in your heating bills that can be tough to stomach.

How to Spot Heat Loss in Your Windows

There are several indications you might spot in your property to assess if your windows aren’t performing up to scratch.

Cold draughts near windows are telling – feeling cold air when the windows are closed, and noticeable draughts around the window frames, sashes or handles can be common in older installations or poorly fitted systems.

Any sort of condensation between the glass panes can indicate failed double glazing, and moisture on interior glass often suggests poor thermal performance. The effects of such are damaging, as they could contribute to mould, damp, and damage to the windows.

If rooms feel noticeably colder when the heating has been switched on, if areas near the windows are significantly colder than the rest of the room, your windows could be to blame.

alitherm aluminium windows

How to Stop Heat Loss in Your Windows

There are steps you can take to stop heat loss from your windows and improve the thermal performance that they offer.

In the short term, you could start by improving the seals of the system and their hardware. Replace worn gaskets and ensure that hinges and locks pull the windows tight to the frames.

To secure the future of your property and ensure it remains high-performing in the long run, we recommend upgrading to modern double or triple glazing. Our advanced glazing significantly reduces heat transfer and works hard to keep the warmth inside and the cold out.

Choosing thermally broken aluminium frames is also a wise choice. Thanks to advancements in aluminium fenestration, it’s no longer cold and poor performing as once typically suggested.

Choose BDC Aluminium Today

If you’re looking for high-performance aluminium windows to upgrade existing fenestration or in preparation for an upcoming job, look no further than BDC Aluminium.

Get in touch with us today and find out how we could help you elevate your future projects.

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How Aluminium Windows Can Support Indoor Comfort During Summer
19 days ago News

How Aluminium Windows Can Support Indoor Comfort During Summer

Overheating has become an increasing consideration in modern residential developments and refurbishment projects.Concerns about overheating have grown, coinciding with the rise in popularity of open-plan living and larger glazed areas. Poorly specified glazing systems can contribute to uncomfortable indoor environments during warmer periods. When specifying aluminium window systems, it’s important to consider how they balance natural light, thermal efficiency, ventilation and modern aesthetics. Not all systems achieve the right balance. Modern window systems are increasingly expected to deliver across all of these areas. What Causes Overheating in HomesOverheating is most often linked to excessive solar gain, poor airflow and inefficient older glazing systems. Other contributing factors include large glazed areas, open-plan layouts and limited ventilation.Modern developments are increasingly facing the challenge of balancing natural light and indoor comfort, prompting specifiers and developers to search for reliable glazing systems that deliver on both. The Role of Glazing and Frame MaterialsBoth the glazing specification and frame design are crucial to a window's performance. Modern aluminium systems like the Smart Alitherm 400 feature slim sightlines and large glazed areas, providing contemporary aestheticsalongside excellent thermal efficiency. Low-E glazing options are available – they help reduce excess solar gain during warmer months while supporting thermal performance.Aluminium systems remain popular across residential developments, refurbishments and replacement projects for the balance they strike between thermal performance and contemporary aesthetics.

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