Rack Up the Benefits With a New Set of Windows

A common project when it comes to home improvements is replacing windows and doors in a property in order to clean up and refresh the look of a building that perhaps needs a facelift.

New windows and doors really can make all the difference and make attractive features, but they can also do a whole lot more. Everyone is aware of climate change and the effect it is having on the planet and a lot of people have changed their lifestyles in recent years in order to minimise their effect on the Earth and reduce their carbon footprint.

Changing the windows and doors in your house to energy efficient models can help. Through installing double glazed windows, it is possible to cut the amount of heat that escapes from your windows by 50 per cent, meaning you need to use less energy to heat your house. Not only are you saving money, but you're also helping to do your bit for the environment.

Double paned windows work by using two panes of glass instead of one. Between these layers, there is air which acts as a layer of insulation, helping to prevent heat escaping through the window. It can also help cut down on noise coming into the house and prevent condensation.

According to the National Fenestration Rating Council, an average American household spends over 40 per cent of its annual energy budget on heating and cooling costs. However, in most homes this figure could be reduced by up to 15 per cent through installing more energy efficient windows.

The council said: "If all residential windows in the U.S. were replaced with the more efficient Energy Star qualifying models, we'd save $7 billion in energy costs over the next 15 years - enough to light every home in the New York City metropolitan area."

Attaching a replacement door to the front of your property can also help keep energy loss to a minimum if you ensure it has a proper seal with the frame to maximise insulation.