From Guest Blogger Michael Fowler: It’s Time You Got Energy Efficient Windows

The New Year brings a whole host of home renovation projects to the surface, as what better way to start 2014 than with an improved home? A main one that people tend to put off for as long as possible is the replacement of windows, due to it usually being a large and sometimes costly task, but with energy prices rising and global warming becoming ever more apparent, surely it is your duty to make your home a more energy efficient domicile.

Therefore you may be left wondering if you should embark upon this venture, and we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of questions to ask yourself if you’re considering replacing your windows and give you more to think about than energy efficiency alone.

Firstly, are the windows efficient enough at keeping heat in?

Of course the main job of a window is to let light into your home whilst keeping as much heat in as possible. Consider whether your windows are energy efficient, or if they let in drafts and noise. If so, it may be time to look into replacement windows from Anglian Home, as taking steps to eliminate drafts and whistling noises on windy days from your windows may be just as costly as completely updating them. If your house is warmer the energy you use will be less. You will notice huge benefits when it comes to your energy bills at the end of each month, you could save nearly $280 (£170) a year, which will make the investment well worth it.

Changing to a more energy efficient set of windows could reduce your carbon emissions by 680kg a year. That’s as much carbon saved as three months commuting by car.

Do they require an extensive maintenance routine?

If you find yourself maintaining the appearance of your windows a lot more frequently than usual, this may be a sign that they need updating. For example, if you have to remove old paint and repaint them frequently, or clear the ‘fog’ from the corners very often, it may be worth updating them as maintaining windows (especially old, wooden ones) can be time consuming and pricey. If you leave mould, paint and dirt on wooden frames, it will lead to rot. You can take steps to avoid mould, but nothing works better than replacing the windows with modern ones.

Are they still easy to use/open?

If your windows or frames seem to stick a lot when you try to open them, or jam, that can be an additional sign that it’s time for a change. Think about whether all of the members of your family can open the windows relatively easily, this can be vital if there should be a house fire. If they can’t, work out what needs updating. It could be that you just have a faulty handle or locking system. However, if it’s a problem with the frame that’s making opening them difficult, they will need updating to ensure they can be used in an emergency as well as just for some fresh air.

Do they physically look a lot different?

The appearance of your windows may be the biggest sign – and easiest to spot – that they need replacing or renovating. Do they look a lot different to how they used to? Can you restore them to their original state without replacing them, or is there nothing else you can do? Physical damage you may notice includes rot, mould and foggy glass, especially in the corners.