A Homeowner’s Guide to Buying New Windows

Buying replacement windows is one of the costliest investments that homeowners can make, which is why it’s often not something that’s entered into lightly. Due to the scale of the job, people usually don’t know where to start when the time comes to switch out their old windows for new ones. This also leads to the task being put off longer than it should be, resulting in homeowners spending more money to heat and cool their homes because of a lack of insulation and ventilation from their inefficient windows. So, yes, the upfront costs of buying new windows can certainly seem steep; however, you’re promised a solid return on investment thanks to reduced heating and cooling costs and increased market value. This is just the beginning when it comes to replacing windows; learn more in our handy homeowner’s guide to buying new windows.

Should I Replace My 20-Year-Old Windows?

Even if your 20-year-old windows appear to be doing the job, it’s still wise to consider replacing them, and here’s why:

• Energy Efficiency – Windows of this age are likely single-glazed or early double-glazed, which means their insulation is lacking. Today, you can get A-rated double glazing or even triple glazing, which can cut heat loss by as much as half, lowering your energy bills.
• Condensation and Draughts – On older windows, it’s not uncommon to see condensation between panes, and this indicates seal failure. This lack of insulation also contributes to climbing energy bills.
• Security – Older windows have outdated locks or flimsy frames, which pale in comparison to the multipoint locking systems of modern windows.
• Noise Reduction – Older windows don’t have the same acoustic qualities as their modern counterparts, meaning they’re nowhere near as effective at blocking out outside noise.
• Property Value and Appearance – If your windows look old and worn, your kerb appeal is sure to suffer. With new windows, you can achieve a more modern and polished look, boosting your property value significantly.

What is the U-Value of a Window in the UK?

A window’s U-value measures how well it prevents heat loss, and the lower the better. The U-value is measured in W/m²·K (watts per square metre per degree Kelvin). You can see a breakdown of the typical U-value for various window types below:

• Single-Glazed: 4.8 – 5.8 W/m²·K
• Early Double Glazing (Pre-2002): 2.8 – 3.5 W/m²·K
• Modern Double Glazing (A-Rated): 1.2 – 1.6 W/m²·
• Triple Glazing: 0.8 – 1.2 W/m²·K

As of 2022, all replacement windows must have a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m²·K, and new builds generally require 1.2 W/m²·K or better. Therefore, nearly all homes are expected to have at least modern double glazing that’s A-rated, if not triple glazing.

What is a Good G-Value for a Window?

The G-value is otherwise known as the solar factor or total solar energy transmittance and measures how much solar heat passes through a window. It’s either expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1 or as a percentage, so a G-value of 0.50 (50%) means 50% of solar energy gets through. How “good” a G-value is depends on a number of factors, including the climate of the area in which the home is situated, the window’s orientation, and whether the homeowner wants to benefit from solar gain or more shading. That said, we have broken down what most would consider to be a good G-value in the table below:

uPVC vs Aluminium Windows – Which Are Better?

When it comes to uPVC and aluminium windows, it’s not that one is better than the other, it’s more so that one will be better for you. Let’s break it down:

Firstly, uPVC windows tend to be more affordable upfront than aluminium alternatives; in fact, aluminium windows can be anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent more expensive. That said, uPVC windows typically have a maximum lifespan of 30 years, while aluminium windows can exceed 45 years. Although each window type can be very thermally efficient,

uPVC is slightly better than aluminium in this area. As far as maintenance is concerned, each window type is equally as low maintenance as the other.

For the basics that most homeowners would want from a window, uPVC and aluminium sit on a level playing field; however, there are some aspects in which aluminium shines. For instance, aluminium windows boast a sleek, slim, and modern aesthetic, with various available colours, while uPVC can be thought to be basic, chunky, and limited in colours – this is changing significantly though with innovative new products being released regularly. Similarly, aluminium is by far the most recyclable and sustainable option and is superior when it comes to large panes of glass. While uPVC is adequate for most pane sizes, sometimes it won’t do the job that aluminium does.

So, if you’re a budget-conscious homeowner with a traditional property, then we would recommend uPVC. If you have a modern home with large windows and you want to create and maintain a premium look, then aluminium might be the way to go.

Fortunately, Pioneer can help you with both, and our installers will be able to advise you best based on your individual home’s needs.