As bills continue to concern many homeowners over the coming months, it’s smart to advise customers on saving money and also let them know how Dakea can help…
How can roof windows help with energy bills?
When your customers want to make their homes more energy-efficient and warmer in the winter months, they need to choose a roof window that’s well-constructed and properly installed. Which is why Dakea is a great choice: a well-insulated window means less heat loss in the winter months and thus lower energy bills, especially if you’re replacing existing a roof window which is deteriorating and letting cold air in and warm air out.
There are a number of excellent choices:
• Dakea Energy roof windows boast a toughened external pane and high performance insulation as well as triple pane construction.
• Our Better Safe window has a toughened external pane and double low emission coating that reflects heat back into the room and which means thermal transmittance of 1,3 W/m2K.
- Comfort Glass, used in our Ultima window, is designed to bring comfort to every home they’re installed in, thanks to two different layers of heat-reflecting and sun-protecting coatings on the pane. All these features combine to make a home’s heating more efficient and energy bills lower overall.
- Our best seller, the Dakea Ultima Energy is not only triple-glazed but also filled with krypton gas which conducts heat by F46% less than the most frequently-used alternative, argon. It also has an excellent Uwparameter of 0.99 W/m2K: https://dakea.co.uk/products/pitched-roof-windows/ultima-energy/#description
- Check online to find the best roof windows to save on energy bills for your project:
https://dakea.co.uk/products/roof-windows/
Stopping draughts
- Draught-proofing a home is one of the simplest and best ways to save energy and money. While homes need ventilation from extractor fans and vents to stay condensation- and damp-free, draughts let in cold air and allow warm air to escape so should always be blocked up. Advise homeowners to look for any gaps around windows using self-adhesive strips or strips with brush attached (these are best for sash windows).
- Did you know that 10% of heat is lost through windows? When having windows installed they need to be done as securely as possible to minimise gaps. Installers can keep up-to-date on the best way to install a roof window with Dakea’s expert instructional videos on our website dakea.co.uk/instructional-videos/ which cover different styles of Dakea roof windows and flashings. Once installed, roof windows should offer draught-free service for up to 15 to 20 years.• If your customer has a front door that opens into their front room, why not advise them to cover the keyhole and letterbox? They can also attach strips to gaps at the bottom or around the edges of any doors that are letting cold air in, including internal doors, particularly when one room isn’t heated. Always keep internal doors closed, too.
Solar panels
The cleanest, most renewable form of energy for the home is made by solar panels which soak up the heat of sunny days and then generate free, clean electricity and hot water. A large investment to buy and install, most solar panels take around a decade to pay for themselves but will work brilliantly for decades without needing to be replaced. Your customers may be eligible for a Government Green Deal loan which makes them more accessible: www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures
- Dakea’s Solar Blinds can be an excellent way to stop warmth escaping. Our Solar Roller Shutter offers up to extra 16% thermal insulation.https://dakea.co.uk/products/comfort-accessories/solar-blind-for-flat-roof-window/#description
Double glazing
Whether double- or triple-glazed, windows and doors with proper glazing reduce draughts and save energy, thus reducing bills. Secondary glazing, adding another layer to existing windows, is about half as effective but will still save energy and cut bills.
Smart heating
Boilers begin to wear out after a decade’s service so tell your customers it’s often worth replacing an energy-guzzling boiler with a new, efficient model, as is switching over to a smart meter and thermostat. With smart energy meters homeowners can monitor their energy usage, and get into good, money-saving habits while smart thermostats, usually app-controlled, save money as the heating can be controlled remotely.
Installing ventilation valvles help ensure trapped air and gases in the piping system are released so that during draining a positive pressure is maintained.
Insulating the home
It’s also worth advising homeowners on insulation which ensures their property is using less energy while staying warm. Insulation is recommended for homes with attics, lofts or flat roofs as a quarter of heat is lost through the roof.
Loft insulation will cost in the low thousands and should pay for itself in two or three years. A straightforward job, it involves laying thick material between the joists of the attic.
Cavity wall insulation A third of heat escapes through the walls of our homes. This type of insulation is expensive but can result in a 20% reduction in bills and emissions. The process consists of adding another layer between two brick walls and is best done while decorating.
Internal wall insulation A cheaper option where boards and rolls of insulation are stuck to internal walls with adhesive.
For further information on the Dakea Ultima roof window range visit https://dakea.co.uk/products/roof-windows/
