Why Is Heat Loss a Concern for Homeowners?

The Impact of Heat Loss on Comfort and Energy Bills

One of the most immediate consequences of heat loss is a noticeable drop in indoor comfort. When heat escapes from your home, your heating system must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.

This not only results in higher energy bills but also puts additional strain on your heating system, potentially shortening its lifespan. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading single-glazed to A++-rated double-glazing could save you up to £150 a year and 415kg of carbon dioxide.

Glazing Heat Loss Test

We recently conducted an experiment to test the levels of heat loss in varying levels of quality glazing. We set up a heat lamp and placed each glazing in front of the lamp in two-minute intervals. Then we took a temperature reading after the two minutes to find out how much heat was escaping through the glazing.

To ensure a fair test, we marked out the distance from the heat lamp to make sure each piece of glazing was at the same distance and clamped the temperature gun to the table so the reading was fair.

You can check out the experiment here!

The Results

The test demonstrated a gradual reduction in heat loss through each unit. We tested the standard required glazing for UK homes called K glass, our signature Maxitherm glazing at a standard level, a standard Maxitherm triple-glazed unit, and finally, a Maxitherm triple-glazed unit with a double soft coat low-E.

There was a significant 12°F drop in temperature from K Glass to the Maxitherm triple-glazed double coat low-E, clearly illustrating the superior insulation properties of our advanced glazing solutions.

This substantial decrease in heat loss indicates how much more effectively our high-performance glazing can keep your home warm, thereby reducing energy consumption and heating costs. By upgrading to our Maxitherm triple-glazed units with double soft coat low-E, homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable living environment and greater energy efficiency.

The Power of a Low Emissivity Coating

Low emissivity (Low-E) coatings are a powerful tool in the fight against heat loss. These coatings are designed to reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that enters your home. By reflecting heat back into the room during winter and deflecting external heat during summer, Low-E coatings help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

This not only enhances comfort but also significantly improves energy efficiency, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. Moreover, Low-E coatings protect your furnishings from fading by blocking harmful UV rays, ensuring that your home remains both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Investing in windows with Low-E coatings is a smart, long-term solution to combat heat loss and enhance the overall performance of your home.