Which type of window is the most energy efficient?

17th February 2023

As household costs rise and the impact of climate change becomes more apparent, improving the energy efficiency of your building has become more important than ever. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is one of the best ways to do just that.

What is the energy efficiency of a window?

A window’s energy efficiency refers to the amount of heat it lets escape. Energy efficiency is rated on a scale of E to A++, with A++ windows being the most energy efficient. Any window with a rating above C is considered ‘energy saving’.

Because energy-efficient windows keep warmth in the building for longer, the central heating doesn’t need to be kept on for as long; this lowers the building’s carbon footprint and your annual heating bills.

Of course, with thousands of different window designs out there, it's not always clear which type will improve your building’s energy efficiency the most.

Alimax are Dorset and Hampshire’s leading suppliers of high-quality aluminium trade windows. Read on to find out which type of window is the most energy efficient, why it matters, and how you can improve your property’s energy efficiency even further.

Which window frame material is most energy efficient?

Window frames are usually made from one of three materials: timber, uPVC, or aluminium. All three can provide a high level of heat retention, although the exact performance depends on the window’s design.

If you’re looking for an option that combines insulation, durability, variety, and convenience, then aluminium window frames are the way to go.

An aluminium frame can feel chilly to the touch when it’s cold outside. Some people believe this makes it less energy efficient, but that's not the case; thanks to the integration of thermal breaks, aluminium achieves the same or better thermal performance compared to uPVC, but with better durability.

Its lifespan is almost double that of uPVC, saving you money on future replacements. It will never warp, rot, or discolour, and requires none of the maintenance of timber windows. It's the best option for adding practical value to a property over the long term.

How does window glazing affect energy efficiency?

Single, double, and triple glazing refer to the number of glass panes used in a window unit.

• With only one glass pane, single glazing is the simplest and cheapest type of glazing. It’s usually only found in older buildings and homes.
• Double glazing is the most common type of window glazing used nowadays. It consists of two glass panes separated by a layer of air or gas, such as argon or krypton. The layer of air or gas creates an insulating barrier, reducing heat loss and improving soundproofing.
• Triple glazing is made up of three glass panes separated by two layers of air or gas. The extra layer of glass and insulating material makes triple glazing even better at retaining heat than double glazing. Triple glazing is less common than double glazing, but can be found in colder climates where insulation is a top priority.

With the additional benefits they offer, it’s no surprise that double and triple glazing are considerably more energy efficient than single glazing. That’s why upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows is one of the best steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your building.

Achieve outstanding energy efficiency with Alimax

At Alimax, we believe the benefits of an energy-efficient building can’t be understated. That’s why all our aluminium windows are certified with a B rating or above, with most achieving the highest A rating for exceptional thermal performance!

Our windows feature innovative polyamide thermal breaks, which act as a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside. Thermal transmittance is reduced and the window’s overall U-value is lowered, helping you meet the exacting requirements of Approved Document L.

Our windows are available in a wide variety of styles and colours, making them ideal for both residential and commercial applications. We also have a range of matching doors with equally high levels of insulation - perfect for taking your building’s energy efficiency to the next level.

Whatever property you’re working on, you can trust us to supply the premium-quality, thermally efficient windows you’re looking for.

Get a free quote online or call us on 01425 205465!