A+ Rated Windows: The Ultimate Guide to Energy Efficiency Ratings for Your Home

Main Takeaways

• A+ rated windows provide excellent energy efficiency, reducing heating bills and lowering your carbon footprint.
• The Window Energy Rating (WER) system measures energy performance from A++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
• A+ windows offer cost savings by reducing heat loss and offering superior thermal efficiency.
• Sherborne Windows offers a wide range of energy-efficient windows made from uPVC, timber, and aluminium to suit your home.
• Choosing A+ rated windows ensures you have a comfortable temperature year-round, lowers your energy consumption, and increases your home’s value.

Upgrading your windows is one of the smartest choices you can make for your home, especially when it comes to improving energy efficiency. A+ rated windows not only keep your home comfortable year-round but also reduce your energy bills and minimise your carbon footprint.

In this guide, we’ll explain the Window Energy Rating (WER) system, the benefits of A+ rated windows, and why they’re a worthwhile investment for British homeowners.

What Are Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Energy ratings are an important consideration when choosing new replacement windows. The Window Energy Rating (WER) system is a scale used to measure how energy-efficient your windows are. This scale ranges from A++ (most energy-efficient) to G (least energy-efficient).

The WER system takes into account several factors:

• U-value: How well the window retains heat (the lower the U-value, the better the window).
• Solar gain (g-value): How much of the sun’s heat passes through the glass.
• Air leakage: How much air escapes through the window seals.

With A+ rated windows, you can rest assured that your home will benefit from exceptional performance in terms of thermal efficiency, heat transfer, and noise insulation.

Double glazed bay window with white frames and shutters on a red brick house, enhancing energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and improving insulation.

Why A+ Rated Windows Are Beneficial for British Homeowners

Cost Savings on Energy Bills

A+ rated windows significantly reduce heat loss, helping to keep your home warm during the colder months. This means your heating system doesn’t need to work as hard, resulting in lower energy bills and overall consumption. Over time, the savings can add up, making A+ rated windows a smart financial investment.

Environmental Impact

By using less energy to heat or cool your property, A+ rated windows can help you lower carbon emissions in your home. Lower energy consumption means fewer emissions from energy production, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future as we battle the effects of climate change. In addition, energy-efficient windows are better at maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home, reducing the need for additional cooling or heating.

Comfortable Living Environment

A+ rated windows are designed to maintain a steady comfortable temperature inside your home, regardless of the season. They help keep the heat inside your home during the winter months and prevent unwanted heat gain during the warmer months. This means you’ll spend less time adjusting your thermostat, creating a more comfortable living space.

Increased Property Value

Homebuyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient windows in homes they are considering purchasing, particularly as regulations tighten. A+ rated windows can increase the overall value of your property, making it a more attractive option for potential buyers in the long term. Additionally, homes with low maintenance, energy-efficient windows often sell faster, making this a valuable upgrade if you’re planning to sell your home.

Factors Contributing to A+ Windows

Several factors contribute to the energy rating of a window, improving its thermal performance and overall energy efficiency:

Double or Triple Glazing

The use of double glazing or triple glazing is one of the most effective ways to improve a window’s energy efficiency. These windows feature multiple panes of glass with a sealed gap filled with argon gas or air, acting as insulation to reduce heat loss. Triple glazing provides even greater thermal performance, making it ideal for homes in colder climates.

Frame Material

The material of the window frame also plays a crucial role in its energy efficiency. uPVC frames, for example, are known for their excellent thermal insulation properties. Timber frames, though traditional, are a great natural insulator, while aluminium windows feature advanced thermal breaks that prevent heat from escaping.

Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers are used in both double and triple glazed windows to reduce heat transfer at the edges of the glass. These spacers help maintain an even temperature throughout the window, improving its energy performance.

Woodgrain effects are an excellent way to combine traditional appearance with modern performance.

Our Range of Energy-Efficient Windows

At Sherborne, we offer a wide selection of energy-efficient windows designed to meet the specific needs of your home. Whether you are renovating a period property or updating a modern home, we have the perfect solution.

Timber Windows

Timber windows have long been admired for their timeless beauty and natural charm. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, modern timber windows are now built to offer impressive energy efficiency. Our timber windows are made from high-quality wood that is sourced from sustainable forests, ensuring that your windows are as eco-friendly as they are beautiful.

Timber windows excel in providing superior thermal insulation. When combined with double glazing or triple glazing, they offer excellent heat retention and help maintain a stable indoor temperature. Timber also has natural insulating properties, making it a great option for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

For added durability, we apply specialist finishes to our timber windows to help prevent weathering, cracking, and warping. Plus, with a wide range of finishes, including painted and stained options, you can customise the look of your windows to match your home’s character.

Timber windows are renowned for their excellent thermal efficiency.

Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking for sleek, modern designs combined with outstanding energy performance. The QFort aluminium windows in particular are known for their exceptional U-values (as low as 1.0), offering superior thermal performance that helps reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency.

Aluminium is a highly durable and low-maintenance material, resistant to the elements and corrosion. The profiles of QFort aluminium windows incorporate polyamide thermal breaks, which are specifically designed to trap heat inside your home, contributing to better insulation. Whether you’re interested in casement or tilt and turn styles, aluminium frames ensure your windows are both stylish and functional.

Aluminium frames also allow for larger window designs with slimmer profiles, creating sleek, minimalist aesthetics while maintaining excellent energy efficiency. Available in a broad range of colours and finishes, including wood-effect finishes for a more traditional appearance, aluminium windows add elegance and style to any home.

The strength of aluminium windows allows for expansive glass panes and increased natural light.

uPVC Windows

uPVC windows are widely known for their low-maintenance properties and exceptional energy efficiency. With multi-chambered profiles and high-quality glazing, uPVC frames effectively trap heat within your home, providing outstanding thermal insulation and contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment – key reasons why the material now stands as the most popular window frame option in the United Kingdom. When fitted with double glazing or triple glazing, uPVC windows help to minimise heat loss, reducing the need for artificial heating and lowering your energy costs.

uPVC is also incredibly durable and resistant to weathering, meaning your windows will retain their appearance for many years with little upkeep. Plus, it’s highly versatile – available in a variety of colours, finishes, and styles, including the option for wood-effect finishes that replicate the look of timber without the maintenance.

Our uPVC windows are designed with modern performance in mind, offering excellent sound insulation, as well as advanced locking mechanisms for added security.

Why Choose Sherborne Windows?

When you choose Sherborne Windows, you’re selecting a company with decades of expertise in the home improvement industry. Here’s why we stand out:

• Trusted Experts: With over 30 years of experience, we’re a leading name in home improvements across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, and South-West London.
• High-Quality Products: We offer a wide selection of energy-efficient windows, including uPVC, timber, and aluminium windows, all designed to meet the latest building regulations.
• Accreditations: As an Assure Certified Installer, FENSA-Approved, and BlueSky Certified, you can rest assured that your products will both match and exceed industry regulations, great for peace of mind.
• Customer Care: Our focus is always on you. From the initial home visit to aftercare, we ensure your experience is smooth and hassle-free.
• Visit Our Showrooms: Explore our range of windows at our showrooms in Windlesham, Farnborough, Hartley Witney, and Sunningdale.

To find out more about how we can help you upgrade to A+ rated windows, get in touch with us at 01252 370917 or email us at enquiries@sherbornewindows.co.uk.

By choosing Sherborne Windows and replacing old windows, you’ll enjoy a warmer home, reduced energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint. It’s a smart, long-term investment that ensures your home is as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible.