What Do Window Energy Ratings Mean?

How Do the Ratings Work?

The concept behind the energy ratings is that window manufacturers have their products tested to measure how energy efficient they are or not. The ratings were established by the British Fenestration Ratings Council. The BFRC for short. This is a fully authorised scheme that exists to help customers like you to find the most energy efficient products.

The ratings run from G all the way up to an A rating, with G being the least energy efficient and A being the most energy efficient. You may have noticed a special label on products known as the Energy Saving Recommended label. This is only awarded to windows that have an energy rating between C and A. So, if you are really concerned about finding the most energy efficient windows for your property, keeping in mind your own budget, you need to look for the Energy Savings Recommended notice.

What Aspects of Windows Are Measured by the BFRC for their Ratings System?

There are three main elements of windows that are tested to see which rating they should be awarded. The windows are examined to see how efficient they are at preventing heat being lost in the first test. In the second test, they are examined to see how efficient they are at preventing sunlight from coming through fully and warming from the window on the exterior. While the third test is about what is referred to as water leakage. Obviously, all windows will potentially leak some air. But, as you may have noticed, windows that let less air leak out of them than others, are obviously considered to be more efficient.

Regardless, the windows that score highly in each energy rating test will have higher ratings than those that don’t. It may be worth noting, when we use the term window, we don’t just mean the actual glass, but the whole frame. So, you can be sure when you buy a window with a rating of C to A, that it’s not just the frame or the glass that’s been rated, but the whole thing.

Are Windows With High Energy Ratings Actually More Cost-Effective?

As we noted at the outset, windows are quite an investment and if you’ve ever looked at the price of products with different energy ratings, you will notice a stark contrast in the price. A window with an E or F rating will be cheaper than a window with an A rating. However, it’s important to note that it will cost more to buy a more energy efficient window initially, but you need to think beyond the initial price and think of the more long-term benefits.

Energy efficient windows will help you to save money on your household bills, providing an excellent return on your investment.

So, when you are looking at windows for your property, look for the windows energy ratings label and always buy the highest rated window you can afford. If you are interested in buying Evolution windows, you’ll be pleased to know that all of their products have A+ ratings and are considered to be some of the most energy efficient available right now.