With energy bills at record levels, improving your home's thermal performance has never been more important. Your UPVC windows and doors play a major role in heat retention — and well-maintained, properly sealed units can make a noticeable difference to your bills.
The Role of Sealed Units
The sealed unit — the double-glazed glass panel — is the heart of any UPVC window's thermal performance. Modern A-rated units are filled with argon gas between the panes and feature a low-emissivity (low-E) coating that reflects heat back into the room. Failed or older sealed units that have lost their gas fill are significantly less efficient, and replacing them with modern equivalents is one of the most cost-effective energy upgrades you can make.
Check and Replace Rubber Seals
The rubber seals and gaskets around your UPVC frames and glass units are critical to maintaining a weathertight fit. Over time, rubber seals harden, crack, or shrink, creating gaps through which cold air can enter and warm air can escape. Replacing perished seals is a relatively inexpensive repair that can make an immediate difference to comfort and energy bills.
Ensure Windows Close and Lock Correctly
A window that doesn't close properly, or that has failed locking points, won't press the rubber seals tight against the frame. This defeats the purpose of double glazing entirely. Ensuring all your windows lock and close correctly — through mechanism, hinge, or handle repairs — is essential for thermal efficiency.
Consider Upgrading to A-Rated Glass
If your sealed units are over 15 years old, they're likely to be much less efficient than a modern A-rated replacement. The Glass Guardian supplies and fits A-rated sealed units as standard when carrying out glass replacement work. Over the longer term, upgrading to modern units can reduce heat loss through windows significantly.
Need a UPVC Repair in Birmingham or the Black Country?
The Glass Guardian provides fast, affordable UPVC window and door repairs across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area. Call for a free quote.