It is obvious that new builds and modern houses will score a higher rating than a period property but that is to be expected. If you buy a vintage car it is going to be less economic than a modern one. The Home Inspector will make a list of recommendations in the report but it is not compulsory to action them. However, the energy rating may affect the market value of your property.

Replacing and Installing Windows

On average around 10% of heat is lost through windows, however this percentage may be even higher with single glazing. Double-glazing is the most effective way of saving energy by halving heat loss.

Low emission glass (Low E) lets in natural heat from the sun but stops heat escaping.

 
Window Energy Ratings

The new amended version of Part L has been in effect since April 6th 2006 and has been published by The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). The main amendment to Part L is the introduction of Window Energy Ratings instead of U values as a criterion for compliance. Window Energy Ratings accurately indicate the energy performance of a window taking into account a

number of factors, including useful solar heat gain.
Window Energy Ratings are an integral addition to Part L compliance in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are currently being used as a metric to access the thermal efficiency of a window and its components. Both glass and framing are assessed for their thermal properties.

Different configurations of windows can then be rated on behalf of window companies by BFRC - approved simulators to also initial ratings to be achieved with standard products.
Already, different windows using Pilkington K Glass™ have achieved all rating bands from basic regulatory compliance (E-rating) all the way to helping providing a net energy gain to a building (A-rating).
Glass manufacturers such as Pilkington are providing relevant information on glass thermal properties to allow windows incorporating Pilkington products (especially Pilkington K Glass™) to be rated.
Because of the association with Energy Saving Trust and the Energy Efficiency Recommended accolade, many forward thinking window companies are aiming initially for a C-rated

window product to allow them to carry the EER logo also. More information at http://www.est.org.uk
D-rated windows provide a lower cost alternative although still above the minimum for regulatory compliance. B-rated windows allow companies to differentiate products with superior thermal properties. Currently, some windows have achieved A-rating status, the first using Pilkington K Glass™ and Optiwhite in a triple glazed window. Presently, A-rated windows remain an extremely high cost solution, requiring either high cost IGU construction and framing for double glazed or utilising triple glazing technology – none of which are, yet, standard products in the UK.

The Lumen rooflight has been especially made to replicate a traditional Victorian design whilst providing one of the highest specifications of glazing available today through incorporating Pilkington Activ – the world’s first self-cleaning glass.


Replacing and Installing Radiators

Upgrading heating controls will improve your energy efficiency rating. A Home Inspector will be able to tell if unnecessary fuel is being burned and wasting money.

It is important to calculate the room’s heating requirements before deciding on the size of the radiator needed. Cast iron radiators are highly efficient and therefore spread and retain heat evenly for much longer periods than modern steel radiators. Reproduction period radiators are flexible as sections can be added or taken away if the room is too hot or too cold.

There are a number of modern replica cast iron radiators available, which can be used in conjunction with other radiators and forms of heating. Where the installation of traditional wet plumbed systems would be impractical or cause disruption to the existing building fabric, for example a wooden floor, ElectRads provide the perfect solution as they do not require any plumbing.

These modern independent cast iron radiators have a heating element incorporated, therefore no pipe work is needed and they can be plugged directly into a standard wall socket or hard wired into your electrical system. The ElectRad can be installed anywhere as it doesn’t need to be attached to an existing system and has adjustable temperature settings (heating output up to 1.5Kw), including a ‘frost protection’ option.