I have found that over many years Wolverhampton Glass is a company that can be trusted to give sound advice and provide excellent quality products at a competitive price. The workmanship employed in fitting is always to an excellent standard.
Period properties, traditional cottages and other older homes have a quaint charm that gives them a unique character. However, with thermal technologies in their infancy when many of them were built, it’s common for older homes to struggle with energy efficiency. So, if your older home could do with an efficiency boost, these 4 methods can help.
1. Consider the cheaper measures first
The way older homes deal with heat and moisture is different to modern properties. Therefore, it’s important to consider the impact of potential energy-saving measures and a good way to test the waters is to try more cost-effective solutions first. This includes:
- Fitting draught excluders to windows and doors
- Hanging thick curtains
- Laying rugs and floor coverings
2. Install a wood-burning stove in place of an open fire
Whilst the rustic charm of an open fire is a sight to behold, they lose most of their heat up the chimney. However, wood-burning stoves are sealed to the room, which means their generated heat radiates throughout it. They also consume less fuel than open fires, making older homes more energy-efficient in 2 ways.
3. Swap out the single glazing
Single glazing is a common feature on older homes, but it’s also one of the biggest causes of heat loss. However, swapping it out for the latest double glazing will dramatically improve heat retention in your home and its energy efficiency.
We recommend Residence Collection, flush sash or vertical sliding windows. Residence Collection Windows are modelled on 19th-century timber window designs, whilst vertical sliding windows are designed to replicate the original sliding sash windows that you find on Victorian and other period properties. Therefore, these window styles are especially suited to older styles of home.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that there might be planning restrictions if replacing your windows in a conservation area or in designated land.
4. Insulate your floorboards and loft
One of the most distinguishing features in older homes is their floorboards. However, it’s common for gaps to be present between them, which contribute to heat loss. According to the Energy Savings Trust, plugging any gaps with floor insulation saves around £40 a year on average, whilst it will make your home cosier too.
Loft insulation tends to be more cost-effective than solid wall insulation and with about 25% of heat being lost through the roof, it’s another excellent way to bolster energy efficiency in older homes.
For more information on how to save energy whilst at home, check out the related blogs listed at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, you can talk to a member of our friendly, expert team by calling 01902 773831 or contacting us online.
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45 years as a local home improvements installer
With over 45 years of industry experience, you can trust that your home is in good hands when you choose Wolverhampton Glass. We are proud to have completed over 25,000 projects across the Midlands in areas like Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge, Hagley and Lye, so it’s likely that we have installed windows, doors and conservatory roofs on a home down your road.
Our dedication to our customers is at the heart of everything we do. Our committed customer services team and fully-trained installers work together to deliver high quality and custom-designed installations combined with exceptional levels of customer services that meet the exact requirements of each and every homeowner.
More About UsAndrew Graham, GB
Efficient and reliable service, excellent fitters, good work, pleased with outcome. Thank you.
Mr & Mrs Hopkins, GB
A very good firm to deal with. From firm quote to a promised delivery date and efficient and pleasant fixing team. We would thoroughly recommend them.
Mrs Carol Gregory, GB
Great customer service throughout. No silly sales talk, no pressure, just an honest and fair quote. Timely and professional installation. No issues at all. Very pleased with my windows/doors.
Mrs Cullen, GB
Old patio doors removed without damage to surrounding plasterwork and old sealant neatly removed from exterior brickwork. New French window installation looks superb. Cannot speak highly enough of the two installers.
Stephen Hawley, GB
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