As we enter the colder months of the year, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient becomes more and more important. Optimising sash window heating efficiency for winter can make a substantial difference, as they can sometimes let heat escape if not properly insulated or maintained.
In this guide, we share common signs that your sash windows may be losing heat, offer practical tips to improve insulation and heating efficiency, and explain how Woodcock Sash Windows can provide expert solutions to keep your home warmer and energy-efficient all season long.
Common Signs Your Sash Windows Are Losing Heat
Windows play a critical role in your home’s warmth and overall energy efficiency. Below, we list common signs that your sash windows may be losing heat.
Did You Know? 18% of heat loss occurs through windows!
Cold Draughts Around Your Windows
One of the most obvious indications that your sash windows may not be energy efficient is the presence of cold draughts. For instance, you may notice curtains flapping even with all the doors closed, or feel air travelling through gaps surrounding the window frame. These draughts often occur because of deteriorating seals, warped frames, or small gaps that have appeared over time, letting cold air in and warm air out.
Draughts make your home less comfortable and can also result in higher energy bills. This is because your heating system must work harder to maintain a stable, warm temperature, using more energy in the process. If you notice a gradual rise in energy bills, this may indicate that your sash windows are no longer retaining heat effectively.
Single-Glazed Sash Windows
Single-glazed windows are another factor affecting sash window heating efficiency. As these panes have just one layer of glass, it is easier for heat to escape, making rooms feel noticeably colder during the chilly winter months.
While traditional single glazing maintains the classic sash window look, it offers limited insulation. Modern double and triple glazing can achieve the same timeless appearance while enhancing energy efficiency.
Condensation Forming
Another typical sign of inefficient sash windows is the appearance of condensation. This occurs when warm and moist air inside the home meets the cool surface of a window, leading to the formation of water droplets. This is understandably more common in homes with single-glazed or poorly insulated windows.
Beyond making windows misty, condensation can contribute to a whole host of problems, including mould growth, damp patches, or damage to surrounding materials.
External Noise Penetration
If your home seems to be letting in more external noise than expected, this could signal that your sash windows are not sealing properly. Issues such as gaps around the frame can permit sound to travel inside, and it is these same gaps that allow heat to escape, reducing window heating efficiency.
Hard-to-Operate Windows
Stiff sash windows that are becoming difficult to open or close may be a sign that the mechanisms are wearing out or that the frames have warped. If windows are not able to seal fully when shut, heat can escape.
Did You Know? The U-Value of a window is a measure of its thermal efficiency. Explore our blog on understanding U-Value windows for more information.
How to Improve Sash Window Heating Efficiency: Top Tips
Several approaches can help improve the insulation and efficiency of sash windows, from simple DIY fixes to professional services.
1. Regular Maintenance
One of the simplest — and often overlooked — techniques to maintain sash window heating efficiency is general, regular maintenance. Over time, seals can deteriorate, paint can crack, and frames can shrink or swell, all of which can lead to draughts and moisture entering the home.
Performing basic upkeep, such as cleaning the tracks, inspecting and repainting frames, and checking that the sashes operate smoothly, can all help prevent small issues from becoming bigger and more costly problems. Even if your windows seem to be in good condition, it’s recommended that you give them a routine check at least twice a year, particularly ahead of the colder, less forgiving months. This practice can help improve energy efficiency as well as longevity.
2. Fit Heavy Curtains or Thermal Blinds
Another straightforward way to reduce heat loss is to fit heavy, thick curtains or thermal blinds. Thermal curtains, for instance, are specifically designed with insulating layers to reduce heat loss through windows. Similarly, thermal or lined blinds provide an extra barrier that assists in trapping warm air inside the room.
Top Tip: By closing your curtains or blinds as soon as it starts to get dark, you should notice an immediate effect on your comfort and warmth.
Bear in mind that using curtains and blinds to combat inefficient windows does not address the root cause of heat loss, such as gaps around frames, deteriorating seals, or single glazing. Therefore, this technique should be used in tandem with other solutions that directly resolve underlying problems.
3. Sealing Gaps and Cracks
Even minute gaps around window frames can lead to heat loss. Use high-quality draught seals, weatherstrips, caulking, or self-adhesive foam tape for an easy yet effective way to reduce draughts. A good rule of thumb is to focus on areas where you detect air movement or where old sealant or putty may have begun to deteriorate.
4. Apply Insulation Film
Another simple technique is to apply insulation film to your sash windows. It is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve your home’s warmth during the winter months. The transparent and thin film is fitted over the inside of the window frame, shrinking slightly when heated, and forming a small layer of trapped air between the glass and the film. This layer serves as an additional barrier, reducing heat loss through the window and decreasing cold spots.
Insulation film is often used seasonally, as it is easy to fit and remove, affording extra protection during winter without permanent changes made to your windows. As it is a temporary solution, it is best used in conjunction with other, more permanent solutions.
5. Upgrade to Double, Triple, or Secondary Glazing
If your property still has single-glazed windows, consider upgrading to either double or triple glazing. If you live in a period or listed property, and replacing single glazing is not possible, an excellent alternative is secondary glazing. This involves adding an independent window panel on the inside of an existing window, optimising insulation and reducing heat loss.
Did You Know? According to gov.uk, heat is lost through single-glazed windows approximately two times as fast as through conventional double glazing. Moreover, around 7% of UK households have no double glazing.
At Woodcock Sash Windows, we champion the use of K Glass, a high-performance material specifically designed to improve window energy efficiency and thermal insulation in buildings. Its coating reflects heat back into the room, keeping your rooms warmer in winter and cooler in the summer, whilst allowing plenty of natural light to pass through. It works fantastically with double or triple glazing and does not compromise the traditional style of sash windows.
6. Enlist Professional Draught-Proofing Services
If you’re looking for a more durable and professional solution to improving your sash window heating efficiency, enlisting draught-proofing services is a recommended choice. This is a service that Woodcock offers, expertly restoring sash windows to full functionality through sealing gaps, improving insulation, and optimising overall energy efficiency while maintaining the traditional charm.
Optimise Sash Window Heating Efficiency With Woodcock
Woodcock Sash Windows designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke box sash windows in London, casement windows, and shutters for your home. We combine classic craftsmanship with innovative technology to create windows that possess both timeless charm and improved functionality.
Here are a few reasons why customers choose Woodcock Sash Windows in Surrey:
- We are FENSA-certified, fully insured, and approved by the government.
- Our in-house team provides bespoke craftsmanship to complement your property’s style.
- We use durable and sustainable materials, such as Accoya wood, for long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally-friendly sash windows.
- We have 20 years of experience in delivering high-quality sash windows.
In addition to our bespoke installations, we also offer window repairs in Surrey, from professional draught-proofing to glazing repairs, helping to extend the lifespan of your current windows, improve their energy efficiency, and ultimately, save you money on energy bills.
To improve your sash window heating efficiency for winter, either through professional installation or expert repairs, contact our friendly team today.
