Clearview 300 - November 2026 | Page 52

EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY
Proud sponsor of Efficiency & Sustainability

Helping installers navigate energy efficiency and sustainability

As homeowners become increasingly conscious of energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability, installers have an opportunity to help customers make more informed choices. But with technical specifications and product options to consider, having the right support from a fabricator can make all the difference.

We speak to Karl Williamson, Sales & Marketing Director, at Genius PVC Trade Frames about changing consumer expectations, the importance of technical expertise and how Genius supports its installer customers in making the most of the opportunities ahead …

Are homeowners becoming more conscious of energy efficiency and sustainability, and what opportunities does this create for installers?
Homeowners are taking more of an interest in the energy ratings, U-values and thermal performance of their new windows. The end user is more educated and is often looking for A-rated products. This is something consumers have become accustomed to when shopping for electrical items, so why should it be any different with PVC-U frames? This is no doubt driven by the recent rises in energy costs.
With recycling and the world’ s limited resources also a hot topic, customers are taking more of an interest in where waste goes and how it is recycled. At Genius, all our offcuts are taken back by Kömmerling, who recycle the product.
Recycled product used to be a term consumers didn’ t want to hear, perhaps because they thought it meant a substandard product. The consumer’ s
thought process has adjusted, and they are now happy to know that their new PVC-U windows contain a proportion of recycled material.
What should installers look for in a fabricator when helping customers choose energy-efficient windows?
Many people don’ t understand the differences between U-values and energy ratings, and the right fabricator, with the right technical expertise, can advise on these queries.
Kömmerling and Deceuninck are both thermally efficient systems and can achieve the new-build required U-value of 1.2 with a double-glazed unit.
With assistance from our profile suppliers, we can produce bespoke energy reports showing the U-value and energy rating of our frames. If a customer requires a window to achieve a specific U-value, we can also help find the right sealed-unit combination.
Having access to this technical knowledge means installers can get the support they need when advising customers and identifying the right specification for their requirements.
How can systems help installers meet homeowners’ expectations?
Both Kömmerling and Deceuninck offer double- and triple-glazing options, giving installers choices when looking to meet different customer requirements.
Deceuninck also offers an Energy Savings Calculator, which allows customers to estimate the energy savings they could make by installing new windows. This provides installers with another useful resource when discussing the potential benefits of upgrading windows with homeowners.
How can installers explain the benefits of energy-efficient windows to homeowners who may not understand the technical details?
Technical knowledge is important, but it is also about being able to explain the information clearly to customers. U-values and energy ratings can be confusing, so having a fabricator that understands the differences and can provide the right advice is important.
At Genius, we can assist installers with bespoke energy reports and help identify the right sealed-unit combination where a particular U-value is required. The Deceuninck Energy Savings Calculator is another useful tool, allowing customers to estimate the energy savings available from new windows.
Why do product quality, durability and lifespan matter in the wider sustainability conversation?
Using quality, durable products with a long lifespan is at the heart of Genius. This is one of the reasons we have partnered with two premium systems companies.
Sustainability is not just about energy efficiency; the quality and longevity of the products being installed are also important considerations. By working with premium systems, we are focused on providing products that meet our commitment to quality and durability.
How is Genius preparing for the future of energy efficiency and sustainability?
With the Future Homes Standard coming in soon enough, we are working closely with our systems companies to make sure we are prepared for the changes, as well as what may be coming next.
By maintaining these partnerships and working together as requirements evolve, we can continue preparing for the future and supporting our installer customers as the market changes.
www. geniuspvc. com
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