Clearview National July 2015 - Issue 164 | Page 34

DOORS&WINDOWS

A++’ Rating Launched
»»BFRC has officially launched
the applications process for the first ‘A++’
band in England & Wales for Window Energy
Ratings (WERs).
There will be four months for window
companies to develop new ‘A++’ product as
the first licences will not be issued until 1st
October 2015 – with the first ‘A++’ product
being launched shortly afterwards.
BFRC follows the 10 point band cut
offs illustrated in section 4.2 of Approved
Document L1b’. The new ‘A++’ rating will be
no different, with ratings starting at an energy
index value equal to or greater than +20. This
means any BFRC ‘A+’ rated product which
achieves 20 or more can be upgraded to an
‘A++’.Alternatively, manufacturers can also
apply for new ‘A++’ licences. All applications
must be accompanied by a simulation report
and can be made either directly to BFRC or
through an Independent Agency.
These new ‘A++’ licences are available both
as Simplified Energy Licences (SELs) and
Detailed Energy Licences (DELs).

‘A++’ and the Overheating
Misconception
Overheating in a domestic situation
happens when the internal room temperature
becomes higher than the comfort level, and
cannot be reduced by simply opening the
windows. It can be caused by two factors:The first is high external ambient
temperatures, which can lead to high internal
ambient temperatures due to heat conduction
through the building envelope.
But ‘A++’ (and ‘A+’) windows have
significantly lower U values than lower rated
windows, so they will reduce the amount of
heat being transferred into the home from
outside. The second caus Hوݙ\