While a new Energy Price Guarantee ( EPG ) can offer some protection against further rises , the volatility of Government has left many worried about how long this may last . Shockingly , the average household now pays £ 700 more on energy bills each year . Families now spend £ 2,500 of their income on energy , and experts predict a cost-of-living crisis due to this record price hike .

The introduction of Part L of the Future Homes Standard , which aims to make all new homes carbon neutral by 2025 , means all glazing products must now achieve new , stricter thermal performance targets . Windows and doors installed in new homes must achieve a U-Value of 1.2 W / m ² K , while replacement systems require a U-Value of 1.4 W / m ² K .

Ben Brocklesby , Director at Origin , discusses how installers can best advise homeowners , architects and developers who want to achieve the latest building regulations and reduce energy bills through clever glazing solutions .

Whether investing in new windows and doors to meet the latest building regulations in a new build or upgrading systems for

improved energy efficiency in existing homes , thermal performance needs to come hand in hand with design , functionality and style . Most manufacturers have successfully updated systems to meet the latest thermal efficiency regulations , however , some have achieved this by opting for triple glazing as standard . Not only will these suppliers struggle to meet tougher regulations due to be introduced in 2025 , but extra glass adds significant cost and makes doors heavier , meaning they can be harder to transport , install and operate .

At Origin , triple glazing is offered as an option to achieve the highest level of thermal efficiency . For example , our aluminium doors with triple glazed units can achieve U-values of 1.1 W /( m ² K ), while our Premium Window ( OW-80 ) can achieve an ultra-low U-value of 0.8 W / m ² K with triple glazing and Aerogel . However , our in-house R & D team has also introduced clever design features to the Origin Home range to ensure thermal efficiency doesn ’ t compromise on style .

Clever Design for Superior Performance

Polyamide thermal breaks are used as insulating barriers between the exterior and interior frames . This prevents heat transfer through the aluminium profile to drastically improve the whole U-Value of our systems .

Origin was the first in the industry to offer Aerogel as an optional upgrade to go within the thermal break of our window . Used in space shuttles and space suits , Aerogel is the world ’ s best insulator and can achieve unbeatable energy ratings .

By partnering with a manufacturer that invests in innovation , installers can offer doors and windows with superior energy performance to protect homeowners from the rising cost of energy in the _future

Our doors can be fitted with 24 , 28 or 32mm glass , and can accommodate the likes of thermal , laminated , annealed or other types of glass , which helps installers match the glass and glazing requirements to their clients needs .

Origin ’ s bi-folding and sliding doors have been tested

against extreme weather conditions for superior air permeability , water tightness , wind resistance and are even hurricane rated in some States in the USA . Sophisticated weathertight seals also protect against the elements . Plus , we offer our Partners training to ensure systems are fitted correctly .

U-Values and WER

Installers should explain how U-Values and Window Energy Ratings ( WER ) are calculated . It is important that they understand the difference between the whole U-Value and the centre pane U-value . The latter does not accurately show the performance of the entire system , of which can be misleading . By partnering with a manufacturer that invests in innovation , installers can offer doors and windows with superior energy performance to protect homeowners from the rising cost of energy in the future .

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