Expert Reveals the True Cost of Draughty Windows and Doors
Less brr, more BER
Whether it’s high energy costs or a breeze on your neck, draughty windows and doors can really send a shiver down your spine
Let’s set the scene: You’ve come home after a hectic workday and finally get the chance to put your feet up. You sit down, flick on your favourite TV show and get comfy. But there’s a crispness to the air, a chill you can’t shake. It could be that you forgot to turn your heating on, or it could be that your radiators are being overpowered by draughty windows and doors. Sky Windows, a leading supplier of high-quality windows and doors in Ireland, is well aware of this issue that many homeowners face, and they also know how to fix it…
The True Cost of Draughty Windows and Doors
Draughty windows and doors allow warm air to escape in winter, while in summer your cool air will seep out through any available crack. This, of course, leads to higher energy bills, with increases in more recent years leaving people searching for solutions.
In Ireland, the electricity price per kWh has risen from roughly €18 in 2007 to just over €34 in 2024. To counter more recent increases, measures were introduced that include total credits of €1,500 being given out since April 2022. But what heating sources are people using? Well, Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show that, since 2020, electricity was the main space heating fuel for 91% of homes audited, with oil and gas steadily declining. Switcher.ie also found that the following average prices apply to central heating sources over eight hours:
- Gas: €8.00 to €15.00
- Electric: €10.00 to €18.00
- Oil Fired: €11.00 to €19.00
Considering the above costs, it’s little wonder that heat and money lost to draughts is a growing frustration.
Another issue that Robert Kennedy, Managing Director of Sky Windows, says must be accounted for is the homeowner’s health. Draughty windows and doors cause the temperature to fluctuate, which in turn can lead to colds and flu. This impact on temperature also leads to condensation which causes mould. When warm indoor air meets a draughty window, moisture will build up and soon enough, mould will appear on sills and trims. This is an uncomfortable situation for anyone, so it’s no wonder homeowners look for instant solutions…
Better Windows and Doors = Better BER
You’ve probably heard of a BER Rating before. This is a scale from A to G that rates your home’s energy performance. A BER Rating is important as those that score better tend to have lower energy bills, while the opposite is true of G-rated homes. Given this rating, it’s little wonder that new builds are designed to achieve the highest score and reduce energy costs. Of course, if a home is decades old or a second-hand purchase, the occupier will look at ways of improving their BER Rating, which is where new windows and doors come into play.
Depending on the amount of work you need done, be it a front and back door or two doors and several windows, your costs will vary. You must consider the type of windows and doors you want, too: uPVC windows, sash windows, AluClad doors, the list goes on. You can also choose the glazing of your windows, the colour finish and whether you want trickle vents or not. So, when approaching new windows and doors, have a budget in mind. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also provides grants that are worth reviewing.
While the cost of new windows and doors for an entire home may seem like a large investment from the outset, homeowners will save in the long-term. Energy bills will be lower and importantly, consistent. Furthermore, should you decide to sell up and move on, your home will attract a higher price because of the better BER Rating and the absence of need for the buyer to replace them.
Quick Fix or Time for a Change?
If a draught is particularly bad, people might be inclined to reach for a quick fix, such as weatherstripping or caulking. These can alleviate the issue temporarily, but how many people really want to fix the same issue over and over again? Robert Kennedy knows the answer: not many.
With their 30+ years in business, Sky Windows has fitted all types of windows and doors. The company has always held quality as one of the underlying core principles for what they do. Quality in the products, the installation and after-sales service. Their range of high-quality uPVC windows and doors can deliver U-values as low as 0.8 to give homes a virtual ‘hug’ and keep it warm. This keeps energy bills at manageable levels, especially powerful during colder cooler winter seasons.
When asked about the type of windows and doors people tend to install, Robert said that most people choose double-glazed windows with a U-value of 1.1. For north facing aspects and areas where heat retention is a priority, triple-glazing can deliver even greater insulation with a U-value as low as 0.8.
Homeowners considering replacing their draughty windows and doors are encouraged to book ahead, too, with Robert Kennedy highlighting the growing demand:
“We’ve found that, given increasing energy costs as well as the value they add to a home, demand for new windows and doors has grown dramatically in recent years. People want to improve their homes incrementally and new windows and doors cover a lot of bases, from how they look to how they affect air quality and reduce bills. Upgrading your windows and doors will also increase the value of your property.”
How the Data was Gathered
Data for this insightful piece was gathered from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and Switcher.ie.