Improving a building’s Building Energy Rating (BER) is a key action for homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills. Choosing the right windows and doors has a significant impact on a building’s energy efficiency. In this article, we will outline how properly selected windows and doors can improve your home’s BER rating, thereby increasing its value and the comfort of your home.

What is the importance of windows and doors in the BER rating?

The BER rating is a measure of the energy efficiency of buildings that takes into account various aspects, including insulation, ventilation, type of heating and the condition of windows and doors. Leaky windows and doors are among the main causes of heat loss in a home, which negatively affects the BER rating.

How can properly selected windows increase a home’s energy efficiency?

Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models is one of the most important steps toward improving the BER rating. Double- or triple-pane windows offer much better thermal insulation than traditional single-pane windows. The investment in triple-pane windows, while it may seem more expensive at first, pays for itself over time through heating savings and better thermal comfort in the home.

How do properly selected doors improve BER ratings?

As with windows, old and leaky doors can significantly lower a home’s BER rating. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, modern exterior doors should also have high energy efficiency. Doors with good insulation and sealing can reduce heat loss and block cold drafts. The material of the door is important for its insulating properties. Doors filled with polyurethane foam or mineral wool provide better insulation than doors made of cheaper materials.

Practical tips to improve your BER rating

• Conduct an energy audit. Before replacing windows and doors, it’s a good idea to consult with an expert to conduct an energy audit and identify the most effective measures.
• Choose products with a high insulation factor. For both windows and doors, it is important to choose products with the right heat transfer coefficient (Uw for windows, Ud for doors).
• Pay attention to installation. Professional installation is key to ensuring maximum energy efficiency of new windows and doors.
• Consider additional sealing. For older buildings, additional seals can increase energy efficiency without replacing windows and doors.

Summary

Improving your BER rating by replacing windows and doors is an investment that pays off in heating savings and increased living comfort. Replacing windows and doors is not only a step toward energy efficiency, but also a significant investment in the value and aesthetics of your home. Remember that every change you make to improve the energy efficiency of your home benefits not only you, but also the environment. A sustainable home is a future that starts with simple steps, such as choosing the right windows and doors.