Window Efficiency, Ventilation & 2022 Building Regulations

Choosing the right style and specification of windows is a critical part of creating an energy efficient, healthy new home that’s enjoyable to live in.

Your home’s glazing provides vital daylight, of course, but also contributes to heating and ventilation performance. And this fact has been underpinned by some major recent updates to the Building Regulations.

Frame profile, glazing spec, and ventilation options are all elements that contribute to the performance of a window.

Window Efficiency & Understanding U-values

Available in a whole host of shapes and sizes – with double or triple glazing options, and other glass variations – your fenestration needs to look good, improve security and reduce noise

A key function for your home’s glazing is to help control heat loss in the property. This is measured by the U-value of your windows and glazed doors. Defined as a measure of thermal transmittance, U-values are used to determine how effectively a window prevents heat from escaping a building.

These heritage-style, timber-alternative windows from The Residence Collection combine classic looks with impressive thermal performance and easy maintenance

This is calculated in Watts per square metre, per degree Kelvin (W/m2K). So, a window’s U-value tells you how many Watts of heat are lost (per m2) for every degree of temperature difference between the inside and out of a door or window.

Therefore, the lower the U-value, the better your window will insulate your home. This means your dwelling will be more efficient at maintaining a comfortable temperature, reducing the need for additional heating.

Building Regs 2022 U-value Update

For new installations, significant changes in the Building Regulations aim to improve the energy efficiency of properties, new and old. Windows and doors play a vital role and have not been missed off the list.

An update to Part L of the Building Regs includes a new standard for U-values in glazed products, which must be 1.4 W/m2K or less.

Windows from manufacturers like The Residence Collection already meet these stringent requirements – in fact, our products have done since the first launch 10 years ago.

The Residence Collection windows offer a U-value of 1.2 W/m2K with standard double glazing. Triple-glazed units can go low as 0.7 W/m2K, ensuring the products are prepared for future regs changes, too.

Benefits of Window Trickle Vents

Fresh air is critical to a healthy indoor environment, whether you’re building a new home or renovating. One way to ensure living spaces are sufficiently ventilated is to include trickle vents on windows.

With that in mind, another 2022 update to the Building Regs relates to Part F for ventilation. This includes new requirements around trickle vents for replacement windows.

Residence 7 combines modern engineering with an authentic timber aesthetic. Trickle vents allow for fresh air to circulate your home, even if the windows are shut

Under the regs, trickle vents are also required for new build homes if they use background ventilators as the primary ventilation method. The alternative is to install continuous mechanical ventilation.

So, not only do your chosen windows bring in natural light and contributing to conserving heat. They can also work to create a more pleasant living environment by allowing stale air and excess moisture to escape, while bringing in a fresh supply. All window systems supplied by The Residence Collection can be fitted with trickle vents.

Naturally, as you begin your journey to build your own home, window design plays a vital role to achieve the desired aesthetic. Though as we have identified, aesthetics aren’t everything.

The need for energy efficient homes is greater than ever, and there’s a lot that self builders must consider to ensure they meet industry rules and regulations.

Main image: Thermally efficient Residence 9 windows were specified for this project. A heritage timber finish externally blends with the cottage-style abode, and a contemporary aluminium look is maintained indoors