Energy bills, school fees, transport and all other types of bills have soared up to uncomfortable levels due to the recent economic recession. This has led to innovations to try and find out how to reduce these bills. A popular choice in helping reduce energy bills is installing energy efficient double glazed windows. Have you ever wondered how people survive in the North and South poles? Houses in these regions are made of ice yet they are warm. This is a technique of using two layers of ice instead of one to reduce loss of heat from within the house. The same principle is used with this type of window. Double glazed windows means that there are two glass panes separated by a gap of air. The gap can be filled with one of the inert types of gases such as argon to improve the insulating properties of the window. Not only do upvc windows reduce energy bills, they can also be used to upgrade the security of a property and can increase the value of the property.

There are many advantages to double glazed windows. The two main advantages are firstly they cut down the amount of heat lost through windows and in doing so saves money on heating costs. The second is that they are virtually maintenance free and require very minimal up keeping. The initial costs may be high but the saved cost in terms of the energy bills one pays is significantly higher. Energy rated windows retain heat inside the house which means that it is not compulsory to keep the heating elements on all the time. This in turn saves on the amount of money that would have been paid for the electricity.

The security of a property can also be increased when this type of window is installed. This is the same type of window used by businesses making it harder for a criminal to get into their premises. This means that a home is guaranteed extra security in addition to the other measures put in place. Other than that, it serves as insulation from noise especially on a main road. It serves the purpose of keeping the noise out and any conversations made in the house in. This is a guarantee of personal privacy.

Before going out to buy this type of windows, it is important to consider the current cost of electricity. It is then advisable to talk to manufacturers about the U-factor and the thermal capacities of various types of glazing and the thermal capacity expected after installation. The lower a U-Value = the more energy efficient.

There are so many companies selling these types of windows but quality differs from company to another. A good type of window must be long lasting, secure, energy efficient and low maintenance. The double glazing prices are pegged on the quality of the windows but this is not always the case. Homework is required to find that perfect company that will give both value and quality for money spent.

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has been launched with the backing of the people’s consumer champion, Nick Ross, to protect consumers against cowboy operators. The former BBC Crimewatch and Watchdog presenter is the ambassador of the Ombudsman scheme, which provides comprehensive protection for homeowners installing windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries, fascias, soffits and associated products by its members.

DGCOS offers consumers access to high quality, vetted installers when looking for double glazing prices.  Accredited members are drawn from the ranks of the many thousands of installers who currently operate in the sector. They are from all parts of the UK to include England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Accredited Installers must satisfy DGCOS administrators of their high standards of quality, ethics, professionalism and ongoing customer satisfaction.

Every homeowner buying from DGCOS members will receive free double glazing quotes and a ‘Peace of Mind’ pack explaining that they will have the full protection of the Ombudsman Scheme behind them as well as a comprehensive guarantee, a Deposit Protection Certificate and an Insurance Backed Guarantee to underwrite the installer’s guarantee should they cease to trade. To protect consumers further (and in a first for consumer protection), the DGCOS Compensation Fund will pay out all bona fide claims to compensate homeowners where traders fail to live up to their promises and the Ombudsman rules in their favour.

Nick Ross says: “Consumer agencies champion Ombudsman schemes because they give customers real protection.  DGCOS is based on similar schemes which have been successful in other industries.  Restoring confidence is important for consumers and all good contractors, and DGCOS can quickly rebuild trust.”