U-values indicate the efficiency of insulation.
The lower the U-value, the higher the energy saving. An old fashioned
window with single glazing might have a U-value of 5.0 W/m²K. This
is far higher and therefore costs much more in heating bills than a NorDan
window with super low ‘E’ glass at 1.6 W/m²K
(or 1.4 W/m²K gas filled).
Building regulations (Part L /J)
As from early 2002, building regulations in the UK changed to take
account of the government's commitment to the Kyoto Agreement. There
are various provisos in the relevant regulations, but the main requirement
is that PVC and timber windows must provide a U-value of 2.0
W/m²K and aluminium and steel windows a U-value of 2.2 W/m²K.
Save money and the environment
NorDan's standard value is 1.6 W/m²K, well below the required
standard and at no extra cost.
A typical semi-detached house with 20m² of glass stands to gain
a lot by having NorDan timber windows. The difference of 0.6 W/m²K
over the U-value of steel or aluminium windows, represents 60 KW/h
per m² or
1,200 KW/h costing £84 a year (using electricity at 7 pence for
each KW/h for this example).
Production
NorDan has the capability of producing standard windows with a U-value
as low as 1.00 W/m²K, whilst the standard building requirement
in Norway is a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K. With the facility to produce
their own glazing units (circa. 400,000 per year) NorDan is more
than capable of meeting any future reduction in U-values which may
be imposed.
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