Anglian Rated B Windows vs Local Firm Rated A

jchannon

Hi

I have had Anglian windows round and they were very good and not pushy like others I have had around but noticed their windows are energy rated B. The local firms tell me there windows are rated A.

As A is better than B I should go with the local chaps however when I asked Anglian about it their response was that the A rated windows have technology to draw sun in and keep the warm in however as my house does not face the sun it would pointless to pay the extra which seems to make sense.

Can anyone pass any extra info on? Thanks

maninthestreet

http://www.bfrc.org/consumer/index.aspx

jchannon

Are you saying that its not just the letter A that needs to be taken into account?

MX5huggy

Yes,

Of particular importance is the U-Value the lower the better. This is how many watts of heat is lost through 1 meter square of window per hour for every degree difference between the outside and inside.

I don't really believe that you only have north facing windows either.

jchannon

Thanks for the reply.

So in theory the Anglian B rated could be better than the local A rated depending on the other values?

My back windows face south but in the winter the sun doesn't get that high and I dont think we would gain that much. Do all A rated windows use the same tech to draw in the sun? If so then I think B will be fine

MX5huggy

It's all quite marginal, the rating is made up by an equation using 3 values. The Rating therefore makes it easier for the consumer to compare products.

See http://www.bfrc.org/pdf/GGF%20calculations%20leaflet.pdf

Because its an equation using 3 values the B rated window could have a better U-Value (therefore lose less heat) than the A rated one because the A rated makes up for not being so good in the U Value by being better in the solar gain area.

Personally I would prefer the local company supplying the better rated windows. Don't get sold a pup by Anglia, if you look at their website they don't even know what a U Value is!

But I would also be looking a triple glazing with energy prices the way they are. Getting the U Value below 1.0.

jchannon

Thanks for your help and advice.

The Anglian guy seems quite genuine and is a neighbour. The Mrs likes the idea of getting Anglian as she thinks they will be better quality and have guarantees more likely to be used than a local if it goes bust.

She also likes the fact that if there is anything wrong we can go and pester the neighbour. He will make sure a good job is done so other neighbours can look at our house and get repeat business too.

What's your thoughts?

MX5huggy

Go back to your neighbour and ask him for a price for Anglia A Rated Ecogain windows then and compare and contrast the costs. Then use the GGF calculator to work out your savings.

http://www.ggf.org.uk/energy-savings-calculator

jchannon

I think he said it would about 5% more but because I dont see much sun it wont be worth it.

However I dont know whether the local firms windows will be as good quality. I'm not sure what I'm looking for to be honest but the local firm will be cheaper I would imagine.

MX5huggy

jchannon wrote: »

local firm will be cheaper I would imagine.

Don't imagine it get the quote.

They are all much of a muchness they all use just 2 or 3 manufactures for the PVC profile. Then it is all in the fitting which is a bit of put luck.

jchannon

The local guy came in with a quote for 12 windows and 2 doors for £7200. Anglian came in at £7500 although he perssuaded us to replace a patio door so became £8250