Learn what to look for in windows and doors to maximise energy savings and comfort in your Dublin home
With energy costs continuing to rise and climate change concerns growing, Irish homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption while maintaining comfort. After installing energy-efficient windows and doors for over 35,000 homes across Dublin over the past 25+ years, we’ve seen firsthand how the right choices can transform both energy bills and living comfort. When it comes to home energy efficiency, few upgrades deliver as significant an impact as replacing old windows and doors.
However, choosing the right solution for your home can feel overwhelming, with confusing terminology and technical details at every turn. This article is designed to simplify this process, we’ll outline the essential features and provide the foundational knowledge you need to confidently navigate the range of options available. If you want to explore further, we’ve included links to more detailed articles on the relevant topics for deeper insight.
Essential features to consider
Triple Glazing vs. Double Glazing
The glazing is where most heat transfer occurs, making it crucial to get it right. Here’s what to consider:
- Double glazing consists of two panes of glass with a sealed gap filled with air or inert gas, usually argon. It has become the baseline standard in Ireland and the UK.
- Triple glazing uses three panes of glass with two gas-filled cavities, providing superior insulation and better sound reduction. This is especially valuable for exposed or colder regions as the middle pane in triple glazing creates an additional thermal barrier
You can read our full breakdown of Double-Glazing vs Triple-Glazing in this article here.
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coatings
These microscopic metallic coatings reflect heat back into your home while allowing light through. They’re particularly effective in Dublin’s climate, where retaining heat is often more important than blocking it.
Gas Fills
Argon or krypton gas between panes provides better insulation than air. Argon is the most common and cost-effective, while krypton offers superior performance at a higher price point.
Frame materials
The frame can account for 10-30% of a window’s total area, making material choice crucial:
uPVC
uPVC frames offer excellent thermal performance, particularly when multi-chambered, making them highly efficient at reducing heat loss. They are low-maintenance, cost-effective, and widely used in modern homes. When paired with double-glazed units, uPVC windows can achieve U-values between 1.0 and 1.4 W/m²K, delivering strong energy efficiency.
Aluminium with thermal break
Thermally broken aluminium frames are designed to prevent heat conduction, enhancing overall insulation. Their slim profiles allow for larger glass areas, maximising natural light, while the material itself is durable and low-maintenance, suitable for contemporary designs.
Composite materials
Composite frames combine the advantages of different materials, often featuring timber on the interior and aluminium or uPVC on the exterior. This combination offers premium performance, balancing insulation, durability, and low maintenance while delivering a high-quality aesthetic.
For an in-depth comparison of Fairco frame materials, you can read our blog here.
Installation quality
Even the best windows will underperform if poorly installed. Key considerations include:
- Air tightness: Airtightness is critical in window installation because even the highest-quality glazing and frames can underperform if there are gaps or leaks around the edges.
- Proper sealing: Around the frame perimeter to prevent thermal bridging.
- Structural integrity: Ensuring long-term performance without damage to the unit or the structure.
Fairco’s professional installation ensures every window and door performs at its best, protecting your investment and delivering reliable energy savings year after year.
Maximising energy savings
Smart glass positioning
The orientation of your windows affects energy performance. South-facing windows benefit from higher solar heat gain during winter, helping to naturally warm your home. North-facing windows should prioritise low U-values to minimise heat loss, while east and west-facing windows require a balanced approach to manage both heat gain and loss throughout the day.
Integration with home systems
Modern energy-efficient windows deliver the best results when considered as part of a holistic home strategy. Improved insulation reduces the workload on your heating system, helping it operate more efficiently. Enhanced airtightness works in harmony with mechanical ventilation systems to maintain indoor air quality without wasting energy. Additionally, high-quality windows complement heat pump installations, supporting sustainable and cost-effective home heating solutions.
Security integration
Energy-efficient windows don’t mean compromising security. Multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and laminated glass can all be incorporated without affecting thermal performance. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that energy-efficient windows often exceed standard security requirements as a natural consequence of their robust construction.
Our security article gives a deeper insight into exactly what safety features you should be familiar with when considering your upgrades.
Financial considerations and payback
While energy-efficient windows require upfront investment, the payback calculation is compelling:
Direct energy savings
Homeowners typically see 15-25% reduction in heating bills when replacing single-glazed windows with high-performance alternatives. For an average Dublin home spending €1,500-2,000 annually on heating, this represents €225-500 in annual savings.
Property value enhancement
Energy-efficient windows contribute to better BER (Building Energy Rating) ratings, which also increasingly influence property values and rental potential.
Grant opportunities
While standalone window grants are no longer available, window and door replacements are supported as components of broader energy efficiency packages under the SEAI National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme for properties built before 2011.
Helpful insights
Focusing only on price
The cheapest option often delivers the poorest long-term value. Consider the total cost of ownership, including energy savings and maintenance over 20-30 years.
Ignoring professional installation
DIY or bargain installation often voids warranties and significantly reduces performance. Professional installation ensures optimal performance.
Mismatched performance expectations
Understanding your specific needs, such as heritage requirements, noise reduction, and security concerns, helps select appropriate specifications rather than assuming one size fits all.
Overlooking maintenance requirements
Different materials have varying maintenance needs. Factor ongoing care into your decision-making process.
The Long-Term Perspective
Energy-efficient windows are a 20-30 year investment. Climate change will likely increase energy costs and tighten efficiency regulations. Choosing high-performance options now future-proofs your home while delivering immediate comfort and savings benefits.
Quality energy-efficient windows transform more than energy bills; they enhance comfort, reduce condensation, minimise outside noise, and improve security. For Dublin homeowners, they represent one of the most effective ways to create a more comfortable, sustainable, and valuable home.
The key to success lies in understanding your specific needs, choosing appropriate specifications, and ensuring professional installation. With Faircos’s commitment to carbon neutrality and continued focus on energy efficiency, helping you invest in quality windows and doors isn’t just about today’s comfort; it’s about creating a home that remains efficient, comfortable, and valuable for decades to come.
Ready to explore energy-efficient windows and doors for your home? Book a free consultation with Fairco experts who understand Dublin homes and climate requirements.
