Anyone pick up on something at the end of that ad? Hopefully, you will have noticed that Everest have now started saying that their windows are more energy efficient that A rated windows. Naturally, that got me scratching my head. Surely this meant that Everest were ditching WER’s and selling against it? I had to ask, which I did, on Twitter, and this is the answer I got:
As an industry man, you’ll know that a A-rated windows have a positive heat gain from the sun’s heat than those with less efficient windows and even those with A-rated windows that have a lower energy index.
This didn’t really explain what I had asked, or clear up the claim that their windows were better than A rated windows. Saying that insinuates that they have a new type of window that supersedes A rated windows. They also said this: Our uPVC casement windows have an energy index rating of 10, which keep in more heat and create warmer homes.
Again, I put it to them that there are double glazed windows out there with higher energy ratings than that. Are they trying to say that at this time, their A+10 rated windows are better than any others? To clarify, I sent them this image:
Obviously, this Evolution double glazed window has a higher energy rating than +10. So where does this leave the claim that Everest’s windows are more energy efficient than A rated ones? Shaky I’d say. A +10 rating is still very good, lets not take anything away from that, but they certainly aren’t the most efficient on the market.
This is the problem with grand claims. Technology is moving froward so fast, that to make a claim like this, or one that hasn’t been properly researched, is quite risky.
Still, Everest do make quite good ads when it comes to double glazing. It’s a hard thing to create a slick window ad, but they do it quite well.
Everest are a marketing machine first and Home Improvement company second. They’re better at marketing too.
II think A ratings are bad does anyone agree?
Whilst it is great that the thermal efficiency of windows and doors are being driven up by legislation, I feel that the industry should place the same emphasis on enhancing security of products.
I would like to see companies such as Everest plugging their achievement of PAS 024 or SBD membership. This would get these standards into the public domain and help to drive up security performance throughout the window and door market. Perhaps we should start a scheme that uses the same grading as energy efficiency to indicate if products are security rated or not?
Good point well raised there Nigel. Energy efficiency has become the buzz topic over the last few years and other areas of our products, like security as you mentioned, don’t seem to command the same attention anymore.
DGB
Better than A rated.Misleading.Please no more fuel for the fires regarding dodgey sales claims in the double glazing industry.Lets not have a repeat of the old mistakes.
Agree with Nigel, energy efficiency but no steel reinforcement or SBD, find products that have both and are properly tested to include deep bottom rails and still be A rated!
Alan Burgess
masterframe
A ratings for Everest’s products? This certainly isn’t true of windows and doors they fitted (badly) for us in 2010! Worst investment we have ever made, in excess of £21,000 for six windows, front and patio doors. We knew they were expensive, but thought we were paying extra for ‘Fit the best – Everest’. A bloody disaster from the start! “Shut out unwanted noise” they advertised, “enjoy peace and tranquillity, no barking dogs, or traffic noise”. They also claimed our home would be warmer, which hasn’t proved to be the case. It turned out their Trade credentials were more like… Read more »
We’re considering replacement windows, I understand there are Ug values for thermal efficiency & dB values for sound insulation, So far, apart from Weru, no-one seems keen or capable to back their claims up with verifiable figures, or give a worthwhile guarantee of performance or lifetime. Help ! Where can we get practical honest realistic advice or like for like comparisons on the performance of different manufactures
Graham You will tie yourself in knots if you try to compare different manufacturers. My advice would be to decide what you want to achieve in terms of noise and thermal performance and then find a local, well established installer that will not try to close the sale on the night. He will be more knowledgeable and be able to supply you with the product information from his supplier and satisfy your particular needs. Changing glass specification to achieve sound reduction will have an effect on the Thermal performance but this will be minimal. Don’t be too concerned if the… Read more »
Hi I’ve just ordered my everest windows reading the reviews I’m worried I need sound proofing
Hi Patricia
If I may ask, why are you worried that you need sound proofing?
DGB