Conservatories make the most spectacular of locations. They can be used for a variety of different uses, including an extra dining or living room, or they could simply be used as your own personal office for when you need to catch up on important business. Whatever it is you want to do with it, we can guarantee you continuous luxury and wonderful warmth whenever you decide to seek solace in it.

There are a massive collection of six different conservatories to choose from so you are certain to find one to suit your home. Each comes in a different shape and size and has its own individual benefits that you can reap the rewards of. We also supply then in a range of different finishes, as not everyone wants their conservatory to be in traditional white, particularly if it looks out of place with the rest of the home.

Who knows one of our conservatories, a set of replacement windows with double glazing could even add value to your home and make it more saleable for when the time arrives when you fancy a move?

If you cannot get down to your local Conservatory Outlet dealer, you can download relevant brochures from our website. To speak to one of our home improvement specialists, please call us for FREE on 0800 915 8844.

So could uPVC windows and doors be the answer to saving the planet?
No doubt any upturn in sales would trigger questions about the disposal of old PVC windows and doors in an environmentally responsible way. Despite the fact that it is often said that PVC is not recyclable, this is simply not true so there is no need for alarm. There is a range of methods already available for deriving residual value from used plastics products. In fact, PVC, like all other thermoplastic materials, can be recycled relatively straightforwardly.

The uPVC window industry has been criticised in the past, for an apparent lack of post-use recycling. But it is now common practice to recover and recycle factory wastes and / or off-cuts after the window has been fabricated. These materials are then incorporated with virgin polymer to produce further long life products including window profiles.

A company that has been at the forefront of collection and recycling of redundant uPVC materials is Ecoplas Limited. Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, Ecoplas is a company that specialises in post consumer recycling. Ecoplas has invested in the necessary, plant equipment and new technology to handle and process substantial volumes of post consumer materials.

Managing Director of Ecoplas, Ian Tippett commented on the recent proposal. “Whilst I feel it is a good idea to incentivise homeowners to make energy efficient changes, it is equally as important to prevent post consumer windows and doors going to landfill. Our company specialises in this area and it is both environmentally beneficial and cost effective. At Ecoplas we have the capability to process old window frames and convert them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products. We are keen to expand our operations in this area and to support companies wishing to show a real commitment to deal with their post consumer waste responsibly”.

Ecoplas have a fleet of vehicles to collect post consumer waste which includes 50cu yd roll on roll off skips. Through arrangements with waste transfer stations and waste management companies Ecoplas receive bulk loads of end of life PVC windows and doors. Ecoplas can therefore also assist companies who may be tendering and negotiating for public or private sector contracts where environmental considerations and policies are key elements of the contract.

Ecoplas is one of the leading uPVC recycling operations in the UK – to find out more visit www.ecoplas.co.uk

As fuel costs continue to be high and we become more concerned about the environment, it is important that you focus on how energy efficient your home is.

Energy Saving Trust research reveals that almost half the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from energy we use every day. In 2005 alone, total UK CO2 emissions were almost 554 million tonnes. 27% (153 million tonnes) of those emissions came from the energy we use to heat, light and power our homes, contributing to climate changes.

But saving energy will not only help the environment in the long term. It can save you a great deal of money now – and increasingly as time goes by. Because those soaring fuel costs are highly unlikely to come down.
Did you know that up to 20% of a home’s heat is lost through the windows? This is hardly surprising, since the average house has 8 square meters of glass.

People ask Conservatory Outlet many questions about energy rated windows. Here are some of the more common questions:

How do I find out how much I would reduce my carbon footprint by installing Energy Efficient Windows?
It is generally recognised that if you live in a single glazed house and install Energy Efficient Windows you could reduce the energy you use by 0.30 tonnes (or 18%) per year. This calculation is based on ‘an average, semi-detached house’.

How much do Energy Efficient Windows cost?
The cost varies not only between the various ratings (A to E) but is also dependent on the frame materials used and the size and style of window. A rated windows may cost a little more than B, C, D and E rated windows, but this has to be set against the energy savings you will make as you go up the ratings scale.
The rule of thumb is that Energy Efficient Windows cost less than the heat lost through old windows, over a given period of time.

How do I find out how much I would save on my energy bills?
A comparison in energy saving costs can be provided for the different ratings of windows. By switching to Energy Efficient Windows you can save energy and reduce your household bills by over £500 a year (Savings calculated from Glass and Glazing Federation and based on total window area of 12.51m.)

If you want to save yourself money – show your support to Glass & Glazing Federations Window Scrappage Scheme – simply add your name to the Online Petition, it’s totally free!

Which Energy Rated Windows should I Choose?
Conservatory Outlet uses a low emittance glass that contains a coating that lies between the layers of glazing, which makes the glass reflective – keeping energy in. The unique system keeps the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

There are some new materials in glass insulation that can create a more energy efficient glass, such as glass coatings, gas fillers, warm edge spacers and new frame materials. Conservatory Outlet’s A Rated Windows range is the most energy efficient window available on the market.

Currently there is a lot of discussion happening on the Window Scrappage Scheme topic of Energy Rated Windows and especially being green and reducing your carbon footprint. We all need to take a part in doing this and energy efficient windows are a fantastic way of doing this. They will help to reduce your carbon foot print and save you a load of cash from your wallet.

Conservatory Outlet’s Energy Efficient Windows mean that there will be no draughts letting the warm air out. At the moment, with normal windows you are using more heat and energy than necessary because of a window that is not designed to contain the warm air inside your home.

For the latest savings and special offers on energy saving PVC Windows & PVC Doors visit: www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or freephone 0800 915 8844 today.

Conservatory Outlet are fully supporting The Glass & Glazing Federations (GGF) petition to lobby the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme. The scheme aims to encourage householders to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a grant for £1000 from the government towards the installation of new energy efficient windows. The ePetition is set up on the Prime Ministers Official website www.number10.gov.uk and you can sign the petition for the windows scrappage scheme at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/windowscrappage/.

In an effort to combat global warming the UK government has set a target of reducing CO2 levels by 30% by 2030. The Windows Scrappage Scheme would help the government meet these targets by acting as an incentive for UK households to replace their old inefficient windows with new energy efficient, well insulated replacement windows.

Up to a massive 25% of the heat generated in a house can be lost through inefficient windows. This is not only harmful to the environment but also increases the cost of a households gas and electricity bills considerably. By replacing inadequate poorly insulated windows you will be helping the environment and saving money on your utility bills.

If the Windows Scrappage Scheme gets approved by the government consumers would save an extra £1000 on replacing inefficient windows in additional to any current offers available from your local Conservatory Outlet, they would have lower gas and electricity bills and their homes would receive a facelift. The Government would benefit from being a step closer to meeting their energy saving targets and they would also be able to reclaim some of the grant money in VAT.

For the latest savings and special offers on energy saving Replacement Windows & Doors visit:  www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or freephone 0800 915 8844 today.

Improving Your Home
When looking for replacement windows, double glazing, Energy Efficient windows, doors or to add a conservatory or orangery  to your home where do you start?

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is a trade association that represents over 60% of the home improvement industry. The GGF’s opinion is also regularly sought by Government on Regulation and Consumer issues.

7 Reasons why you should use a GGF Member:
1. Your Deposit is Protected – Deposit Indemnity Scheme
2. All Companies are Vetted
3. Companies work to a Code of Good Practice & GGF Glazing Manual
4. Customer Charter
5. FREE Conciliation Service
6. Conduct is monitored and regulated
7. Your installation will comply with the Building Regulations

Conservatory Outlet specialise in the manufacture and installation of the latest energy saving Conservatories, Orangeries, Double Glazing Replacement Windows and Doors – supplying a network of home improvement companies throughout Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Shropshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or freephone 0800 915 8844 for more details.

When having windows and doors replaced homeowners must comply with current thermal peformance standards and ensure that they get a certificate of compliance from FENSA or from Local Authority Building Control. FENSA also enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self certify compliance under these Building Regulations.

FENSA does not apply to commercial premises or New Build properties. In both of these instances you are required to go through the Local Authority Building Control process. FENSA Registration is also not applicable to the Installation of Conservatories or Porches by a FENSA Registered Business.

The FENSA Scheme
It is estimated that there are a huge number of installations of replacement glazing happening every year. If all of them were to go through the Local Authority Building Control application process, it would place an enormous burden on local authorities. It is essential to have a way to ensure that the work is done properly without an unreasonable increase in the administrative and financial burden on both installers and homeowners.

FENSA was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) at the request of the CLG to allow registered companies to self-certify that their installations comply with current Building Regulations.

A percentage of the work of every FENSA registered business will be inspected by a FENSA appointed inspector to ensure standards are met and maintained. FENSA will also inform local authorities of all completed registered installations and will issue a certificate to the homeowner confirming compliance.

Any installation undertaken by a company which is not registered with FENSA or a similar body, or has been done as a DIY project by a homeowner, will need full Local Authority Building Control approval. All Local Authorities will know of the registered businesses in their areas and can identify unauthorised work very easily. It should be noted that the homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the installation complies with these requirements.

Before you sign a contract to buy any replacement windows and doors, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify. If not, an application to Local Authority Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations will need to be made by either the installer or the homeowner. It is likely that there will be associated charges with this.

For the latest Replacement Windows & Doors – visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or freephone 0800 915 8844 today!

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/windowscrappage/

The benefits of this scheme for window manufacturers, suppliers and installers would be increased sales and a reversal in the downward trend in the number of installed windows and doors. Consumers would save £1,000 and enjoy a facelift to their homes, along with lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes. And the government would benefit from reduced emissions from the existing housing stock, helping it to meet the necessary greenhouse gas emissions targets. The government would also reclaim some of the grant money in VAT.

“Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have a huge role to play in improving the thermal performance of the existing housing stock,” Nigel Rees, Chief Executive of the GGF, explained. “EEWs can reduce emissions by 10% from dwellings nationally and reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%.

“The glass and window industry represents over 100,000 employees. Currently direct sell windows and doors fell by 12% in 2008 and a further 14% in 2009. The forecast is for a further 10% drop in 2010. In 2008 FENSA registered 880,831 installations made up of 3,292,437 windows and 761,054 doors. The GGF strongly believes that the proposals to incentivise the professional installation of new energy efficient windows are the only logical way forward.”

Five hundred signatures are needed to take the petition to the next stage. Given the size of the industry, and the popularity of WERs, the GGF expects the petition to receive many more signatures than that.

For further information on uPVC Windows & Doors – Contact the Conservatory Outlet. Specialist suppliers of energy efficient Window, Doors and custom built Conservatories and Orangeries. Visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics.

The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber.

The GGF is a great promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’ss Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new Energy Efficient Windows.

Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when required.

For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk