A word of caution
If your house suffers from draughts because of badly-fitting sash windows or doors that are not tightly fitting in their frames, draught proofing with stripping and other forms of draught excluders is a good idea. But draught proofing is intended to control fresh air in the home, not exclude it, so make sure you don't overdo it. Not ventilating your rooms properly and regularly can be a danger to everyone. It is especially important to make sure that rooms with gas fires, boilers or cookers have an adequate fresh air supply. This means the appliances burn properly and efficiently, and there is no build-up of the deadly gas carbon monoxide, which is both invisible and odourless. Make sure you have your appliances checked regularly, and take advice on proper ventilation, so you can strike the right balance between comfortable warmth and safety.

National Home Improvement Council
Go to the website of the National Home Improvement Council for a convenient list of accredited members and organisations.
NHIC >

Window condensation - and how to avoid it
Most homes suffer from condensation on windows and glass doors to some extent, but you can reduce it. Find out why condensation forms, and what you can do to avoid the damp and chilly atmosphere that it tends to create.
Condensation on windows >

The Plastics Window Federation
This UK-wide body was set up to help maintain standards across the replacement window, door and conservatory industry. Make sure the contractor you hire for your new windows is a member, and you will be protected by the Federation's standards and insurance.
Plastics Window Federation >

Useful information
A definitive source of information about everything to do with building and building materials - the Building Centre.
The Building Centre >

Selecting energy efficient windows
Poor windows are a major cause of heat loss in the winter and can reduce comfort and the amount of effective living space. The British Fenestration Rating Council allows consumers to find the most energy-efficient product. Windows are rated for energy efficiency using a simple scale. Find out how it works and the factors that affect heat loss through windows.
BFRC >

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