Part L of the building regulations is a huge document dealing with energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings, and covers aspects as varied as central heating, insulation, cooling and air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, and space heating. Part L is one of the main building regulations affecting residential doors and windows: installers and manufacturers must demonstrate that their doors and windows meet the required home energy efficiency targets for heating and cooling.
Let’s have a quick look at the main implications of Part L of the building regulations for home windows and doors, and how you can benefit.
The Part L regulations came into force in April 2014 and affect all new build and converted residential and commercial buildings – but not window and door replacements or (strictly speaking) house extensions. However, investing in Part L compliant windows and doors does bring tangible benefits for homeowners, improving the energy efficiency of the property and helping to reduce energy bills.
There are two main parts of Part L: Part L1A, which applies to new build properties, and Part L1B, which covers extensions, renovations, and conversions to existing properties.
Part L1B requires improved insulation, air tightness, and energy efficient windows be installed in house extensions and conversions – intended to minimise the total energy consumption of the building throughout its lifetime. There are specific targets for doors and windows set out by Part L, depending on their size and type. Note that these regulations do not affect like for like door and window replacements in existing, non-extended properties.
Regulatory changes introduced in June 2022 state that all new homes need to pass reference targets for energy efficiency based on their walls, floors, doors, and roofs, while homeowners looking at renovating an existing property are expected to install no more than 25% of its total floor area as glass for glazing. In cases where this is exceeded, an additional energy assessment will need to be carried out.
Harveys Windows offer a wide range of windows and doors available for various requirements, which are all compliant to Part L of the building regulations. Investing in doors and windows from Harveys will give you improved thermal comfort levels in your home due to lower heat loss and less cold air infiltration, helping keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer, and minimising your energy bills. To find out more, please click here to contact one of our knowledgeable team, or call today on 0116 497 1994.