Welcome to Planet South Lakes Blog

One of the main concerns when moving into a new property is heating. None of us want to live in a home which suffers from draughts, resorting in us having to wear layers of layers of clothing when indoors. We want to live in a home which will provide us with the level of heating we require throughout the year, no matter how cold it gets.

Double glazing in Lancaster is a sure fire way of ensuring that when heat is generated in the home, little of it will be lost through your windows. You may not have been aware that your windows and doors are the main culprits when it comes to loss of heat in the home, and you were wondering why your heating bills are so costly, now you know why! The bigger your home, the more you rely on your heating, making the installation of double glazing even more important if you want to reduce those costs.

The installation of new windows in Kendal can also make your home look more attractive to anyone who passes it. Although double glazing can be a costly affair, over time you will more than recoup the amount of money you paid for them, they will eventually pay for themselves thanks to the huge savings they have earned you.

You also need to decide how you want your new window to operate.  Are you happy for them to just slide upwards or slightly tilt inwards, or would you prefer that they open fully inwards so that ventilation is enchanced? Have a look into tilt and turn, sash and casement windows and judge for yourself which version will most suit your needs.

If you only have a small property and little garden, then ponder conservatories in Barrow in Furness as they can bring a whole new dimension to a home.

Planet South Lakes are pleased to announce the availability of ‘A’ rated double glazed window units throughout the Lancaster, Morecambe, Barrow-in-Furness and Kendal areas. Planet’s ‘A’ rated windows offer a far higher energy efficiency rating than standard double glazed units and Pilkington K glass.

Many homeowners are unaware that double glazed windows have an energy efficiency rating much the same as refrigerators, washing machines and other domestic appliances. The energy efficiency is rated on a scale of A to G, A being highly energy efficient and G being the least efficient. Products which are rated C or above can also display the Energy Saving Recommended blue label.

Bearing in mind current energy and environmental concerns, homeowners are keen to do their bit for the environment, and having an energy efficiency rating for the products they purchase helps them decide which product not only suits their needs, but is environmentally friendly too.

When it comes to determining the energy efficiency rating of Double Glazing windows, there are several factors to consider, such as the area of the glass, the type of profile used for the frames, the thickness of the profile, whether or not it’s insulated and also the air leakage through trickle vents if fitted.

Due to the fact the area of glass is far larger than the frame area, thermal improvements to the glass goes a long way to improving the energy efficiency of not only your windows, but your home as a whole. With this in mind, the choice of which double glazed units you choose for your home is paramount in achieving a high energy efficiency rating.

Unlike the popular ‘Pilkington K’ glass, Planet’s ‘A’ rated Double Glazing units use magnetron coated Low E glass on the inner pane, which is highly effective in reflecting heat back into the room. The outer pane goes through a special process which removes the iron from the glass to create a product known as ‘white glass’.

All glass contains minerals and iron as a result of the standard manufacturing process; it’s these impurities which give glass its green tinge. However, Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazing goes through a special process which removes the iron to produce a clearer ‘white’ glass, ideal for those with panoramic views of the South Lakes and Morecambe Bay.

A clearer double glazed unit with even better heat retaining qualities than Pilkington K glass sound like the ideal product, but it doesn’t stop there! Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazing is also filled with Argon gas as opposed to dry air in the cavity between each pane. These argon gas filled units are more than twice as efficient as a standard unit, and 30% more efficient than Pilkington K glass.

We’ve also done away with the old aluminium spacer which separates each pane and replaced it with a polymer alternative. This is 950 times less conductive than aluminium and further adds to the unrivaled efficiency of this product. This unique polymer spacer also drastically cuts down on condensation which can be a problem with many cheaper options.

A spokesman from Planet South Lakes commented:
“We aim to offer homeowners throughout the south lakes and Morecambe bay areas the best double glazing products available. Planet’s ‘A’ rated double glazed unit far surpasses other products on both energy efficiency and durability.”

For further information on Planet’s ‘A’ Rated Double Glazing, uPVC Doors, Conservatories and Orangeries visit www.planetsouthlakes.com or freephone 0800 612 2255.

Planet Conservatories, Windows & Doors is coming to Lancaster – with a new indoor showroom. Part of the Conservatory, Window & Door Outlet network – Planet South Lakes has established itself to be among the most recognised installers of PVC conservatories, orangeries, replacement windows and doors throughout Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal and Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and throughout Cumbria. We have become this way by listening to our customers’ needs and providing answers in even the most testing of locations.

Choosing the right home improvement company for PVC conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when thinking about adding a new bespoke conservatory or having replacement double glazing windows fitted. It’s not just about the price, it’s about the quality and value for money of the products themselves.

Planet South Lakes, currently based in Kendal, Cumbria understand that it means so much when you finally find a company who you feel you can trust to do the job properly – first time. It also makes a huge difference if workers are punctual, courteous, considerate and careful with your possessions. Planet’s dedicated craftsmen will install your new bespoke conservatory, custom built orangery or double glazed windows and doors to the highest standards – working with maximum respect for your property and with minimum disruption to your home life.

A properly planned and fitted PVC conservatory, orangery or quality double glazed windows and doors from Planet South Lakes will add lasting value to your home. That’s the way it should be. So that’s what we do.

So, if you looking for a local home improvement company offering the very latest uPVC Conservatories in Lancaster? A tailor-made Orangery in Lancaster? Or a company who installs the very latest ‘A’ Rated Replacement Double Glazing Windows in Lancaster? Make Planet South Lakes your first choice.

CLICK HERE to contact Planet South Lakes online and arrange a free quotation or freephone 0800 615 2255.

Live in Lancaster or the surrounding areas. Thinking about having a new conservatory, a tailor-made orangery or improving your home with the very latest energy rated replacement windows and doors. We’d like to invite you to our fabulous indoor Kendal showroom near Lancaster. You’ll find fully built examples of beautifully furnished conservatories a bespoke contemporary orangery and a comprehensive display of replacement double glazed windows and doors, including the very latest ‘A’ rated PVC windows – giving you the chance to ”try before you buy”.

We promise you a warm welcome and relaxed, friendly shopping experience.

You’ll find some great ideas in our Kendal showroom, be able to ask any questions you may have with people who know your area well – because they live locally. You’ll get useful FREE advice from some of the most helpful and professional people around – and it’s all FREE and without any obligation to buy! If you prefer we’ll be happy to call or visit your home whenever it suits you, including all evenings and weekends – click here if you would like to book a Home Appointment.

A little bit of interesting facts on Lancaster
Built on a site first fortified in Roman times, the superbly preserved medieval castle is just part of the array of fascinating historic buildings in Lancaster, a city where you will find evidence of Georgian pomp and Victorian civic philanthropy as well as Roman and Medieval remains.

Of course, Lancaster has always had a key role in England’s history, giving its name to the great county of Lancashire as well as to the Royal House of Lancaster, and Lancaster Castle is still owned by her Majesty the Queen.

The castle is still a working building, housing two crown courts and a prison. Guided tours throughout the year offer you a glimpse behind its high walls.

The castle and the ancient Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin form a magnificent backdrop to special events throughout the year, including the Georgian Fair and the hugely popular November fireworks celebrations.

Form this hilltop you can also look across to another famous Lancaster landmark and one of England’s grandest follies, dominating the skyline – the Ashton Memorial, set in the sweeping gardens of Williamson Park.

The North West’s leading double glazing provider, Planet South Lakes urge landlords in the Lancaster and Morecambe area to consider fitting double glazing throughout their properties in order to maximize the energy efficiency of each property.

From the 1st of October 2008, all landlords in England and Wales are required by law to provide an energy efficiency certificate for their rented properties.  Similar to the Home Information Packs (HIPs) which sellers must provide for the potential buyers of a property, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), details the energy efficiency of a properties heating, insulation and double glazing. Each property is then rated on a scale from ‘A’ to ‘G’, ‘A’ being the most efficient.

This Energy Performance Certificate enables potential tenants to consider the energy efficiency and expected fuel costs of a property before they decide to go ahead with the rental.  This scheme is good news for tenants, especially in light of the energy price hike; however, landlords have mixed feelings over the EPC scheme, which all EU member states must comply with by January 2009.

The EPC must be produced by an accredited energy assessor and looks at areas such as wall and loft insulation, boiler and central heating efficiency and of course, whether double glazed windows are fitted throughout the property. The EPC is valid for 10 years and must be provided free of charge to prospective tenants.

The Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area is home to some 20,000 students attending both the university and St. Martins College in Lancaster.  This large number of students means rented housing is always in demand and landlords have a range of health and safety criteria to comply with, along with this new certificate.

The new Energy Performance Certificate now means landlords will have to make sure their properties perform well in the efficiency ratings in order to ensure their properties are re-let quickly.  Landlords have to find new tenants frequently, meaning if the energy efficiency of their property is high they’re more likely either retain their tenants or re-let their properties quickly.

The large Victorian terraced houses which are common place in both Lancaster and Morecambe are popular properties in the student rental market due the large number of bedrooms they have.  Many of these properties do not feature double glazed windows throughout; which will have a detrimental effect on the energy efficiency rating of the property.

The knock on effect of a low energy efficiency rating means landlords will struggle to let and re-let their properties year after year.  Staying ahead of the game is paramount to maximizing profits in the highly competitive student rental market and having double glazed windows throughout will ensure your property will be in high demand from potential tenants.

Planet South Lakes can provide a bespoke quote for full or part double glazing throughout the Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Carlisle, Lancaster & Morecambe Bay areas. Planet highly recommends the new EnergiMAX double glazed window units which have an unsurpassed energy efficiency rating.

For more details visit: www.planetsouthlakes.com or call Planet South Lakes on 0800 612 2255.