Sash windows are a energy efficient 'air conditioner' we all need this summer

Posted: 26 June 2023

Brits are desperately looking for ways to cool off in the face of soaring temperatures, but your home may already have built-in air conditioning.

And we must thank the Victorians for that.

Victorian sash windows are designed to draw in cool air and expel warm air when positioned correctly.

By opening the upper and lower blades, the air flow is distributed evenly throughout the room. This causes cold incoming air to push out warm air.

The warm air in the room flows out through the top openings, and the cold air from outside enters through the bottom openings. Victorian sash windows are designed to draw in cool air and expel warm air when positioned correctly. By opening the upper and lower blades, the air flow is distributed evenly throughout the room. This causes cold incoming air to push out warm air.

Experts say sash windows were carefully incorporated in Edwardian and Victorian eras to improve indoor airflow and keep buildings cool in hot weather.

Sash windows are so effective in air conditioning that the University of Cambridge studied how sash windows work to see how best to design future low-energy ventilation systems. The scientists identified three different flow regimes that may occur when a sash window is open. These are a bidirectional flow at the upper opening, a unidirectional flow, and a bidirectional flow at the lower opening. The primary purpose of ventilation is the removal of pollutants and heat. If used correctly, sash windows can be very effective sources of ventilation.

The study added that calculating the natural ventilation flow rate is important for informing smart and low energy building design. As well as reducing heat, the researchers say effective ventilation can also improve indoor air quality and limit the risk of transmission of airborne infections by circulating fresh air in the room.

Timber sash windows are and have always been one of the defining aspects of some of the most beautiful homes that have been built and reside in the UK. From stately Period homes to modern residential buildings, Lomax + Wood are specialists in supplying and installing timber double-glazed sash windows.

Lomax + Wood collection of sash windows conscientiously replicates those ageless window designs down to the finest detail and solutions required for listed buildings and conservation areas. Lomax + Wood quality wooden sash windows are appropriate for Georgian, Victorian or other period properties within a conservation area. Our sash windows have been used in the construction of newly built properties, complete renovation projects, house extensions and commercial buildings such as hotels and period office buildings.

Lomax + Wood are committed to sourcing from sustainable sources, to this end we have worked hard to achieve FSC® Chain of Custody which is deemed by many to be an environmental gold standard. This work was undertaken in partnership with BM TRADA who are also deemed to be a mark of quality in our industry.