New Windows

Some of the information regarding this post may have expired.

However, you may still be able to access a different government-funded grant through the ECO4 scheme to help improve your home.

Double-glazed windows include two panes of glass instead of a single pane in single-glazed windows. A mechanism that creates a gap between the two panes of glass. The gap will be filled with an inert gas such as argon, which considerably improves the window’s thermal efficiency compared to single glazing.

The government announced on July 8, 2020, that between September 2020 and March 31, 2021, English homeowners will be eligible for up to £5,000 in vouchers for energy-efficient home improvements. The government will give up to £2 billion in green home grants in a year. The vouchers will pay up to £5,000 of the cost of installing various types of insulation, with up to £10,000 available for the poorest families.

At least two-thirds of the cost of insulating or installing renewable heating systems will be covered by Green Homes Grants. If you receive a grant for one of these necessary home improvements, you are also eligible for grants for:

• Options for windows and doors include double or triple glazing (instead of single glazing)
• Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing) and the installation of energy-efficient doors (replacing doors installed before 2002).

The secondary award also covers draught proofing, heating controls, and hot water tank insulation, among other upgrades.

The initiative intends to assist households in reducing their heating costs and carbon emissions by increasing insulation or decreasing heat loss. Online application submissions will commence in September 2020 and end in March 2022.

Several organisations provide financing to assist with double-glazing installation. However, there are no real double-glazing incentives offered by the government to regular householders. You may be eligible for grants if you receive benefits, are over 60 years old, or are disabled; otherwise, there are no available grants. The most straightforward strategy to reduce expenses is to evaluate bids and select the best deal or finance the expense.

The Green Deal: Until 2015, the Green Deal was the most significant double-glazing subsidy in the United Kingdom. The Green Deal provided up to £7,600 in loans for home improvements like double glazing, which were repaid through energy bills by deducting the anticipated monthly cost savings. This saving allowed homeowners to enjoy ‘free’ house improvements, as their energy expenses remained the same, and they did not need to purchase replacement windows. However, the Green Deal was cancelled in 2021 and will not be reinstated.

Where ECO 3 does not support double glazing, ECO 4 will support double glazing and other additional measures upon its availability. ECO4 offers high-energy-cost households a chance to upgrade their homes and reduce their annual energy bills without the additional cost of labour. To qualify for an ECO grant, you must meet strict criteria the government sets. The criteria are below:

• Income-based job seeker’s allowance (JSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Income support (IS)
• Pension credit guarantee credit (PCGC)
• Working tax credits (WTC)
• Child tax credits (CTC)
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Housing Benefit
• Pension credit savings credit (PCSC)
• Child benefit

You may qualify for a grant if you reside in social housing with an E, F, or G EPC rating. Disabled households will be considered individually, provided they meet the requirements of means-tested benefits. Check your eligibility today.

The Accommodation Aid for Older People Scheme: The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme assists those over 66 who reside in poor housing. The HAOPS will cover up to 95% of total expenditures, up to £8,000, if the windows in your home are broken, damaged, or impede your ability to live there. All applicants are subjected to a means test, and grants are awarded depending on means and need. To apply, visit your local government’s website and download an application.

The Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation is a requirement of the ECO4 plan for the United Kingdom’s medium and large energy suppliers (HHCRO). According to OFGEM, suppliers are required to promote the installation of energy-saving measures, such as those stated above (i.e. insulation and heating systems). However, some homeowners who already have single-glazed windows may be able to use some of the funds to add double-glazing. Check to determine if you are eligible for the ECO award before purchasing replacement windows and doors.

If you are the homeowner or landlord and fit the government’s criteria, you will be eligible for an ECO grant to upgrade your windows for a fraction of the cost. Various grants are available through the ECO scheme; if you are eligible, you can apply for more than one at once. The application time for the Green Homes Grant has now concluded.

If you have a voucher already, you can still use it to complete the work. You must redeem your coupon before its expiration date.