Double glazing grants and finance

There are no national double glazing grants that every household can claim. Some government energy schemes occasionally include replacement windows for households on certain benefits or low incomes, usually as part of a bigger package of insulation, but most homeowners pay for new windows themselves. So the realistic ways to bring the cost down are comparing quotes, phasing the work, and choosing finance carefully.

Double glazing grants: who might qualify

Energy efficiency schemes funded through the energy companies and the government mainly pay for insulation and heating. Glazing appears only occasionally, typically to replace single glazing in a home that qualifies on income or benefits and has a poor energy rating. Councils sometimes run their own local schemes. If you think you might qualify, ask your council or energy supplier directly, and be wary of anyone cold-calling to offer “free windows”.

The VAT on windows is the standard rate, because glazing isn’t one of the energy-saving materials that HMRC relieves.

Ways to cut the cost

• Get three or more quotes. Prices for the same house routinely differ by thousands. Use our compare quotes tool.
• Do the worst windows first. Replacing the coldest or most worn windows now and the rest later spreads the cost, though it can cost more in total.
• Repair what can be repaired. A misted unit costs a fraction of a new window; see repair or replace.
• Choose the material carefully. uPVC windows typically cost £5,000 for a three-bedroom semi, against £12,500 in timber.

Double glazing finance

Many installers offer finance, often as a credit broker for a lender. It’s regulated like any other loan, so you’ll get the APR and the total repayable before signing. Compare it with a personal loan or an existing credit facility, because the offer at the kitchen table isn’t always the cheapest.

When you compare finance offers:

• look at the total repayable, not just the monthly payment;
• check what happens at the end of any interest-free period;
• ask who the lender actually is;
• never let the finance decision rush the choice of installer.

Our finance calculator works out the monthly payment, total and interest at a rate you choose, so you can check any offer.

Paying safely

Keep the deposit small, pay the balance only when the work is finished, and consider paying part by credit card for the extra protection under section 75; see your consumer rights.

Next steps

Work out a budget from our double glazing prices, then get quotes and compare them before deciding how to pay.