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New windows can be expensive, but by offsetting them with double glazing grants, it’s easier to upgrade to more energy-efficient solutions. As a result, you’ll reduce heat loss, lower energy bills and increase your home’s value without bearing the full financial burden. With high energy prices, replacing old frames with modern, double glazed windows is a smart investment, and window grants can make it more affordable.
Our experts have thoroughly assessed available double glazing grants. Below, we explain the eligibility requirements, how to apply and how to save money on your new window installation.
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No government grants are available specifically for windows right now, but there are some schemes that are designed to help lower-income households upgrade their home’s energy efficiency. This could include replacement glazing or draught-proofing for windows and doors. If you’re eligible, you can either apply directly or contact your local council.
This page is regularly updated with relevant news about available government double glazing grants, loans and funding schemes. Last updated on 13 September 2024.
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Government schemes, such as ECO4, place responsibility on energy suppliers to promote energy-efficient measures in eligible households, which may be through a grant or loan. A loan is borrowed money you need to repay within an agreed period, while a grant is something you won’t be required to pay back.
A number of websites claiming to be associated with government grants have recently sprung up. Most of these have no connection to official government schemes, and they appear to gather personal information for marketing purposes.
If you’re unsure whether a website is genuine, proceed with caution.
ECO4 is the fourth iteration of the Energy Company Obligation scheme, which was designed to assist low-income households with fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. It places enlisted medium and large energy suppliers under the Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation to alleviate the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.
The ECO4 is not a grant, as those eligible may be asked to contribute to some of the recommended work. In such cases, Ofgem suggests getting several quotes to ensure you’re receiving the best deal. The level of support depends on different energy suppliers, how they can support you and which installers they work with.
How does it work?
Ofgem is the administrator of ECO4. You may be eligible for this scheme if you’re a homeowner or tenant in receipt of income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. You may also be eligible for a referral from your local authority with ECO4 Flex, sometimes called LAFlex.
Homeowners should contact an obligated energy supplier to see what improvements they can assist with. You may need to fill out an online application form, and then a home assessment will be carried out to decide what could be done. Make sure to compare offers before making a decision.
If you’re a tenant or living in social housing, you will need permission from your landlord or property manager before any work is carried out.
Could you upgrade windows under the ECO4 scheme?
The ECO4 scheme can help with insulation, boiler upgrades, replacement windows or draught-proofing for windows and doors. Any recommended home improvement should increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your household bills. Shop around with different energy suppliers to understand the best options for your home.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, the following must apply:
Kevin Henney is the director at ECO4 Hub, and he has been helping people apply for the ECO4 grant, working with local authorities and managing client installations for several years.
He told our experts that the cost of living, high energy bills and a greater awareness of the grant has resulted in an increase in the number of successful applicants in 2023. According to Kevin, if you’re eligible for financial help, then the time from application to approval can be as little as a week, and a start date for the project can be arranged soon after.
Kevin says that the amount of funding awarded depends on the work that the energy provider deems necessary to maximise the property’s energy efficiency, but some homeowners receive as much as £80,000 for a comprehensive energy-efficiency upgrade. These measures could include double glazing, insulation, solar panels or a new heating system.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) has been open for applications since April 2023, and it will run until March 2025. It is designed to support an estimated 25,000 fuel-poor households across the UK with energy-efficient, low-carbon heating upgrades. Its local authority funding includes £1.4 billion for social housing and charity upgrades as well as an extra £1.1 billion in match-funding.
How does it work?
You may qualify for support if you live in a specific local authority and you’re low-income, off the gas grid and your home has a low energy-efficiency rating (between D and G). Contact your local authority to see if you’re eligible and if they have the funding to support you.
Can you upgrade windows under the HUG2 scheme?
The upgrades are split into two categories: energy-efficiency measures and low-carbon heat. These measures are then sub-divided into grades A to C. Draught-proofing is an energy-efficiency measure A, as are loft and cavity wall insulation. Replacement double glazing falls under energy-efficiency measures B and C, and it is only available to complement external wall insulation.
To be eligible, the following must apply:
Privately rented properties are eligible but are limited to landlords with a portfolio of four properties or fewer. Landlords must also contribute one-third of the total cost of any upgrades.
You can lose 18 per cent of your home’s heat through the windows. For a typical UK home, this could be around £18 per month wasted. Government grants for windows can help reduce that amount.
Due to elevated energy prices, the government is extending support with a new scheme to complement the ECO4. Previously known as ECO+, the Great British Insulation Scheme was designed to support homes that aren’t eligible for energy-efficient improvements with the ECO4 scheme.
How does it work?
Launched in spring 2023, the scheme will help support vulnerable households, as well as those living in properties with low energy performance ratings, to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon footprint. Last year, the government noted that 80 per cent of the £1 billion funding would go to homes in lower council tax bands and those with energy ratings of D or below. Ofgem notes that the obligation will be placed on medium and large energy companies.
Could you upgrade windows under the Great British Insulation Scheme?
While new windows are not currently part of the scheme, respondents to the scheme proposals – including trade associations and manufacturers – highlighted the benefits of additional home insulation measures, such as double glazing and draught-proofing windows and doors.
Unfortunately, the government subsequently stated that: “The [Great British Insulation] Scheme will not include other insulation measures – such as draught-proofing for doors and windows – as the aim of the scheme is to make changes to homes that bring significant energy savings in the most cost-effective way.”
Independent Advisor keeps this page updated, and if the Great British Insulation Scheme changes to include replacement windows, we’ll let you know.
The scheme generally covers properties with an EPC rating of D to G that fall within council tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales.
It covers low-income homeowners or tenants who receive at least one of the following benefits:
The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan is available to all homeowners in Scotland, and it was primarily designed to provide grant funding for heat pumps and insulation.
Although there is no grant funding for new windows, an £8,000 interest-free loan is available to help homeowners upgrade or replace single glazing. Homeowners could also be eligible for up to £7,500 (up to £9,000 in rural areas) of grant funding for energy-efficiency improvements. The rate for rural households is higher, as it’s more difficult to get contractors out to these areas.
How does it work?
The scheme breaks down home efficiency upgrades into primary and secondary measures; the amount of grant or loan you can apply for is on a case-by-case basis. For window grants, the funding will cover a maximum of 75 per cent of the cost, and homeowners must contribute the remaining 25 per cent. The amount of interest-free loan you can get also varies for each job.
Can you upgrade windows under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme?
You can receive an £8,000 interest-free loan to specifically cover the cost of windows. With this, you can update single glazed windows to double, secondary or triple glazing. To qualify, you need to provide an eligible report stating the energy rating of the existing single glazing and a recommendation for an upgrade to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Draught-proofing is eligible for £500 in funding through the grant and interest-free loan combined. For example, £375 could be covered by the grant and £125 by the loan. However, as a secondary measure, draught-proofing must be installed alongside, or after, a primary measure such as cavity wall insulation or heat pump installation.
The Warmer Homes Scotland grant is funded by the Scottish government to help better insulate homes with low energy ratings and reduce steep bills. The scheme was paused in March 2023 to give the Scottish government time to plan a new and revamped scheme, which is now open to applicants. A spokesman for the Scottish government said the revised scheme has more funding, but it has different rules and requirements.
This scheme is reserved for lower-income households in Scotland, and it’s for property owners or private tenants who’ve lived in their home for more than six months.
Homeowners can check their eligibility for the scheme by using the Warmer Homes Scotland self-assessment, or they can get in touch over the phone for advice and to apply. Unlike the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, customers rarely have to contribute any funds to the approved work.
Only draught-proofing is available with the Warmer Homes Scotland grant, so it wouldn’t cover replacing a window unit, but it would include adding measures to stop air leaks. If you aren’t sure what steps to take, call 0808 808 2282 to discuss your options.
Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) are local, trusted organisations that help older, disabled, and vulnerable individuals live independently for longer by supporting home modifications as their needs change. Nearly 200 HIAs operate in England, covering 82 per cent of local authorities.
One task that an HIA can assist with is grant applications for people who struggle with filling out forms, or making phone calls. They also contribute to improving home energy efficiency by installing insulation, providing energy-efficient light bulbs, and implementing other measures to reduce fuel and electricity costs.
Spearheaded by the Welsh government’s Warm Homes initiative, the Nest Scheme provides comprehensive, free guidance on home energy solutions. Qualifying individuals may receive free energy-efficiency enhancements for their homes – including new boilers, central heating systems, insulation or solar panels – to foster a warmer, more energy-efficient living space. However, at present, the scheme doesn’t offer help for double glazing.
The Affordable Warmth Scheme was designed to help those on low incomes in Northern Ireland to create a more energy-efficient home. You will be eligible for help if you own and reside in a house and earn less than £23,000 per annum. Homeowners could receive up to £7,500 towards remedial work, depending on technical officer property assessments and recommendations.
Can you upgrade windows under the Affordable Warmth Scheme?
Different priorities are set out in the Affordable Warmth Scheme, with draught-proofing windows and doors set as a Priority 1. Replacing single glazed windows is listed as a Priority 3, which comes after Priority 2 heating improvements, such as boiler and electrical storage system upgrades. Work must be carried out in this order of priorities.
How does it work?
You start the process by contacting your local council. A technical officer will then be sent to assess your home (a process that takes roughly 60 minutes) to see which energy-efficiency measures will help. Recommendations will be set out in an approval pack, which will include how much grant aid you qualify for, when the work can be started and the date on which work should be completed. It is up to you to find a qualified contractor.
To be eligible, the following must apply:
As part of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, many local authorities are offering grants to upgrade windows to double glazing. These grants are typically available to households in receipt of means-tested benefits or those living in properties with a poor EPC rating.
For example, eligible households in Buckinghamshire whose properties have an EPC rating of D or below can take advantage of this opportunity to be awarded grants of up to £30,000.
Contact your local authority to discover what help is available in your area.
Even if you don’t qualify for any of the above grants for windows, you could still reduce the cost of buying replacement windows by following our experts’ tips below.
To secure competitive pricing, obtain at least three quotes – one each from a national company, a regional business, and a local service provider. This approach broadens your options and can save homeowners up to 20–30 per cent by comparing multiple window suppliers.
Use our form, and we’ll connect you to our trusted providers.
Your choice of material and style can significantly influence the cost. For instance, uPVC windows are generally more affordable than those with wooden frames. In terms of energy efficiency, A-rated windows are cheaper than A++ ones, but you should consider the potential savings on energy bills if you opt for a higher rating.
Standard window sizes and colours are more affordable than bespoke windows, due to reduced labour and material costs
Fixed windows are usually less expensive than those that open. However, safety regulations require each room to have at least one operable window for emergency escape. While opting for fixed windows can save money, it’s crucial to prioritise safety.
Many window companies offer attractive discounts. Anglian promotes a scrappage scheme that could save you up to £1,000 and offers a like-for-like price match on uPVC windows. Everest, meanwhile, provides triple glazed windows for the price of double glazing. Always inquire about ongoing offers or promotional schemes when speaking with window installers.
Upfront costs for double glazing can be high, but many companies provide flexible finance options to lessen the immediate financial burden. These include “buy now, pay later” offers, or interest-free instalment plans. These allow you to spread the cost of replacing your windows over an extended period, making the payments more manageable.
Established in 2000, Parity Trust Limited is a socially responsible lender that focuses on providing secured loans to improve the quality of life for households. Working in partnership with local authorities, it can help fund double glazed windows and other energy-efficient home improvements.
A key priority is assisting those who struggle to access mainstream finance, have a poor credit history or are in receipt of benefits.
Saving money on window replacement or installation without a grant can be challenging, but several strategies can help reduce costs:
Double glazing, whether installed through a grant or otherwise, is a money-saving investment that can add to the comfort and value of your property. Triple glazing is an even more effective solution; however, it is more expensive.
Double glazing acts as an excellent insulator, reducing the need for excessive central heating during colder months. This thermal efficiency translates to substantial savings on energy bills, making double glazed windows a cost-effective choice in the long run.
No one enjoys a draughty room in the chill of winter. With double glazing, heat retention is significantly improved, ensuring that your home remains warm and cosy, even when the temperature outside plummets.
Double glazing also reduces condensation by maintaining a more consistent temperature on the window’s interior surface. The result is a drier, warmer home, which is protected from the mould growth and water damage that can arise from condensation.
A home fitted with double glazing tends to have a higher market value, as potential buyers often view double glazing as essential, appreciating its energy efficiency, security and noise reduction.
Double glazing is tougher to break than single pane windows. Additionally, double glazing often comes with robust locking mechanisms, and this added layer of protection can deter potential intruders, offering greater peace of mind regarding your property’s security.
Whether you’re living near a busy street or simply want a quieter indoor environment, double glazing can help. The two layers of glass, separated by a gas or air gap, act as a barrier, significantly dampening external noise. The result is a tranquil living space, free from the disturbances of the bustling world outside.
Although there have never been any grants that specifically cover window upgrades or replacements, a few different schemes have included double glazing upgrades or draught-proofing of windows, providing some financial aid to help people make their homes more energy efficient.
| Grant/scheme | Status | Window upgrades available | Areas covered | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Homes Grant | Closed | Single glazing replacement with double or triple glazing; secondary glazing with single glazing | England | September 2020 to March 2021 |
| Noise Insulation Scheme | Closed | Secondary glazing and double glazing | England | June 2017 to June 2021 |
| Green Deal | Closed | Draught-proofing and double glazing | England | October 2012 to July 2015 |
The Green Homes Grant was a £1.5 billion initiative to help landlords and homeowners improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, support the net zero goal by 2050 and boost post-pandemic jobs. The scheme aimed to help 600,000 UK households save up to £600 on energy bills. However, due to various issues, it closed to new applications on 31 March 2021, with eligible upgrades continuing until March 2022.
How did it work?
The government covered two-thirds of the cost of energy-efficiency improvements up to £5,000 – and up to £10,000 for low-income households, covering 100 per cent of the costs. Homeowners had to agree on the work with a registered installer before applying for a voucher, which covered labour, materials and VAT. Vouchers expired within three months, although a one-time extension was possible under exceptional circumstances. The grant had exclusions, such as not allowing homeowners to use multiple windows grants for the same work.
The noise insulation scheme ended in 2021, but when it was active, it gave households on busy roads the opportunity to upgrade their windows to secondary or double glazing to reduce the noise pollution.
How did it work?
If your home was eligible for a windows upgrade due to the amount of noise from nearby roads, National Highway would contact you directly by post. An approved contractor would carry out the upgrade after an assessor had checked your property. You were under no obligation to proceed with the work.
Eligibility for government grants and loans is dependent on your home’s location, your financial situation and the individual scheme. Lower-income households are prioritised to help reduce bills quickly, while homeowners and private tenants will qualify in some cases – usually where the home in question has a particularly low energy efficiency.
After its launch in September 2020, the Green Homes Grant closed after six months due to poor customer experience, complex applications and voucher issues. By November 2020, only 47,500 of the targeted 600,000 homes had received upgrades, and just £314 million of the £1.5 billion budget had been spent.
Unfortunately, there are currently no specific window replacement grants available in the UK. However, some open government schemes that help with home energy efficiency include certain forms of window upgrades, such as replacing single glazed windows with double glazed ones, which can help curb your energy bills.
Some schemes are available for pensioners who are on certain benefits or living in homes with low EPC ratings. These offer financial help for home improvements such as double glazing to increase a home’s energy efficiency.
Currently, there are no direct government-backed window scrappage schemes in the UK. However, many double glazing companies, including Anglian and its subsidiary Safestyle, run scrappage and recycling deals. Customers typically receive a discount on replacement windows by allowing the company to recycle their old windows.
