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Can I get a grant for double glazing?

Our expert says...

Hello Kim,

Thanks for your question about getting help to replace your wooden windows with double glazing. The good news is that there are grants and funding available for energy-saving projects like this. However, successful grant applications depend on a number of factors, such as any benefits you may receive, your property and where you live.

Benefits of double glazing

Double glazing can cut heat loss through windows by 50%. It works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation. Fitting double glazing can save around £110 a year on your heating bills, according to Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates.

Installing double glazed windows is a professional job, and so will cost a lot more than other energy efficient home improvements, such as cavity wall insulation.

Government grants and help for double glazing installation

Your eligibility for a grant will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, local authority, whether you claim benefits and so on.

The Home Energy Saving Programme offers assistance to homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient. However there are a number of criteria you need to meet to be eligible.

And for households more susceptible to fuel poverty, such as pensioners and those in receipt of benefits, there’s help for high energy bills through winter fuel payments, cheaper social tariffs and the government’s Warm Front scheme.

A Home Repair Assistance grant, which you can apply for through your local council, gives funding towards the cost of materials required to carry out repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home.

Visit www.direct.gov.uk for more information on the Home Repair Assistance grants available.

There can be long council waiting lists for these grants and you may have to be persistent in pursuing your application.

There is further help for the over 60s or anyone with a disability who can also approach Care & Repair. This is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation which offers guidance on applying for grants in various local areas. Care & Repair helps with the paperwork and can organise installation quotes, as well as oversee the work to ensure it is done properly.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) can also advise you on grants or efficiency schemes in your area. For more information phone the EST on 0845 727 7200. You can find a list of double glazing suppliers on the EST website.

You can also get comprehensive energy saving advice from your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC). The advisers there will assess your needs and offer advice on all aspects of energy efficiency, including government grants You can get details of your local EEAC by phoning 0800 512 012.

What if I have to pay for it myself?

If you don’t qualify for help and your finances are tight, you could choose to just double glaze the windows in individual rooms rather than your entire property. You should pick the rooms you use most often and tend to heat most, such as the bedroom.

You could also consider having secondary glazing fitted. This is cheaper than double glazing and will still save money on your energy bills by cutting heat loss and draughts.

Save money on your energy bills

There are many other ways to lower your energy bills. A simple step is to put up a pair of thick, lined curtains which you close at dusk will help to stop heat escaping through the windows.

For more energy saving hints and tips, download our Complete Guide to Energy Efficiency.

Another way to save money on your energy bills is by switching energy suppliers. You can compare energy prices online using our energy comparison service. Just enter your postcode and average annual energy consumption (or number of bedrooms if you don’t know this) and see how much you could save.

Hope this helps you save money on your bills Kim!

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If you have an energy query please email ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk

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