Double glazing grants 2024 explained

Installing new windows is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and slash your household bills, so you may want to consider applying for a double glazing grant. The ECO4 grant delivers energy efficient solutions, including double glazed windows, insulation, and new boilers, to qualifying households in the UK. Other grants are available, and if you don’t qualify, several alternative funding options can help reduce new windows costs.

Our experts have analysed double glazing grants, explaining eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how to save money on your new window installation.  

This page regularly updates relevant news about available government double glazing grants, loans and funding schemes.

Although there are no specific government grants for windows available right now, there are some schemes designed to help lower-income households upgrade their home’s energy efficiency. This in itself could include draught-proofing for windows and doors or replacement glazing. If you are eligible, you can apply either directly or get in touch with your local council.

This page is regularly updated with relevant news about available government double glazing grants, loans and funding schemes. Last updated 18 April 2024.

Discover how much new windows would cost for your home by answering a few quick questions

Government schemes, such as ECO4, make energy suppliers responsible for promoting energy-efficient measures in eligible households, whether that’s through a grant or loan. A loan is borrowed money you need to pay back within an agreed period, while a grant is something you will not need to pay back.

• Open to low-income households on qualifying benefits
• Can cover the entire cost of energy efficiency upgrades, including double glazing windows
• Grants are delivered through your energy supplier, which will assess your home for the most appropriate energy-saving measures

The ECO4 is the fourth iteration of the Energy Company Obligation scheme, which was designed to assist low-income households with fuel poverty, while reducing reducing carbon emissions. It works by placing enlisted medium and large energy suppliers under the Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) to alleviate the cost of energy-efficient upgrades on homes.

This is not a grant, as those eligible will be required to contribute to some of the works recommended. Also, the level of support received 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 and you may be eligible if you are a homeowner or tenant receiving income-related benefits, such as universal credit or housing benefit. You may also be eligible for a referral by your local authority (LA) with ECO4 Flex, sometimes called the LAFlex. 

Homeowners will need to contact the obligated energy suppliers to see what improvements they can assist with. You may be required to fill out an online application form. A home assessment would then be carried out to analyse specifically what could be done. Make sure you compare offerings before making a decision. If you are a tenant or in social housing you will need permission from your landlord or property manager to carry out the inspection.

Could you upgrade windows under the ECO4 scheme?

The ECO4 scheme’s help can include insulation and boiler upgrades, as well as glazing replacements or draught-proofing for windows and doors, if this will help your home be more energy efficient and reduce household bills. Shop around with the different energy suppliers to understand the best options for your home.

Who is eligible?

• If your home, or privately rented property, has an EPC rating of E or below

You also need to be in receipt of one of the following:

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Savings Credit
• Child Benefit 

Find out more using the ECO4 eligibility checker.

• Open to Northern Ireland households earning less than £23,000 per year
• Eligible homeowners could receive up to £7,500 for energy-saving measures, but these will usually prioritise draught-proofing windows above replacing them
• Homes must be assessed for the most appropriate measures before receiving a grant

The Affordable Warmth Scheme was designed to help those on low incomes in Northern Ireland 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 works, depending on technical officer property assessments and recommendations.

Can you upgrade windows under the Affordable Warmth Scheme? 

There are different priorities set out in the Affordable Warmth Scheme, with draught-proofing windows and doors set as a Priority 1 and replacing single glazed windows listed as a Priority 3, after undertaking Priority 2 heating improvements, such as boiler and electrical storage system upgrades. Works must be done in the order of priority given. 

How does it work? 

You start the process by contacting your local council. A technical officer will then be sent out to assess your home (a process that takes roughly 60 minutes) to see which energy efficiency measures will help. Recommendations will then be set out in an approval pack, along with how much grant aid you qualify for, when work can be started, as well as the date on which works should be completed. It is up to you to find a qualified contractor.

Who is eligible?

• If your home, or privately rented property, has an EPC rating of E or below

You also need to be in receipt of one of the following:

• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit – Savings Credit
• Child Benefit (subject to maximum household income thresholds)
• Housing Benefit

• £2.5 billion funding available until March 2025
• Open to low-income homes that are off the gas grid, have a low energy efficiency rating and are located in specific local authorities
• Double glazing usually only considered to complement other external insulation measures

The HUG2 scheme has been open for applications since April 2023 and will run until March 2025. It is designed to support an estimated 25,000 fuel-poor households across the UK with energy-efficient and low carbon heating upgrades with local authority funding, of which there is £1.4 billion for social housing and charity upgrades, as well as an extra £1.1 billion in match-funding provided by local authorities.

How does it work?

If you are low-income, off the gas grid, your home has a low energy efficiency rating (between D and G EPC rating), and you live in a specific local authority, you may qualify for support. Contact your local authority to see if you are 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, alongside loft and cavity wall insulation. Replacement double glazing falls under energy efficiency measures B and C and is only available when required to complement external wall insulation that must comply with industry standards.

Who is eligible?

• Your property must be a domestic off-gas grid dwelling with an EPC rating of band D or lower.

Eligible households must either:

• Have a combined gross annual income of under £31,000, which must be verified, or
• Be located in an economically deprived neighbourhood (based on data drawn from the Indices of Multiple Deprivation)

Privately rented properties are eligible but are limited to landlords with a portfolio of four properties or fewer. Landlords are required to contribute one third of the total cost of any upgrades.

• Open to all homeowners in Scotland, regardless of income
• Interest-free loans of up to 75 per cent of the cost or £8,000 available for upgrades such as replacing single glazing with double glazing, secondary glazing or triple glazing
• Additional grant funding of up to £9,000 available for heat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades, such as wall or loft insulation

The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan is available to all homeowners in Scotland, and was primarily designed with grant funding for heat pumps and insulation in mind.

Although there is no grant funding for new windows, there is an £8,000 interest-free loan that homeowners can use to help fund upgrading or replacing single glazing. As well as this, homeowners could be eligible for a sum of 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?

Home efficiency upgrades on the scheme are broken down into primary and secondary measures; how much grant or loan you can apply for is case-dependent. 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 use varies on the job also.

Can you upgrade windows under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme? 

For windows specifically, you can receive an £8,000 interest-free loan to cover the cost. In terms of the work you can carry out with a grant, you can only update a single glazed window to double or secondary glazing or triple glazing. To qualify, you would need to present an eligible report stating the energy rating of the existing single glazing alongside a recommendation for an upgrade to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Draught-proofing is available using the grant as well as the interest-free loan, with £500 total funding available. By using the 75:25 split, work may be carried out using £375 grant funding and £125 of the interest-free loan, for example. Draught-proofing is classed as a secondary measure, so would need to be carried out alongside, or after, one of the primary measures, such as cavity wall insulation or installing a heat pump. 

Before you apply:

• You must wait to have a loan offer in writing before beginning any work
• You need quotes from installers to complete the application process 
• You need to use certain approved installers

• Does not currently include double glazing windows, but will help cover the cost of other measures, such as draught-proofing existing windows and doors
• Open to households on qualifying benefits who don’t qualify for ECO4

With continued elevated energy prices, the government is extending support with a new scheme to complement the ECO4. Previously the 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?

The scheme was launched in spring 2023 and will help to support vulnerable households, as well as those living in properties that have low energy performance ratings, to reduce energy bills and cut their carbon footprint. Last year, the government noted that of the £1 billion funding, 80 per cent would go to homes with energy ratings of or below D and in lower Council Tax bands. Ofgem notes how the obligation will be put on medium and large energy companies. 

Could you upgrade windows under the Great British Insulation Scheme?

While new windows or draught-proofing 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 – which included draught-proofing windows and doors, and double glazing.

Unfortunately, the government subsequently stated that: “The [Great British Insulation] Scheme will not include other insulation measures – such as draft 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 will keep this page updated if this situation changes and windows are included in the scheme. 

Who is eligible?

The general group is for those households with properties that have an EPC of D to G, and fall within Council Tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales.

The low-income group is for homeowners or tenants who receive at least one of the following benefits:

• Child Benefit
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Saving Credit

The Nest scheme, spearheaded by the Welsh Government’s Warm Homes initiative, provides comprehensive, free guidance on home energy solutions. Qualifying individuals may receive free efficiency enhancements for their homes, including new boilers, central heating systems, insulation, or solar panels, all designed to foster a warmer, more energy-efficient living space. However, at present, it doesn’t offer help with double glazing.

The Nest Scheme will close at the end of March 2024. A new scheme will be introduced on 1 April 2024 which has a greater focus on low carbon technologies. Each property will be individually assessed for energy efficient upgrades. Currently, it’s unclear whether this will include double glazing.

• Open to low-income property owners and private tenants in Scotland
• Does not include new windows, but will help cover the cost of draught-proofing existing windows and doors, alongside loft and wall insulation, central heating system upgrades and renewable energy

Warmer Homes Scotland is a grant for windows 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 for applicants. A spokesman for the Scottish government said the revised scheme has more funding but, because it comes with different rules and requirements, they needed the break period to complete existing applications and prepare for the new scheme roll-out in October.

How does it work?

This scheme is reserved for lower-income households in Scotland, either property owners or private tenants, who’ve lived in their home for more than six months. 

Homeowners can check eligibility using the Warmer Homes Scotland self-assessment, or get in touch over the phone for advice and to apply. Unlike the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, it is rare that customers would have to contribute any funds to the approved work.

Who is eligible?

• Be a homeowner or the tenant of a private-sector landlord
• Live in the home as your main residence
• Have lived there for at least at least six months (unless in receipt of an SR1, a DS1500 or a BASRiS form)
• Live in a home with a poor energy rating – this will be assessed by Warmworks
• Live in a home with a floor area of 230m2 or less (typically up to five bedrooms).
• Live in a home that meets the tolerable living standard set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 or, where the home does not meet the tolerable living standard, this will not impact the effectiveness of the recommended improvements for installation under the programme
• Live in a home where the council tax band is A-F
• Eligible households must include either a person who is over 75 with no central heating, a person who is in receipt of a DS1500 or BASRiS certificate completed by a medical professional or a person who is in receipt of at least one of the passport benefits, at any level or rate at which the benefit is paid.

Can you upgrade windows under the Warmer Home Scotland grant? 

Only draught-proofing is available with the Warmer Homes Scotland grant, which wouldn’t mean replacing a window unit, but rather adding measures to stop air leaks. If you aren’t sure of the best steps to take, call 0808 808 2282 directly to discuss your options.

Although there have never been any grants specifically to cover window upgrades or replacements, there have been a few different schemes that have included double glazing upgrades or draught-proofing of windows, so people have been able to make their homes more energy efficient with some financial aid. 

The Green Deal is one of the oldest energy-efficiency government schemes that offered double glazing and draught-proofing, where those eligible would pay back the cost of these upgrades with the savings they would then make on energy bills. Here, we provide more details about the paused and closed schemes and grants for new windows that focused on energy efficiency.

The Green Homes Grant was a £1.5 billion scheme designed to help landlords and homeowners make more energy-efficient changes to their homes. The biggest motivations behind the scheme were to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, to support the movement towards net zero by 2050, and to bolster the industry job market post-pandemic. The government hoped to help approximately 600,000 UK households save up to £600 on their energy bills. Unfortunately, a string of failures led to the Green Homes Grant closing its doors to applications on 31 March 2021. Eligible upgrades were able to continue until March 2022. 

How did it work? 

The government would cover two-thirds of the total cost of energy efficiency home improvement works to a maximum contribution of £5,000. For low-income households, it would provide up to £10,000, with the grant covering 100 per cent of the designated works. Homeowners needed to agree the works with a professional installer registered with the scheme, at which point they could apply for the voucher. The vouchers covered labour, materials and VAT. Once issued, the voucher was subject to a three month expiry date. The works had to be completed within this timeframe and this could be extended only once (subject to exceptional circumstances).

Would I have been eligible for the Green Homes Grant? 

Both homeowners and residential landlords were eligible for the Green Homes Grant, and new builds were included, as long as they were not previously occupied. If you submitted an application for a voucher by 31 March 2021, here are all the criterion specified by UK government:

• you own your own home (including long-leaseholders and shared ownership)
• you own your own park home on a residential site (including Gypsy and Traveller sites)
• you’re a residential landlord in the private or social rented sector (including local authorities and housing associations)

There were a few exclusions for the grant, including if homeowners were utilising any other windows grants for the same work. For instance, if you were a homeowner partaking in other schemes, such as the ECO, you could still have been eligible for the Green Homes Grant, provided that the works being funded were different. If you had wanted to claim from the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), you would have had to claim your Green Homes Grant voucher first, and then let Ofgem know, so that they could deduct the amount claimed from your RHI grant payments.  

For landlords receiving state aid, the Green Homes Grant could count towards the total, as long as it didn’t exceed the threshold over a three year period. Landlords also needed to prove they met or were exempt from the energy efficiency standard to qualify.

Could you upgrade windows under the Green Homes Grant? 

In theory yes. However, new windows, doors and draught-proofing were all classed as “secondary” upgrades, which were all subject to having at least one of the “primary” upgrades carried out, for instance insulation or a low-carbon heating solution. This worked well for the majority of homes, but if a homeowner had previously invested in a heat pump, biomass boiler or flat roof insulation, they would essentially be disqualified from claiming for new windows, draught-proofing and more energy-efficient doors as the “primary” upgrade had already been met.

The Noise Insulation Scheme ended in 2021 but, when it was active, it gave households on busy roads the opportunity to upgrade windows to secondary or double glazing to reduce noise pollution. 

How did it work?

The National Highway would contact you directly by post if your home was eligible and would make arrangements with approved contractors to make the upgrades. They would send a surveyor to see what could be done for your property and you were under no obligation to have the work done. 

Could you upgrade windows under the Noise Insulation Scheme?

The scheme prioritised window upgrades in noise sensitive rooms, namely: 

• bedrooms 
• living or reception rooms 
• dining rooms, including kitchens with dedicated dining areas 
• studies 

Double glazing would be offered where secondary glazing was not available. Typically upgrades wouldn’t be available in bathrooms, toilets, hallways, landings and porches. The work that qualified was evidence-based so it depended on where they could see an opportunity to reduce noise effectively.

If you’re looking for specific double glazing grants for Scotland, you should check your eligibility for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. For Welsh residents interested in a double glazed windows grant for Wales, the Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest Scheme offers free advice as well as financial help for eligible homeowners. For those interested in double glazing grants for Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme aims to help low-income households carry out energy-efficient home improvements.

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 tips below. 

Obtain multiple quotes 

To ensure competitive pricing, get at least three quotes. We suggest obtaining estimates from a national company, a regional business, and a local service provider. This diversified approach can offer you a choice of pricing options. In fact, research suggests that homeowners can save up to 20 to 30 per cent by shopping around and comparing quotes from window suppliers. 

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Materials and styles matter

Your choice of material and style can significantly influence the cost. For instance, uPVC windows are generally more affordable than wooden frames. Regarding energy efficiency, A-rated windows are cheaper than A++ ones, but consider the potential savings on energy bills when opting for a higher rating.

Simple designs

Standard window sizes and colours will be more affordable than bespoke windows by up to 20 per cent, due to reduced labour and material costs

Functionality considerations

Fixed windows typically cost less than windows that open. However, safety regulations dictate that every room should have at least one window that can serve as an escape route during emergencies. So, while saving by opting for fixed windows is tempting, prioritise safety.

Explore company discounts

Many window companies offer attractive discounts. For instance, Anglian promotes a scrappage scheme that could save you up to £1,000. It also offers a like-for-like price match for its uPVC windows. Everest provides triple glazing at the price of double glazing. Always inquire about ongoing offers or promotional schemes when discussing with these businesses.

Finance options

Upfront costs for double glazing can be high, but many companies provide flexible finance options to lessen the immediate financial burden. This includes schemes like “buy now, pay later” or interest-free instalment plans. These financing choices allow you to spread the window replacement cost over an extended period, making the payments more manageable for your budget.

Saving money on window replacement or installation without a grant can be challenging, but several other strategies can help reduce costs:

• Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with window providers. Some might be willing to lower their price to match or beat their competitors’ quotes, or they might offer a discount if you’re flexible with installation dates or are installing multiple windows
• Plan around sales: Many companies have sales during off-peak seasons. Plan your window replacement during these times to take advantage of lower prices
• Partial replacement: If some of your windows are still in good condition, consider only replacing the ones that need it 
• Group discounts: If neighbours or friends are also considering new windows, you could approach companies for group discount rates on both installations

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.

Lower energy bills

Double glazing acts as an excellent insulator, reducing the need for excessive heating during colder months. This thermal efficiency translates to substantial savings on energy bills, making double glazing windows a cost effective choice in the long run.

A warmer home during winter

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 temperatures outside plummet. 

Double glazing also reduces condensation by maintaining a more consistent temperature on the window’s interior surface. The result is a drier, warmer home protected against the mould growth and water damage that can arise from condensation.

Increased property value

A home fitted with double glazing tends to have a higher market value. Potential buyers often view double glazing as essential, appreciating its energy efficiency, security, and noise reduction benefits. 

Enhanced security 

Double glazing is tougher to break compared to single pane windows. Additionally, they often come with robust locking mechanisms. This added layer of protection can deter potential intruders, offering greater peace of mind regarding your property’s security.

Noise reduction

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 muffling outside noise. This ensures a tranquil living space, free from the disturbances of the bustling world outside.