Window Replacement Grants in the UK

Window Replacement Grants: Why Now?

If you’re thinking of window replacement, there has never been a better time than right now. That’s because energy prices are skyrocketing, and they’re predicted to hit all-time highs this winter. That means that any leaky or draughty old windows are set to cost you more than ever before.

Window replacement is a smart thing to do in the warmer months, as you need to worry less about the cold air rushing in during the fitting. However, reputable window fitters can replace your windows any time of year with minimal disruption to your day.

No matter what, you’ll want to act soon. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing single glazing with A++ rated double glazed windows could save you more than £175 a year.

UK Window Replacement Grants Available in 2023

Window replacement grants at a glance:

• Energy Company Obligation (ECO Scheme) – Available for low-income households
• Home Repairs Assistance – Grants up to £5K; must be over 60 or on benefits
• Home Improvement Agency Assistance – Some funding might be available on a case-by-case basis
• Care and Repair (now defunct) – Was available for over 60s until April 2022
• Housing Aid for Older People – Available for over 60s in Ireland only

Other energy grants – Such as grants to help you replace your boiler

Energy Company Obligation (ECO Scheme)

This scheme requires energy companies to help low-income households in the UK improve the heating in their homes. This is not specifically designed to help with window replacement, but many people have successfully applied to the scheme for window replacement grants.

The ECO scheme more commonly provides grants for new insulation and boiler replacements. However, if you are eligible for this funding, a local energy supplier will have an installer come to your home to assess your needs and current situation. They will then plan, fund, and install the most energy-efficient measures for your house, which could include window replacement.

Home Repairs Assistance

You might qualify for a Home Repairs Assistance grant, which offers up to £5,000 spread across three years. The specific funding amount will depend on the specific improvements you want to make and apply for, including window replacement.

To get this funding for window replacement, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You are at least 60 years old
• You are over 18, and receive at least one of the following:
  • Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Pension Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
• You are over 18, have a recognised disability, and receive at least one of the following:
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Long-Term Incapacity Benefit

People are usually funded for small-scale home improvements, which can be both outside and inside the house, including window replacement. To apply for this assistance, get in touch with your local council. They’ll assess your eligibility and let you know if you qualify.

Home Improvement Agency Assistance

Certain Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) might be able to offer advice to vulnerable homeowners and help to find the right window replacement grants for their needs. They may also be able to help do small home repairs. You can click here to find your local HIA.

Care and Repair

If you’re searching for Care & Repair England, you’ll be disappointed to find out that this charitable scheme is now defunct – it ceased to exist in April 2022. Before April, this scheme provided help with finding a window replacement grant from your local council for broken or faulty windows.

Housing Aid for Older People (Ireland only)

Available only in Ireland, this scheme helps people aged 66 and older who are living in a home that has ‘poor living conditions, such as damaged or broken windows.’ You need to be able to demonstrate that this negatively impacts your quality of life.

Your income will be assessed to determine how much you’re eligible to receive. Some people get up to 95% of the costs for window replacement and new double glazing, which can total up to a maximum of £8,000. To apply, search www.gov.ie for “Application Form Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People.”

Other Energy-Saving Grants Available

In addition to window replacement grants, you may be eligible for other energy efficiency grants that can help lower your energy bills.

• Insulation grants – The government offers several schemes and grants for insulation, including cavity wall insulation and loft insulation

Heat pump grants – Check out the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to find out if you qualify for funding for a new heat pump installation, which can save you a lot of money and improve the heating quality in your home.

How Does Window Replacement Save Energy?

If you have decent single glazed windows in your home, you might think they’re keeping the cold out and keeping your expensive heat safely indoors. But you’d be surprised at how much of your energy is actually seeping out of your windows.

• Glass is not an effective insulator - In the dark days of the autumn and winter, it simply can’t protect your home from the cold outside. That prompts you to turn on the heat to keep your home comfortable, which costs a lot of money.
  
  
• Single pane windows build condensation and mould - You may also notice condensation building up on the glass and the frame as the cold air outside meets the warmer air inside. This can lead to harmful mould and mildew and damage your property.
  
  
• Double and triple glazed windows are more energy-efficient - The extra material between your home and the outside world is just one reason they insulate better.
  
  
• Inert gas between the panes - Manufacturers also inject a non-toxic gas between the panes and seal it with an air-tight seal, which adds even more insulation. Since your home remains at a more stable temperature, you don’t need to run the heat as often. The gap between double glazing is usually filled with argon, which is an inert gas. It can increase the thermal efficiency of your windows by as much as 30%. What's more, they usually last longer than 25 years.

Vinyl frames are the best choice - For the most energy-efficient window replacement, opt for vinyl (uPVC) frames, or frames made from a similar material. Vinyl and other similar composites resist temperature changes better and help save even more energy.

Do Window Replacements Pay for Themselves?

As you know, there are many parts of your home’s envelope where your heating and cooling can leak out. Not only can this require more heat (or maybe even AC in the summer months), but it can also lead to damp seeping inside. This racks up your energy bills and can lead to damage in your home.

Instead, many people recommend window replacement. But will new windows actually pay for themselves over time? The answer is yes. In the past, it might take longer than you think, but with energy costs so high, a window replacement can pay for itself in around 10 years. Even if you don’t qualify for any window replacement grants, this can still be a smart choice that will save you money in the long run.

Think about it this way - energy-saving double glazed windows usually cost between £350-£900 to install, including labour. Most homes have about 20 windows. That means you’ll spend somewhere in the region of £7,000 - £11,000 replacing your windows. Remember – you don’t have to replace them all at the same time. You can start with the oldest and most damaged to remove the biggest offenders.

Then, think about your energy bills. If your window replacement saves you around £40 - £50 on your energy bill each month, you’ll save around £480 - £600 per year. That means you can expect to save what you spent on your window replacement in about 10 – 15 years.

While that may sound like a long time, it’s less than half the duration of a 30-year mortgage! During that time, not only will you be saving money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be living in a warmer, drier, and healthier home, with less chance of black mould and nasty mildew.

Don’t forget that window replacement will also add a lot of value to your home, so when it comes time to sell, you can fetch a higher price. So, even if you can’t get any window replacement grants, it’s still well worth considering the switch.