Double glazing grants 2024 explained

Installing new windows is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and bring down the cost of your household bills, so it’s worth checking your eligibility for a double glazing grant. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) grant delivers energy-efficient solutions such as double glazed windows and new boilers to eligible households in the UK. Other grants are also available, and if you don’t qualify, several alternative funding options can help reduce your new windows costs.

Our experts have spent many hours assessing the available double glazing grants. We explain the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how to save money on your new window installation, making funding for new windows transparent.

Although there are no specific government grants for windows available right now, some schemes have been put in place to help lower-income households upgrade their home’s energy efficiency. This could include draught-proofing for windows and doors or replacement glazing. If you’re eligible for these grants, you can either apply directly or get in touch with your local council to find out what help is available and how to access funding.

This page is regularly updated with relevant news about available government double glazing grants, loans and funding schemes. Last updated 15 July 2024.

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

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.

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

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

This is not a grant, as those eligible will be required to contribute a certain amount towards the recommended work. The level of support received will also depend on the specific energy supplier as well as how they can support you and and which installers they work with.

How does it work?

ECO4 is administered by Ofgem. You may be eligible for its incentives if you’re a homeowner or tenant receiving income-related benefits, such as universal credit or a housing benefit. You may also be eligible for a referral by your local authority with ECO4 Flex, sometimes called LA Flex.

Homeowners will need to contact the obligated energy suppliers to see what improvements they can assist with. You may also be required to fill out an online application form. If you meet the criteria, an assessment will then be carried out on your home to determine specific improvements. Make sure you compare offerings before making a final decision. If you’re a tenant or in social housing, you’ll need permission from your landlord or property manager to proceed with this inspection.

Could you upgrade windows under the ECO4 scheme?

Qualifying work under the ECO4 scheme includes insulation and boiler upgrades as well as glazing replacements or draught-proofing for windows and doors – but only if it’s determined that this work will improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce household bills. Shop around with the different energy suppliers to understand the best options for your home.

Who is eligible?

• Homeowners or renters of a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or lower

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

• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child Benefit 

You can find out more using the ECO4 eligibility checker.

• Funding of £2.5bn 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’s designed to support an estimated 25,000 fuel-poor households across the UK with energy-efficient and low-carbon heating upgrades. It uses local authority funding, of which there is £1.4bn for social housing and charity upgrades, as well as an extra £1.1bn in match funding provided by local authorities.

How does it work?

If you’re on a low income and off the gas grid, your home has a low EPC rating (between D and G) and you live in a specific local authority, you may qualify for HUG2 support. Contact your local authority to confirm whether you’re eligible and whether they have the funding available to support you.

Can you upgrade windows under the HUG2 scheme?

Upgrades are split into two categories: energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heat. These measures are then subdivided into grades A to C. Draught-proofing is listed as an energy efficiency measure A, alongside loft and cavity wall insulation. Meanwhile, new double glazing installation 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?

• Domestic properties that are off the gas grid and have an EPC rating of D or lower

Eligible households must meet one of the following criteria:

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

While privately rented properties are eligible, only landlords with a portfolio of four properties or fewer may apply. 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 a loan of £8,000 for certain upgrades, such as replacing single glazing with double glazing, secondary glazing or triple glazing, are available
• Additional grant funding of up to £9,000 is available for heat pumps and other energy-efficient upgrades, such as wall or loft insulation

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

Although no grant funding is currently available for new window installation, there is an £8,000 interest-free loan that homeowners can use to help fund upgrading or replacing single glazing. On top of this, homeowners may qualify for up to £7,500 (or as much as £9,000 in rural areas) of grant funding for energy-efficient home 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 this scheme are broken down into primary and secondary measures; how much of a 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, with homeowners required to pay the remaining 25 per cent. The amount of interest-free loan you can use also varies according to the type of work involved.

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

For windows specifically, qualifying applicants can receive an £8,000 interest-free loan towards the cost. In terms of the type of work approved for funding, you can only update a single glazed window to double, secondary or triple glazing. To qualify, you need to present an official report stating the energy rating of the window’s existing single glazing, along with a recommendation for an upgrade to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Draught-proofing is an approved upgrade under the terms of the grant, as well as the interest-free loan, with a total of £500 funding available. For example, by using the 75:25 split, work may be carried out using £375 grant funding and £125 of the interest-free loan. 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 a heat pump installation.

Before you apply:

• You need quotes from installers to complete the application process
• You need to work with certain approved installers

• Doesn’t currently include double glazing grants but will help cover the cost of other energy-efficient work, such as draught-proofing existing windows and doors
• Open to households on qualifying benefits who don’t meet the criteria of ECO4

With energy prices remaining sky-high across the UK, the government is extending support with a new scheme to complement ECO4. Previously known as ECO+, the Great British Insulation Scheme was designed to support homes that aren’t eligible for energy-efficient improvements under the ECO4 scheme.

How does it work?

The scheme was launched in spring 2023 and aims to help vulnerable households and those living in properties with low energy performance ratings reduce energy bills and cut their carbon footprint. Last year, the government noted that, of the £1 billion funding available, 80 per cent would go to homes with energy ratings of D or below that are also in lower Council Tax bands. 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 double glazed window installations 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 upgrading from single to double glazing.

Unfortunately, the government subsequently stated: “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 will keep this page updated if this situation changes and windows are included in the scheme.

Who is eligible?

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

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

• Child Benefit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Saving 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

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, the scheme doesn’t currently offer any incentives for double glazing installations.

A new Nest scheme was launched on 1 April 2024, which has a greater focus on low-carbon technologies. Under the terms of this scheme, each property will be individually assessed for energy-efficient upgrades. Unfortunately, the new scheme still doesn’t include double glazing.

• Open to low-income property owners and private tenants in Scotland
• Doesn’t cover window replacement but will contribute towards the cost of draught-proofing existing windows and doors, alongside loft and wall insulation, central heating system upgrades and renewable energy systems

Funded by the Scottish government, Warmer Homes Scotland provides grants for windows and other energy-efficient measures. The initiative aims to better insulate homes with low energy efficiency ratings, thereby reducing steep energy bills and lowering the carbon footprint of Scottish households. 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 spokesperson for the Scottish government stated that the revised scheme has more funding but, because it comes with different rules and requirements, the government needed the break period to complete existing applications and prepare for the new scheme rollout.

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 their eligibility using the Warmer Homes Scotland self-assessment or get in touch by phone to apply and get advice. Unlike the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, it’s rare that customers would be required to contribute any funds to the approved work.

Who is eligible?

To apply for Warmer Homes Scotland, you must:

• Be a homeowner or the tenant of a private sector landlord
• Live in the home as your main residence
• Have lived in your home for at least six months (unless in receipt of an SR1, a DS1500 or a BASRiS form)
• Live in a home with a low energy rating – as assessed by Warmworks
• Live in a home with a floor area of 230 sq m 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 doesn’t 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 between A and F
• Be part of a household that doesn’t have central heating and includes either a person who is over 75, 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 passport benefit at any level or rate

Can you upgrade windows under the Warmer Home Scotland grant? 

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

Affordable Warmth Scheme

• 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

Although there have never been any government grants that specifically cover window upgrades or replacements, several schemes have included double glazing upgrades or draught-proofing of existing windows. This allowed householders to take advantage of financial aid, as the aid made their homes more energy efficient.

The Green Deal is one of the oldest energy-efficiency government schemes that offered assistance with double glazing and draught-proofing. Under this scheme, those eligible would pay back the cost of the upgrades with the savings they would make on their energy bills. Below are more details on these paused and closed schemes and grants for new windows that focused on energy efficiency.

The Green Homes Grant was a £1.5bn scheme designed to help landlords and homeowners make energy-efficient changes to their homes. The main motivations behind the scheme were to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, support the movement towards net zero by 2050 and boost post-pandemic job creation in the industry. The government hoped to help approximately 600,000 UK households save up to £600 each 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 allowed to continue until March 2022.

How did it work?

Under the scheme, the government covered two-thirds of the total cost of energy-efficient home improvements up to a maximum of £5,000. For low-income households, it provided up to £10,000, with the grant covering 100 per cent of the designated works. Homeowners needed to engage a professional installer registered with the scheme, at which point they could apply for a voucher. Once issued, the voucher – which covered labour, materials and VAT – was subject to a three-month expiry date. The work had to be completed within this timeframe – with just one extension allowed (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. New builds were also included, as long as they had not been previously occupied. If you submitted an application for a voucher by 31 March 2021, you needed to meet all of the following criteria:

• 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, such as if homeowners were utilising any other windows grants for the same work. For instance, if you were a homeowner partaking in other initiatives, such as the ECO scheme, you could still have qualified for the Green Homes Grant, provided that the work being funded was 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 it 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. To be eligible, landlords also needed to prove they met or were exempt from the energy efficiency standard.

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 – eg insulation or a low-carbon heating solution. This worked well for the majority of homes. However, 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 their windows to secondary glazing or double glazing to reduce noise pollution.

How did it work?

If your home was eligible, National Highways would contact you directly by post and make arrangements with approved contractors to carry out the upgrades. It would also send out a surveyor to assess what could be done for your property – however, you were under no obligation to have the work completed.

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 wasn’t available. Typically, upgrades wouldn’t be available for bathrooms, toilets, hallways, landings or porches. The work that qualified was evidence-based, so it depended on where the surveyor could see an opportunity to reduce noise effectively.

If you’re looking for specific double glazing grants for Scotland, be sure to check your eligibility for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. For Welsh residents interested in double glazed windows grants, the Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest scheme offers free advice as well as financial help to eligible homeowners. For those interested in double glazing grants for Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme aims to help low-income households fund their 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 experts’ tips below.

Obtain multiple quotes

To ensure you’re getting a good deal, request quotes from at least three different double glazing companies. 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 homeowners can save 20 to 30 per cent by shopping around and comparing quotes from various window suppliers.

Use our form, and we’ll connect you to our trusted providers.

Materials and styles matter

Your choice of window material and style can significantly influence the cost. For instance, uPVC window prices are generally more affordable than wooden frames. Regarding energy efficiency, A-rated windows are cheaper than A++ ones, but A++ windows typically offer greater energy bill savings in the long run.

Simple designs

Standard window sizes and colours will be more affordable than bespoke windows. Due to the reduced labour and material costs, you can save up to 20 per cent by choosing standard products.

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 in an emergency. So, while the savings on fixed windows can be tempting, be sure to 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 on your replacement windows. It also offers a like-for-like price match for its uPVC windows.

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 such as “buy now, pay later” or interest-free instalment plans. These financing options allow you to spread the cost of your new windows over an extended period, making the payments more manageable for your budget.

Parity Trust

Established in 2000, Parity Trust Limited is a socially responsible lender focused on improving the quality of life for households through secured loans. 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 in receipt of benefits.

In the absence of double glazing grants, saving money on window replacement or installation can be challenging. However, the following strategies can help minimise your financial burden:

• Negotiate: don’t hesitate to negotiate with window providers. Some might be willing to lower their price to match or beat their competitors’ quotes. Alternatively, 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 all installations

Double glazing, whether installed through a grant or otherwise, is a long-term, money-saving investment that can add to the comfort and value of your property. Triple glazing is an even more effective solution, but it is more expensive.

Lower energy bills

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.

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 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 recurring 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 

Compared to single glazing, double glazed windows are tougher to break, and they often come with robust locking mechanisms. This added layer of protection can deter potential burglars, 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 dampening external noise. The result is a tranquil living space, free from the disturbances of the bustling world outside.