Many government schemes exist to improve the condition of the housing market’s stock, boost environmental standards or promote safety in UK properties. Central to all three are double-glazing and other more efficient window improvements.
Many window replacement schemes target businesses and new developers, but you may still qualify for some of them if you own your home. For example, if you are a flat owner in a leasehold situation your building may be run by a board. In these cases, the board works as a business entity, essentially managing the building with standard corporate governance laws and unique policies.
Double-glazing is one of the safest and energy-efficient technologies, and also one of the most important selling points for a home. A UPVC double-glazed window is the most desirable because from a government perspective it offers these benefits at a low cost.
The combination of this glazing technique and the construction material helps create the most reliable windows possible, which is why the government is keen to promote them or other energy efficiency improvements by offering grants.
It is entirely possible to make use of government schemes for your windows, on top of this you will receive the following convenient benefits:
- Windows that use recyclable material, with a potential uPVC lifespan of 140 years.
- Improved energy efficiency in your home.
- Prevention of mould and condensation build-up on windows.
- Durable, long-lasting frames.
It is easy to see why government grants focus on expanding this type of window for both tenants and homeowners in the UK as most government schemes are designed for promoting green energy.
Will I Qualify for a Grant?
As one of the key components of the government’s grants is a focus on double-glazing and other energy-efficient home improvements your installation more than likely qualifies for some form of a grant or another benefit.
This is good news for people looking for funding, as you can save a substantial amount on your replacement or installation costs. But how do you get them?
The first thing to check is if you are eligible for the government’s home energy grant. There is a calculator the government’s funding authority recommends for checking here.
What Government Grants are available for Windows?
Now that you know you qualify, we can explain a bit more about what grants are available.
The government grants are very localised, meaning specific options will change depending on your council. There may be some particularly appealing local schemes, but there are also national schemes available that we will explore here.
Grants for windows are available for people in a range of circumstances, but if you qualify they will help to improve your home’s energy-efficiency or simply help reduce your energy bills.
The national grants come in the form of the following government-funded schemes:
- The Energy Company Obligation: This could be a very good government scheme if your energy provider is charging too much. You can qualify if you claim other benefits, but in some cases, you might be eligible to receive it even if you are not – so it is worth pursuing. It is an obligation from energy companies to approve, so may focus more on insulation as per their policies, but it may also cover windows when they are small or particularly inefficient. You can get started on your provider’s Energy Company Obligation page.
- Green Deal: You could receive a loan to help you pay for energy-efficient home improvements such as double glazing, draughtproofing, solar panels, and more.
- Other Energy Bills and Grants: You can enhance your energy efficiency further, meaning you will recoup the investment you make for your windows faster when you qualify for certain fuel allowances. This will only be the case if the energy you use is particularly expensive or if you have trouble managing the finances of your energy bills due to your circumstances.
While it may not always help with getting the windows themselves, using the above schemes will help offset your costs in some way. There are many other local schemes you can use, but it will depend on your eligibility and can vary significantly depending on your local authority and circumstances.
What to Think About the Government Schemes
In the UK government grants are in place for developing the housing stock. Energy-efficiency reasons and green energy is increasingly becoming a symbol of value as the green economy develops and goes through its growing process.
Double-glazing windows and doors make your home more energy-efficient and it is in the government’s interest to provide a subsidy. There is a very practical reason for installing double-glazing or even triple glazing, so it is a mutually beneficial arrangement you can take advantage of.
Your local authority can advise and guide you further on other techniques to save energy and make energy efficiency improvements in your home.
If you do not have double-glazed windows, you will probably qualify for at least one type of funding or at least achieve a saving in your fuel bills. When you do so, you will need to install a reliable set of windows, whether you are using a window replacement scheme or not.
Finding Reliable Window Installers as Tenants or Homeowners
Home improvements and double-glazing are a frequent part of what we do as installers of double glazed windows. If you are using government grants for windows there are a few tips for choosing an installer that you should become familiar with.
There is no point in having a new window installation or any other home improvements that boost energy efficiency if you have them poorly implemented. With a range of potential pitfalls, it is imperative to choose wisely.
Things to look out for include the following:
- Free surveys: There is no more frustrating thing than to have a design idea in your mind’s eye and then realise further down the line that the project is not possible. Structural issues and the regulations of local authorities can all have an impact on the feasibility of the design. Good window installers will offer a free site survey and suggest the most appropriate solutions for energy-efficient home improvements.
- Guarantees: Good constructors are proud of their work and with a great deal of faith in their projects. As a result, a reputable installer will provide guarantees that safeguard your investment and make sure you have protection if any issue arises. Do not be fooled by short guarantees, as these can be a sign of bad installation practices or inferior products. 5 to 10 years is the minimum level of service to settle for.
- Product choice: Make sure that you find a product selection that has a great deal of range when choosing your window installer. Not only can this be a sign that the provider is familiar with the best stocks, but it is also a sign of being on the cutting edge of the industry. A good indicator happens to be when a company also runs a supply-only service for fellow members of their trade, which demonstrates that they have a direct relationship with manufacturers and a good industry reputation.
You can start by investigating whether you qualify for the grant and then get a free survey for your window installation.
Start Your Home Improvement Journey Today
As suppliers and installers of a range of home improvements across the south coast of the UK we are well-placed to discuss government grants for windows and can offer practical advice for choosing your installer.
If you would like to start the process of installing your new or replacement windows you can get in touch with us for a survey and start designing your double-glazed windows while waiting for the grant to come through.
Areas We Cover
We are passionate about providing the best service we can, to as many customers as we can. This is why we are more than happy to supply and install uPVC windows across several counties:
- Arundel
- Battle
- Bexhill
- Bognor Regis
- Brighton
- Burgess Hill
- Chichester
- Crowborough
- Eastbourne
- East Grinstead
- Hailsham
- Hastings
- Hampshire
- Horley
- Horsham
- Kent
- Lewes
- Peacehaven
- Pevensey
- Seaford
- Shoreham
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Uckfield
- Worthing
We have had the pleasure of serving hundreds of satisfied customers in each of these areas, and are ready and waiting to make a return visit if you need us. If you are based in one of these counties and you have been looking for new uPVC windows, contact us today and we will prepare your order for a fast delivery and installation.
