Are there any government grants available for windows and doors?

It’s become almost normal for every home in the UK to have double glazing fitted.

There are few houses across the country that have single glazed windows and because of this, there really doesn’t seem to be a need for having grants available for windows and doors from the government that homeowners can apply for.

Take for example the “Green Deal” scheme, which was a government grant to help homeowners make energy-saving improvements (by installing double glazing), this government-backed scheme has since ended in 2015 due to a lack of interest.

And whilst there may be some schemes currently available, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant and the new Green Deal Finance Company grant, there is not a grant that is directly targeted to the double glazing industry or replacement windows.

Update: Government announces new Green Homes Grant Scheme. Full guide to Green Homes Grant Scheme available now.

What happened to the Green Deal government grant?

Because there were only 15,000 homeowners who signed up to the Green Deal grant, the government decided to scrap the scheme due to lack of interest, where they were hoping for much more demand. This was simply not the case.

One of the reasons the scheme may have put homeowners off was because of the high-interest rates homeowners would need to pay back over the course of many years.

However, in 2017 the Green Deal Finance Company launched a new and improved version of the grant. 

Rather than being backed and funded by the government, the new company offers loans to homeowners to improve their energy efficiency within their homes and is backed by private investors. 

Similar to the ECO grant, the new Green Deal covers many of the same offerings for homeowners to improve their energy efficiency, including:

• Insulation (solid wall, loft, floor and cavity wall)
• New or replacement boilers
• Heating, hot water and lighting

Whilst double glazing isn’t on the list, it is still an energy-saving benefit for homes with single glazed windows. So it’s worth checking with the Green Deal Finance Company, to see if they can offer you a loan to improve your window and doors’ energy efficiency. 

What is the ECO grant?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is similar in many aspects to the Green Deal grant, however, it’s not necessarily aimed at double glazing improvements.

The ECO grant is for: 

• Those who are on a low income 
• Those in a fuel poverty-stricken area
• Those who are in vulnerable households
• Those who are receiving benefits from the government

To see if you’re eligible for the ECO grant, visit the GOV.UK website for more information.

The ECO grant is there for homeowners to make energy-saving benefits to their homes by installing new gas boilers or solid wall insulations.

But sometimes, homeowners may be able to put some of the money towards double glazing installations, especially for those who currently have single glazed windows.

Why? Because technically, this falls under the “energy-saving benefits” category. 

We have spoken before about the many benefits of double glazing, and why all homes should make the switch from single to double, simply because of the amazing energy efficiency ratings double glazing windows have.

So be sure to check to see if you’re eligible for the ECO grant before making any big purchases for your brand new windows and doors.

But currently, as it stands, this is the only government-backed grant that homeowners can potentially apply for, for double glazing improvements.

What if I’m not eligible for ECO or the new Green Deal?

Whilst there are other certain government-backed grants that can help homeowners with paying their electric and gas bills, it’s important to note that there are currently no other grants for windows and doors from the government available.

But do not worry, if you aren’t eligible for any of the grants we’ve mentioned on this list, you may be surprised to hear that the cost to install new windows and doors is not as much as you may think.

We recently covered the average double glazing prices for the year and whilst this is an estimated figure across all the products our installers offer, the prices are only a few £100 out of what we’d expect our network of installers to charge.

There are many ways you could look for advice on how to save energy, whilst it may not be a full grant for your home, these energy-saving tips may provide useful as a short-term solution:

• Add draught excluders to your windows and doors to prevent heat loss
• Seal cracks in flooring and skirting boards and block an unused chimney or fireplace to prevent heat escaping through the chimney
• Consider monitoring your energy usage to reduce usage where you can

If you’re interested in installing new windows and doors into your home, use our find an installer tool to find local double glazing companies who can help discuss the type of home improvement you want. 

Alternatively, use our online quote tool where you can design your fully bespoke windows, doors and conservatories, seeing a visual representation of your ideal window or door. All our quotes are completely free and come with no obligations.

New: Green Homes Grant Scheme

On 8th July 2020, the UK Government has announced a new home improvements grant scheme.

The new scheme, called Green Homes Grant Scheme, allows homeowners and landlords to claim vouchers worth up to £10,000, to install energy saving measures in their homes, including for double glazing (windows and doors).

We have put together a full guide to the Green Homes Grant Scheme.

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