Window Scrappage Scheme: What To Know & What To Avoid

You may have seen adverts recently, or even a few months ago regarding the window scrappage scheme. 

And if you’re thinking about upgrading your home by installing uPVC windows and doors, the thought of a company recycling your old frames for you to buy new ones sounds quite appealing. 

But the unfortunate truth is that there is no such thing as a window scrappage scheme, nor is there a Government-backed window scrappage scheme. 

In this article, we want to bring to light the truth on window scrappage schemes by covering:

• What is the window scrappage scheme?
• What does happen to old window frames?
• How can I avoid being fooled into the hype? 

What is the window scrappage scheme?

A group of big-name double glazing brands are offering to replace old uPVC frames for new ones. All they ask is that you give them your old window frames to recycle and they’ll install brand new uPVC windows which could help you – allegedly – save up to £2,800 on energy bills, where heat would otherwise be “leaking” through your current windows and doors.

Let’s take a look at the alleged benefits:

• You’ll be saving up to £2,800 on energy bills.
• You don’t need to worry about your old window frames, just focus on buying new ones!
• You’ll be doing your part for the environment by recycling old frames that – as it’s led to believe – would otherwise end up in landfill. 

But this is simply not the case.

Not only do your old uPVC frames not end up on landfill, but there also isn’t even a window scrappage scheme in place. It’s simply a marketing attempt to get you to upgrade your windows and doors for new ones. 

Even one of the biggest names in the double glazing industry – who are actively promoting their own window scrappage scheme came out and said “there is no government-backed scrappage scheme.”

Rather than identifying yourself that you may need new windows and doors, these companies are trying to force sell you to upgrade your windows and doors because they are offering homeowners “discounts” through their scrappage schemes.

So much so that reports of window scrappage scheme nuisance calls are getting out of hand with many homeowners being targeted and cold-called asking if they’re interested in upgrading their windows and doors.

The truth of the matter is you could still be paying the same amount of money if you were to upgrade anyway and with various scrappage schemes, you may in fact be charged even more!

This is because these companies inflate their scrappage scheme prices, so that, they may call it a “discount” when in actual fact, it’s a scheme designed to make you pay more than you need to.

And by dressing it up as “you’re doing your part for the environment” and that you’ll be saving money on your energy bills, it can seem too good to be true for the average homeowner.

What actually happens to old frames?

Despite these bold claims made by these big-name companies, old frames don’t actually end up on landfill if you don’t recycle them.

But the fact of the matter is, most companies these days will recycle your old window frames anyway. This is because they’re made to be 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly. You don’t need to pay extra to get environmentally friendly uPVC window frames when, any of our installers and their products boast the same features and benefits.

How can I avoid being fooled into believing the hype?

We hope that what we have put together in this article will help you identify potential scams and schemes that are designed to take as much money from the homeowner as possible, without having their best interests at heart.

That’s why we take pride in working with established, trusted and well-respected double glazing installers up and down the country who care about homeowners who install high-quality products and who are backed by ourselves. So if you’re ever unhappy with a job that one of our installers do, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

We also want to work with you to achieve the end product. That’s why we use QuoteBuilder for you to have a visual representation of what your dream windows and doors may look like and because you know your home better than our installers do, you can size up the windows to your own homes’ specification, which frees up our installers to simply arrive and install your brand new windows and doors.

Where can I find a reputable window installer near me?

Just take a look at our find an installer page and enter your postcode to see the nearest Double Glazing Network installer near you.