Double Glazing Grants: Your Comprehensive Guide

Double glazing costs around £700 to £1000 per window, depending on the material and other factors. So, you’ll need around £5,500 to £10,000 to upgrade all the windows in an entire house. Yet, this upgrade is necessary to fight this energy crisis and reduce your carbon footprint.

So, let’s discuss how to install double glazing if you don’t have that much money lying around. Let’s talk about double glazing grants and other financial aids that can help. This includes any scheme that will support you with funds to cover all or part of a double-glazing installation or repair project.

What Double-Glazing Grants are Available in 2023?

There are a few schemes available in the UK that can potentially help with the costs of installing double glazing, although direct grants specifically for double glazing are not common. These schemes are generally aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprints of homes, of which double glazing can be a part. However, these schemes can change frequently, so it’s always best to check with official sources or local councils for the most current information.

Here’s a table of schemes that have recently been closed and others that are still ongoing in 2023:

Scheme/Financial Assistance	Running Time	Regions Covered
Green Homes Grant	Closed (was available until 2021)	England
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)	Ongoing, subject to periodic reviews	UK-wide
Local Authority Delivery scheme (LAD)	Ongoing, subject to periodic funding rounds	England, Scotland, Wales
Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland	Ongoing	Scotland
Nest Scheme	Ongoing	Wales
Affordable Warmth Scheme	Ongoing	Northern Ireland

Please note the following:

• Green Homes Grant: This was a significant grant that covered a portion of the cost of installing energy-efficient improvements, including double glazing. However, the scheme has been closed.

• Energy Company Obligation (ECO): This is an ongoing program where larger energy suppliers are obligated to help households with energy efficiency measures. While it typically focuses on lower-income and more vulnerable households, it may cover or contribute to the cost of double-glazing in certain situations.

• Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme: This scheme is part of the Green Homes Grant and is designed to support low-income households in energy efficiency improvements. Local councils may have specific offers that include double glazing.

• Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS): This includes a range of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fuel poverty. Grants under this program may be applicable for double-glazing installations.

• Nest Scheme: The Welsh Government runs this scheme to help households in Wales improve their home’s energy efficiency. Qualifying households may receive support for improvements, including double glazing.

• Affordable Warmth Scheme: Part of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme, this scheme aims to provide financial support to make homes more energy-efficient.

What are Double Glazing Grants?

The UK doesn’t have dedicated grants for double glazing. So, these double glazing grants cover all sorts of energy efficiency home improvements, not just double glazing installations. They are part of the UK government’s goal of zero carbon footprint by 2050 and the point is to help people with funding for home upgrades that can make this goal possible.  

Such upgrades include insulation of lofts, walls, windows and doors, improvement of heating systems, draught-proofing and replacement windows like double glazing. Some double glazing grants will give you enough money to pay for the entire project. However, some will only offset the cost. So, you will have to pay the rest yourself.

The Double Glazing Grants

Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) Scheme

ECO is a government scheme that started in 2013 and will run until 2026. It is a collaboration between the UK government and energy companies. ECO is available in Scotland, Wales and England. The double glazing grant we will discuss is actually the fourth stage of this scheme. So, its official name is ECO4.

The goal of ECO4 and the ECO scheme is to reduce carbon emissions and help people in fuel poverty.  To do this, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) registers energy companies into the Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) scheme. These companies must then fund energy efficiency home upgrades for low-income families.

The upgrades include insulation, boiler upgrades, draught-proofing and double glazing. The company won’t cover the entire cost of the project. So, you will have to cough up some of the money yourself. However, the amount you can get will vary from one company to another.

Their eligibility criteria will vary too, but any homeowner with the following benefits is eligible for ECO4. Tenants too, if the landlord permits the installation of the double-glazing or any other project. Only people in social housing don’t aren’t for ECO. Here is the list of eligible benefits.

• Child Tax Credits (CTC)
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit Savings Credit
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit Guarantee
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Income Support (IS)
• Credit Working Tax Credit (WTC)

As for the application, simply contact any energy company that provides ECO grants. You don’t have to be a customer to apply with them. So, don’t worry if your energy provider is not on the list of companies in that link. Only big energy companies are currently in the scheme.

Contact any energy company on the list. Ask about their eligibility criteria and the energy efficiency home upgrade they offer. If you qualify, they will assess your home, recommend improvements and provide the grant money. If you don’t qualify or don’t like a company’s offer, move on to another energy provider or try the next double glazing grant.

ECO4 Flex Grant

This was created to help people who don’t meet the criteria for ECO4. Hence, the name ECO4 Flex. However, it is also called the LA Flex Grant, the flexibility eligibility or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Like ECO4, the goal of LA Flex is also to help homes in fuel poverty by funding energy efficient home upgrades. These upgrades include insulation, heating and double glazing.

However, unlike the ECO4, the local councils are in charge here. They are the ones that provide the funding and determine the eligibility criteria. Generally, any homeowner or tenant with income-related benefits will qualify. However, the local governments can modify the eligibility criteria as they see fit. The only rule is that the recipient must be in a low-income home vulnerable to cold and fuel poverty.

To apply, contact your local council about eligibility and the home improvements that they cover. Ask if they cover double glazing or other upgrades that will benefit you. Then, let them walk you through the application process. 

Home Upgrade (HUG2) scheme

HUG2 is another grant that supports low-income homes with upgrades that increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It started in 2023 and is available all over the UK until March 2025. You can get anywhere from £3,000 to £24,000 and spend it on draught, improvement, double glazing and other door and window improvements.

However, there is a caveat. The scheme is divided into two categories of home improvement measures. These are low-carbon heat and energy efficiency measures. Then, each category is further divided into grades A, B and C, depending on the priority of the upgrade. Double glazing is in grades B and C of the energy efficiency measure category. It is a relatively low-priority upgrade. So, you can only spend a limited amount of the grant on double glazing.

However, the funds will still help out even if they don’t cover the cost of the entire project. So, apply for HUG2 if you are in a home with fuel poverty, low income or low energy efficiency rating (Grade D to G). Those who live off the gas grid also qualify. Any tenant or homeowner who meets these criteria is eligible. Contact local authorities to apply.

Affordable Warmth Scheme

The Affordable Warmth Scheme also supports people with funds for energy efficiency home improvement. It has been doing this since 2014 and is still ongoing. Like the other three double glazing grants we have discussed, this one is also available in all four countries in the UK.

However, the upgrades covered vary from one country to another. Generally, you can expect support for draught-proofing, insulation and double-glazing replacement windows. Some may also include heating improvements like boiler upgrades and central heating.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme also uses a priority system. The replacement of single glazing with double glazing is priority 3. Examples of priority one are draught-proofing of doors and windows, while boiler upgrade is an example of priority 2.

In general, this scheme is usually open to low-income homes, but local councils are the administrators. So, the criteria for eligibility depends on your local authorities. Contact them to find out. Ask them about the application process too.

If you qualify and apply for the Affordable Warmth Scheme, the council will send an assessor to your home. After the assessment, they will recommend upgrades, approve the amount you qualify for and provide a deadline for the project.

Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS)

HEEPS is a government program that is only available in Scotland. It started in 2013 to support people with funding for home energy efficiency improvements, specifically heating and insulation. It includes a grant of up to £7,500 (up to £9,000 in rural areas) and an interest-free loan of £8,000.

The grant doesn’t cover double glazing. Therefore, we don’t need to talk about it unless you are also interested in other energy efficiency measures it covers. So, let’s focus on the loan. That’s what you need to apply for if you want help with double glazing installation.

Reach out to Home Energy Scotland and present them with a recommendation for the upgrade and the energy rating of your current windows. If your application is accepted, they will provide an interest-free loan. The amount of money you will get depends on whether they think your upgrade is a primary or a secondary measure.

HEEPS is open to homeowners and tenants in low-income homes. You must have lived in the house for a minimum of one year and not benefited from the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme in the last five years.

Alternatives to Double Glazing Grants

There are other options if you don’t qualify for any of these double glazing grants. Let’s talk about them.

Other Financial Aids

The government and energy companies almost always have offers you can use to your advantage. These double glazing grants are just the tip of the iceberg. There are others, such as loans and cost spreading. Even grants that cover other energy efficiency upgrades apart from double glazing will help if your primary aim is to reduce energy costs.

Other helpful financial aids from the double glazing include:

• The green loan scheme: This is a variant of the defunct green deal, the first grant the government created to help people with energy-efficient home improvements like double-glazing. The only difference is that this is a loan from the private sector. The green loan scheme covers double glazing. It is available in Scotland, Wales and England.
• Warm homes nest scheme: When we said “grants that don’t cover double glazing,” this is what we meant. It covers insulation, central heating and boiler upgrades. However, only people in Wales are eligible.
• Barclays Greener Home Reward: This is a scheme by Barclays for homeowners who use their bank for mortgage payments. Eligible candidates get funds (£500 minimum) for energy efficiency home upgrades like double glazing.
• Green home scheme: This is a scheme by E.ON Energy. It also provides loans and grants for energy efficiency home improvements like double glazing.
• Everest free grade: Through this scheme, Everest Windows installs double or triple glazing for reduced cost. However, they will take the existing windows for recycling. 
• Anglian Scrappage Scheme: Anglian Installations Limited also use this scheme to offer lower-cost double glazing installation in exchange for the old glazing.
• Government schemes that help with energy bills: Examples include the cold weather payment, warm home discount and the winter fuel payment scheme. These types of aids won’t solve your double glazing problem but they will help with payment of energy bills.

Energy Saving Tips

Double glazing and other energy efficient home improvements are a means to an end. The goal is to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. So, here are some tips that will help until (and even after) you upgrade your windows to double glazing.

• Use a smart metre
• Use heavy window curtains and rugs
• Switch off (or unplug) unused lights and devices
• Wash clothes and dishes in batches
• Buy energy-saving bulbs and solar-powered devices
• Use less water in the shower

How Much Can I Save With Double Glazing?

The financial benefits of retrofitting your home with double-glazed windows are influenced by a host of elements, including the size and style of your dwelling, the kind of windows you’re replacing, the efficiency of your existing heating setup, and even the local climate conditions. Nevertheless, one of the prime advantages of double glazing is its capability to diminish thermal loss, which typically results in a reduction in heating expenditures.

According to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust, the annual savings gained from replacing single-glazed with double-glazed windows can be estimated as follows, based on an average household with gas heating:

• For a detached home, savings are likely to fall in the range of £110 to £115.
• Owners of semi-detached houses might see their bills drop by about £75 to £80.
• Those living in mid-terrace houses could notice reductions amounting to £60 to £65.
• If you’re in a bungalow, expect to conserve around £50 to £55.
• Apartment dwellers could trim their energy bills by roughly £40 to £45.

Benefits of Double Glazing

In case you still need convincing, here are five reasons to install double glazing windows.

Energy efficiency

Double glazing has excellent insulation qualities. It also increases solar gain. As a result, you won’t have to spend so much money to heat your home. Your energy bill will reduce by up to £195 to £235 per year. The environment also benefits as your carbon footprint reduces by up to 405kg annually.

Less condensation

Double glazing reduces condensation issues by keeping the warm air inside the house from coming in contact with the cold air outside. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about condensation and its effects (allergies, mould growth, breathing difficulties) during cold months.

Noise reduction

Compared to single glazing, double glazing is also better at stopping outdoor noise from entering your house. At the same time, it also prevents indoor noise from getting outdoors.

Security

Double glazing is also more secure. It is designed to withstand impacts and break-in attempts. So, your house is going to be safer than ever.

Property value

Upgrading your windows to double glazing will increase the market value of your property by up to 10%.

Conclusion

The UK does not have any dedicated double glazing grants. These grants are generally for energy efficient home upgrades. This is good news because window upgrades are not the only improvements a home needs to become more energy efficient and reduce energy bills. More often than not, it also needs other upgrades like loft or wall insulation, heating system upgrades and draught-proofing.

These are all upgrades that those so-called double glazing grants can help with. So, reach out to the people in charge. Apply, follow their guidelines and hope to get accepted. Then, try the other financial schemes if you don’t qualify or get these double glazing grants.

You can also contact an installer about deals and offers. New deals and schemes are always coming up, while existing ones also end or get suspended. Examples of closed double glazing grants included the Green Day deal (October 2012 – July 2015) and the original Green Homes grant (September 2020 – March 2021).

FAQ

Am I Eligible for Double Glazing Grants?

Any homeowner or private tenant is eligible. Only people in social housing are not eligible. However, the criteria will vary depending on the grants. So, it’s better to contact the administrators first.

How Do I Apply for Double glazing grants?

You can follow the guide in this article and contact the administrators to put you through. They will check your eligibility, process your application and send an assessor to assess your property.