Energy Efficient Windows: The Ultimate Cost Guide in 2023
With the rise in energy prices across the UK, many people are looking to increase the efficiency in their homes to save cash in the long run. One of the ways many homeowners are doing this is by installing energy-efficient windows. In this cost guide, we’ll take a look at some of the windows that are on the market that can help to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
These types of windows improve aspects like insulation, which helps to retain heat inside without letting too much cold air through. If you’re thinking of installing more energy-efficient windows into your home, take a look at our cost guide for 2023.
How much do energy-efficient windows cost?
The cost of upgrading your windows to energy-efficient windows depends on several factors, including the number of windows you wish to upgrade and the type of upgrades you intend to implement. There are various types of energy-efficient windows which will be discussed later on in this post. To give you a ballpark idea of how much you can expect to pay for energy-efficient windows, we’ve compiled the below table for.
| Home Type/ Number of windows | Frame material | Labour | Total Installation Cost |
| Detached (8 – 12 windows) | uPVC | £300 per day | £4,900 – £6,900 |
| Aluminium | £6,300 – £9,300 | ||
| Timber | £9,200 – £13,800 | ||
| Semi-detached (6 – 10 windows) | uPVC | £300 per day | £3,750 – £6,050 |
| Aluminium | £4,800 – £7,800 | ||
| Timber | £6,900 – £11,800 | ||
| 2 bedroom flat (3 – 5 windows) | uPVC | £300 per day | £2,075 – £3,175 |
| Aluminium | £2,550 – £3,750 | ||
| Timber | £3,450 – £5,750 |
These figures are purely estimations therefore, you need to contact a professional contractor to get accurate figures for your window upgrades.
If you’re considering upgrading the windows in your home to become more energy efficient, the initial upfront cost may seem hefty. Still, the overall savings with energy-efficient windows installed will be worth it. It is estimated that energy-efficient windows can save homeowners an average of £120 per annum. Upgrades to your windows usually last around 10-15 years if they are looked after and maintained properly therefore you have the potential to save around £1800 with these upgrades.
What are the different types of energy-efficient windows?
Essentially, the energy efficiency of windows depends on the glazing you choose to install. Additional glazing can improve the energy efficiency in your home as it reduces the amount of heat that is lost through the window. Some of the options you can explore when you look to increase the energy efficiency of your windows include the following.
Double or triple glazing
Double-glazed windows offer additional insulation for your home through an extra layer of glass. Windows have to be made to accommodate this extra layer as the gas, usually argon, sits in between the layers of glass to provide this insulation.
Triple gazing is a similar concept, just with three layers of glazing instead of two. Windows manufactured for triple glazing have space for three panes of glass with a gas gap between them. These are usually more expensive, given the additional manufacturing required, but triple-glazed windows are excellent for efficiency, especially in the winter months.
Low emissivity glazing
This type of glazing modifies the window panes themselves, coating them with thin metal-infused plastic to promote insulation. The effect is that natural heat from the sun is allowed into your home from short-wave radiation. The coating stops heat from inside your home from escaping back through the window panes, keeping your home warmer for longer. The film does create a slight mirror effect, but other than that, it is hardly noticeable, thereby not obscuring the transparency of the window.
Low emissivity glazing is another excellent solution for energy-efficient windows and can enhance a household’s efficiency by as much as 40%.
Secondary glazing
Secondary glazing is the most cost and time-efficient method of upgrading your window’s glazing profiles. With no additional space required for extra panes, secondary glazing is easy to install and comes with several different options. You can purchase self-adhering secondary glazing or simply additional panes of glass to install onto existing windows. For a more comprehensive cost breakdown, take a look at our post on secondary glazing.
What aspects affect the costs of energy-efficient windows?
As with most window installations, the size of the window, frame material and the number of windows you wish to upgrade affect the cost of upgrading your windows to be more energy efficient.
The type of energy-efficient upgrades you choose to install will also affect the cost of the upgrade project. Triple glazing will usually be the most expensive upgrade to install, given that additional manufacturing is required to implement this change. When you opt for double or triple glazing, most contractors will advise you to replace the entire window. Modifying existing windows with single glazing to accommodate additional glazing may cost more than replacing the units. Solutions such as secondary glazing or installing low-emissivity panes may be more cost-effective in this regard.
What are the benefits of energy-efficient windows?
The most prominent benefit of having secondary glazing installed is certainly the cost savings on energy bills. However, there are also other benefits to look forward to. These window upgrades will ensure that your home stays warmer for longer as they retain heat generated from the inside and also use the natural heat from the sun to warm the inside of your home. Additional glazing and energy efficiency is also a sought-after quality for those looking to buy houses and will therefore add value to your property.
What you should know before installing energy-efficient windows
Depending on the age of your house, the contractor may advise that replacing windows entirely may be better than upgrading your existing windows. If you have a home wherein you want to maintain a classic period look, then you need to consider this before upgrading your windows.
For new builds, you should always look for windows with preinstalled double or triple glazing as this is now a standard for new developments.
Homes with energy-efficient windows can also apply for efficiency grants should they match the eligibility requirements.
FAQs
Do energy-efficient windows add value to the property?
Yes, energy-efficient windows are one of the key qualities those looking to purchase property look for and will therefore add value to your property.
Why are energy-efficient windows so expensive?
The initial cost to upgrade windows to more energy-efficient units is quite hefty. However, there is a lot of money to be saved on energy bills in the long term, given that heat is retained inside of the home for longer.
Are energy-efficient windows easy to maintain?
Contractors will give you all the necessary maintenance instructions surrounding your energy-efficient windows. Simply cleaning them regularly should be sufficient. However, some window styles will require more rigorous maintenance activities.
Should I restore or replace my energy-efficient windows?
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows from single glazing may require you to replace the entire window unit. However, for energy-efficient windows with only minor damage, restoration may be possible. A professional contractor will be able to advise you on a case-by-case basis on whether or not your windows need to be replaced or if restoration is possible.