Installing double glazing in your home can make a big difference to its energy efficiency. According to the Energy Saving Trust, homeowners could save up to £175 a year by replacing their old single glazed windows with new energy efficient models. With the cost of heating your home likely to go up in the future, these savings could well increase year on year.
In an effort to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s homes, the Government has made a number of grants available to homeowners. These can help to offset the cost of upgrading a property, they can also make improvements like double glazing a lot more affordable.
Why are double glazing grants needed?
According to @GDealUK, “The UK’s 26 million strong housing stock is among the world’s oldest and most inefficient. Half of it is not insulated properly, with 3 million homes posing significant health risks to their occupants.” The majority of the heat that we lose from our homes escapes through the walls, roof and windows. By replacing old, draughty windows with new ones, homeowners can significantly reduce the amount they need to heat their properties and help the environment, and their bank balance, in the process.
Double glazing grants
The most popular double glazing grants available to homeowners in the UK are accessible via the Green Deal. Part of the 2011 Energy Act, the scheme was designed to make properties across the country more energy efficient. Though the Government has recently ceased funding the Green Deal, there are still some grants available. If you qualify for the scheme, you could see up to 45% of your double glazing costs covered by a grant.
How to get a double glazing grant
If you want to apply for a grant through the Green Deal, the first thing you’ll need to do is arrange for a qualified consultant to assess your property. They’ll take a look at your current level of insulation and make recommendations on ways you can improve your property’s energy efficiency. Once the assessment has taken place, the bill payer in the household will be given a list of recommendations. This list will include estimates on how much the work will cost and how much money it will save on the annual energy bill.
Once a quote has been agreed, the next step is to arrange financing. Loans of up to £10,000 are available through the scheme. These loans are repaid over a 25-year period, with the responsibility of the loan remaining with the property even if it changes hands. Repayments are carefully calculated so that they’re never more than the annual savings made on the energy bills. This ensures homeowners won’t be out of pocket and makes the scheme accessible to everyone.
To find out more about the many benefits of double glazing, or to arrange for a quote on your property, contact a member of our team today.