Windows Scheme / Green Home / Double Glazing

KausarT2021

Hi all
We bought our first home about 6 months ago and have noticed that there is quite a raft from the windows (especially in the kids room) so thought it was best to look into getting the windows re-done. Have been trawling the internet for any 'Green Home Scheme' or any other discount scheme that was hoping we could use, but cannot seem to find anything. Is anyone aware of any kind of schemes currently running to help with the cost? Money is quite tight but with the cold weather and bills set to rise, we would like to do what we can to insulate the house better. We are in York if that helps at all. 
Thank you in advance, appreciate any advise / help
Thanks
Kausar

ic

There isn't one, the last government grants scheme closed to applicants last year.  If you are on certain benefits you might be eligible for help with insulation.

It's very easy and DIY to seal up draughts around the window frames by the wall using sealant (likely required on the outside too).  Also the rubber seals of the opening windows can perish, and the friction hinges can wear meaning windows don't close properly - these too can be changed and are very cheap.

If you go for new windows, look for a good local installer and avoid the big chains.  Their buy one get one free offers and manager's discounts will still wind up with a price double that of a local tradesman.

KausarT2021

Thanks, will definitely look into the DIY updates' as that would be much cheaper for us right now and hopefully will do the job until we get round to doing them all properly. 
Thanks
Kausar 

FreeBear

ic said: There isn't one, the last government grants scheme closed to applicants last year.

It's very easy and DIY to seal up draughts around the window frames by the wall using sealant (likely required on the outside too).

When the Green Deal was a "thing", I had a look at it. Quickly found that companies involved in doing the work were charging well over the odds, and the overall cost was substantial. The last scheme being offered failed to provide much help to the vast majority of home owners and was mired in mis-management...

A mastic gun plus a few tubes of sealant will plug many draughts. Expanding foam is also good for sealing gaps between skirting & floor boards. But it is best used with a dedicated gun rather than the cans with a flexi tube - Much easier to control, and you can lay down a thin bead without it going everywhere.

Tip - If you use expanding foam and it ends up somewhere where you don't want it, let it harden and dry before trying to remove it. If you try to mop it up when soft & wet, it sticks like [redacted] to a blanket.