Replacing Windows - Any Schemes?

MintyCyrmu

Hello all

I purchased my new (first) home last year and, having lived through the winter I've realised that the windows & doors should be replaced if I've any hope of reducing the amount of energy I use (very draughty). I've replaced all of the stormguard seals which in fairness has improved performance, but I'm still leaking heat badly - I'm not sure if it's the actual glazing or the seal between the frames and the brickwork.

Before I begin the process of obtaining quotes from a number of vendors, are there are any government schemes/grants/opportunities available or on the horizon that might help with the cost?

Thanks

FreeBear

There are a few local council schemes, but these are aimed at the elderly and those in dire (fuel) poverty. No other government schemes are around that I know of. That said, the likes of Anglian Windows like to claim that they can provide "funding" and "cash back" for your old windows. Do not fall for it, it is just marketing bull to make it sound like you are getting a good deal.

Find yourself a recommended local installer, and he/she will give you a decent price without any hard sell, "sign on the dotted line now", or any of the other tricks used by the big nationals. If it is just the sealing around the frames, the local guy may well sort it out for a few pounds and advise on other measures to kill the draughts.

Brie

@FreeBear do you know how to find what schemes there are?  I can't see anything on google.  I put in the local council and "window replacement".

FreeBear

Random council offering - https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/housing/grants/renovation-grants/renovation-grants-for-owner-occupiers/ and https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/communities/healthier/warm-homes-healthy-people/

Do a search for "[Council] renovation grants"

Brie

Thanks @FreeBear
Unfortunately our council appears to only due insulation grants and only for homes less energy efficient than ours.  

twopenny

Minty, have you established where the draught is coming from?

I've used the winter to try and find if I have any problems and the things I look at are a) the fresh air vents not throughly closed (though to be fair the new ones I have are worse) - b) the seals around the window frame c) the seals around the glass. Trying to work out if the cold feeling is caused by the radiators being under the window

My local Window Doctor will do a whole house assessment, doors etc too, for £50 which is deducted from payment if you have work done by her ie replacing old seals.

It's a lot cheaper than new windows and she's in high demand locally.

MintyCyrmu

Wow, great responses, thank you all.

I'll certainly check local council renovation grants, they're not in the habit of this kind of thing so I'm not confident.

The source of the cold/draught: that's exactly what I was thinking, and not sure if it's:

a) the seal between the glass and the frame
b) the seal between the frame and the brickwork
c) any combination of both

@twopenny what is local for you (I'm in South Wales), if close enough I'd appreciate the contact details of the window doctor you've referred to.

I'd much rather save the windows I have for a lower cost than invest in new as a heavy handed solution.

BUFF

Are the existing single-glazed or double-glazed?
If they are single-glazed then (assuming no conservation/listed concerns) I would just bite the bullet & get replacement double-glazed or consider doing DIY secondary glazing. 

NeverTooLate

Brie said:

@FreeBear do you know how to find what schemes there are?  I can't see anything on google.  I put in the local council and "window replacement".

This web site has a search tool to find grants in your area:
https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/

Slinky

MintyCyrmu said:

Wow, great responses, thank you all.

I'll certainly check local council renovation grants, they're not in the habit of this kind of thing so I'm not confident.

The source of the cold/draught: that's exactly what I was thinking, and not sure if it's:

a) the seal between the glass and the frame
b) the seal between the frame and the brickwork
c) any combination of both

@twopenny what is local for you (I'm in South Wales), if close enough I'd appreciate the contact details of the window doctor you've referred to.

I'd much rather save the windows I have for a lower cost than invest in new as a heavy handed solution.

Window Doctor is a franchise, there are others across the country. Search Window Doctor for your local area, plus 'double glazing repairs' with your area may throw up some independents who could be a bit cheaper.

greenface2

Most areas have window repairs or doctors . It maybe a few things before the big expense of new windows . You could try for a green home grant which started at the beginning of covid , think it may have finished . Try looking for warm home schemes ect . Grants are available but often start with lagging then boilers . then cavity wall then windows and then only if you currently have single glazing . or a disability / low income stuff ,