Image credit: Adobe
With the energy crisis still affecting domestic budgets, UK homeowners are looking for effective ways to minimise their bills, and with improvements such as double glazing windows, cost can be offset against the savings made. Research by The Eco Experts shows that 95% of people buy double glazing to save money on their energy bills and keep their homes warm, and properties built after 2002 must have double glazing installed as standard.
However, it’s not only your budget that can benefit from the upgrade to double glazing. By reducing your home’s energy consumption, you lessen the UK’s fossil fuel dependency and changing from single to double glazing can decrease your carbon footprint by up to 410kg per year.
How much does double glazing cost?
Double glazing units’ prices depend on several factors, including the style chosen and the construction material of the frame. Prices also consider the energy rating of the glass.
We looked at some of the most trusted installers in the UK and their double glazing cost for different materials and styles.
| Material | Anglian | Everest | Safestyle | Britelite | Britannia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £250–£570 (A+ rated) | £350–£570 (A+ rated) | £250–£570 (A rated) | £160–£450 (A+ rated) | £250–£500 |
| Wood | £845–£910 | £845–£1,250 | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Wood clad | £575–£625 | £575–£625 | Unavailable | £475–£625 | £475–£625 |
| Aluminium | £500–£605 | £500–£605 | Unavailable | £500–£605 | £500–£605 |
The style of window will also impact the price of your double glazing, with casement windows tending to be the cheapest option.
| Style | Estimated cost for new double glazing |
|---|---|
| Casement window | £160–£1,250 per window |
| Sash window | 50% more than a casement window |
| Tilt and turn window | 25% more than a casement window |
Factors impacting the cost of double glazing windows
The energy rating of double glazing
Double glazing windows are given an energy efficiency rating by the BFRC. (Image credit: Adobe)
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) assesses the glass for its energy efficiency, and awards a rating from E through to A++. A++ is the highest rating and consequently is in a higher price band.
The frame material
Several frame materials are available for your replacement windows, with the traditional uPVC the most popular option for homeowners.
- uPVC – the typical white uPVC window frames require minimal maintenance to look good and perform well. These are one of the cheapest yet most energy efficient options.
- Timber – if kerb appeal is an additional factor, timber double glazing frames offer that in abundance. Although timber has natural insulation properties, the frames will require some annual maintenance to prevent warping and rotting.
- Composite, or timber clad – the combination of timber bonded over another material, usually aluminium or fibreglass, provides a highly durable, attractive frame. Generally, the room-side part of the frame is timber, while the exterior is constructed from the second material.
- Aluminium – aluminium frames are strong, lightweight and require minimal maintenance; however, they are the least energy efficient option.
Style and design
Alongside new double glazing materials, the available styles have increased, too, allowing you to choose from:
- Casement windows – this traditional style is still a popular option as they suit the architectural style of most properties, and offer great versatility. Designed to let large amounts of light through, casement frames generally incorporate one large window, or two side by side, and often include a smaller vent window at the top.
- Tilt and turn windows – often incorporated into casement windows, they feature a mechanical hinge that opens on two axes. This allows the window to tilt open from the top or by pressing a button, from the side like a door. Ideal for young families, the tilt action prevents children from climbing out.
- Georgian bar windows – during the manufacturing process, casement windows have bars sandwiched between the double glazing panes, giving the appearance of traditional Georgian windows.
- Vertical sliding, or sash windows – designed to mimic the traditional sash appearance, these have two windows joined on the horizontal axis in a sliding frame, allowing the windows to open from the top or bottom. Sash frames can really enhance a period property.
How much will double glazing save on your energy bill?
The insulating properties of double glazing windows can help you save money on your energy bills. (Image credit: Adobe)
The insulating properties of double glazing allow your home to be warm and comfortable, and combined with the solar gain effect, improve its temperature by around 64%. The resulting savings on your annual energy bill can, for a typical house, amount to £235.
Frequently asked questions about double glazing windows