What are the best double glazing windows companies?

  • Anglian Home Improvements: Best overall
  • Everest: Best guarantee
  • Britelite: Most cost-effective
  • Britannia: Best payment options

If you’re thinking about energy efficient home improvements, double glazing windows should be high on your list. These windows not only provide enhanced insulation, ensuring your home remains cosy in winter but can also save you money on your heating bills – in some cases, as much as £235 annually, according to the Energy Savings Trust. 

However, it’s crucial to find a reputable installer for your project. Although you can ask Google which are the best double glazing companies near me, it won’t tell you which ones are trustworthy, reliable, or priced within your budget. 

This is where our experts can help. They have assessed the best double glazing companies around the UK, analysing their services, costs, and reputations. This article also includes a comprehensive guide to your consumer rights, what an installation involves and how to get the best deal on your windows prices

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The best double glazing installers in the UK 2023

We’ve thoroughly researched double glazing installers and compared them on cost, guarantee, energy efficiency, and the variety of styles that they offer. We’ve also considered the most recent Trustpilot reviews and ratings to help us find the five best companies in the UK.

Double glazing windows companies compared

CompaniesEnergy ratingPrice per windowGuaranteeMaterialsTrustpilot rating
AnglianA or A+ for double glazing uPVC; A++ for triple glazing£250–£91010-year guarantee for all parts and labour, 15 year for gas-filled windowsuPVC, aluminium, timber3.9
EverestA+ for uPVC window£500–£3,20010-year, 20-year or lifetime (for a fee) transferable guaranteesuPVC, aluminium, timber4.4
BriteliteA+ for double glazing; A++ for triple glazingFrom £52710-year transferable guaranteeuPVC, aluminium4.1
BritanniaA+£250–£60510-year transferable guaranteeuPVC, aluminium4

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Anglian Home Improvements: Best overall double glazing windows company

  • Guarantee options: 10-Year guarantee offered on all parts and labour, 15-year guarantee offered on gas-filled windows
  • Price range: From £250–£910 per window
  • Energy efficiency rating: A or A+ on all double glazing 
  • Secured by Design rating: SBD-accredited on Tilt and Turn, Casement and Sliding Sash Windows

Anglian offers a variety of energy efficient windows styles and materials (including uPVC windows in a number of finishes, wood and aluminium), decorative glass options and nifty safety features, including shoot bolt locks, key locking handles, excluder devices and multi-point locks.

Previously branded Anglian Windows, the company has been in business since the 1960s and is considered a market leader, fitting more than half a million products every year. Anglian also places emphasis on economic and environmental sustainability; all products hold the Made in Britain mark, and the company is part of the Recovinyl Plus initiative that focuses on PVC recycling. 

Fair payment options, bespoke design choices, impressive accreditations and highly positive reviews led us to give this company top marks as double-glazers. Window styles include casement, flush, cottage, sash, bay and tilt and turn windows. And buyers can choose from a variety of Scandinavian-inspired styles and colours, including wood finishes on uPVC frames. 

Cost

Anglian doesn’t provide a public price list, but customers can request free quotes online. However, according to our research, the average cost of a 60cm x 90cm window runs as follows:

MaterialCost
uPVC£250–£570
Aluminium£500–£605
Composite£575–£625
Wood£845–£910

Our recommendation

Anglian’s real speciality is customisation and beautifully designed products for cash buyers in a variety of styles. It does offer some credit terms, but at an APR of 11.9%, it’s not as favourable as some of the company’s competitors (particularly brands like Britannia that bring interest-free terms and Buy Now, Pay Later plans to the table). 

Security-conscious buyers will also find a lot to like about Anglian’s safety features – especially their locking systems and the highly coveted Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation they hold. Anglian double glazing windows are our best overall option because of the company’s versatility, pricing, payment options and solid guarantees. Reviewers highly rate this company and its installers. 

Read our full Anglian windows review.

Everest: Best guarantee

  • Guarantee options: 10 years parts and material as standard on all products, 20 years on uPVC Exclusives range. Lifetime transferable guarantee available on uPVC Exclusives range for an extra charge 
  • Price range: £500–£3,200 per window
  • Energy efficiency rating: A+ on uPVC casement windows
  • Secured by Design rating: SBD Accredited 

Everest comes a close second for the best overall double glazing windows company for its unrivalled guarantee options. Founded in 1965 as Home Insulation Ltd in Waltham Abbey, the brand is one of the oldest double glazing companies in the UK. It holds the highest Trustpilot rating (4.3 stars) out of the brands on our list, with stellar reviews praising its customer service, reliability and designs. 

Everest isn’t the most affordable double glazing installer on our list, but it’s probably your safest bet, with an impressive list of accreditations and memberships, including Made in Britain, Secured by Design, Quiet Mark, Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA), TrustMark, British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and BSI Kitemarks. That, in addition to transferable guarantee options (including lifetime guarantees), makes Everest a solid choice for buyers that want quality and reliability from their double glazing windows company. 

Cost

Like Anglian, Everest doesn’t make its pricing available on the website (aside from giving an average price range of between £500–£3,200 per window), but we’ve used a few comparison sites to arrive at an average cost of a casement window. It’s also worth noting that at the moment, Everest is offering free upgrades from double to triple glazing, which carries an impressive A++ energy rating. 

MaterialCost
uPVC£500–£1,230
Aluminium£625–£1,537
Wood£1,000–£2,460

Our recommendation

Everest is the best option for cautious buyers that prioritise high quality windows and peace of mind over everything else (including price). While Everest does offer a choice between uPVC, wooden and aluminium windows, it offers fewer design options than the likes of Anglian and Britannia. Everest really has the edge over its competitors when it comes to cover. It not only holds an impressive list of accreditations (the most thorough of any double glazing windows company we’ve reviewed) but offers extremely attractive, long-term guarantees that are transferable between homeowners – adding value to the property if you would like to sell down the line. 

The 10-year guarantee comes standard for all parts and materials as well as issues resulting from faulty workmanship, including fogging and condensation. A 20-year guarantee is offered on all uPVC Exclusives windows, free of charge, covering discolouration and fogging. The Lifetime Guarantee comes with an additional charge but provides total peace of mind and access to lifetime cover against fogging and condensation on your windows.

Read our full Everest windows review.

Britelite Windows: Most cost-effective

  • Guarantee options: 10-year transferable guarantee
  • Price range: From £527 per window
  • Energy efficiency rating: A+ on all uPVC double glazing 

Britelite Windows has been in the double glazing industry for over 50 years, and is significantly focused on security, offering a 10-point lock system, and energy efficiency. The company’s accreditations include the BSI Kitemark for window installation.

Britelite’s policy of price transparency has earned its place on our list. There are no hidden fees, and quotes are always provided with VAT and fitting included. Online reviewers have often remarked how much more affordable Britelite is than some of its competitors, both in terms of its pricing and the energy savings enjoyed.

Cost

Pricing is unavailable online, but we’ve talked to Britelite, who gave our researchers average prices for a standard casement window.

MaterialCost
uPVC£527
Aluminium£1,050

Our recommendation

Britelite Windows is a good option for cash-strapped buyers that want straightforward pricing and installation. Britelite’s pricing is competitive and transparent, making it easier to make a decision up front. Unlike some of its competitors, Britelite is lauded online by reviewers for its simple and straightforward sales tactics. Cost savings are also enjoyed through greater energy efficiency after installation. 

On the downside, Britelite doesn’t offer a great deal of payment options, but its monthly financing option is extremely fair, with a representative APR of 8.9%. The company doesn’t offer many frills in terms of material or design, and the cover on offer is a stock-standard 10-year warranty.

Read our full Britelite windows review.

Britannia Windows: Best payment options

  • Guarantee options: 10-year transferable guarantee
  • Price range: £250–£605 per window
  • Energy efficiency rating: A or A+ on double glazing
  • Secured by Design rating: SBD Accredited 

Britannia Windows is a well-known family business formed in 1982, covering most of South and South West England. While the double glazing installer holds mixed reviews online, it has a solid reputation, addresses customer service and negative reviews head-on and utilises a network of installers to ensure swift service delivery. Its contact centre service hours are also favourable for busy homeowners. 

Britannia offers extremely flexible payment terms and several finance options, making it an attractive option for buyers who want to use credit. It also offers a huge variety of designs, colours and styles to buyers. 

Cost

Pricing is not available online, but we were able to get a range from costs reported by customers on review sites.  Pricing is generally comparable with that of Anglian. Most reviewers rate their costs as “fair” or “reasonable”.

MaterialCost
uPVC£250–£500
Aluminium£500–£605

Our recommendation

New windows are a long-term investment, and many homeowners require finance when making a purchase of this size. Britannia Windows is a good option if you require financing. It offers low-cost monthly financing, a Buy Now, Pay Later repayment scheme and 0% APR on purchases over £3,000. 

The company is known for beautiful showrooms in a number of convenient locations, friendly service and efficient installation, making it a solid all-round option. As a smaller business (compared to some of the others on our list), Britannia’s range of design and colour options is impressive. 

Read our full Britannia Windows review.

Double glazing prices, savings and finance

In this video we’ll explain the savings and benefits of double glazing, how you can get financial help to pay for them, as well as give you advice on what to do if you need to fix or replace your windows.

What are double glazing windows and how do they work?

How does double glazing work: double glazing cross section

Double glazing windows have two panes of glass with a gas-filled pocket in between them. (Image credit: Adobe)

Consisting of two panes of glass with space between in a sealed unit, double glazing windows are designed to not only look good and remain low maintenance but prevent draughts and retain your home’s warmth. You may sometimes see it referred to as insulated glass units or IGUs.

The panes are typically manufactured using laminated or tempered glass to provide strength, while the space between is filled with air, or more usually, argon gas. Known for its insulating properties, argon is non-toxic, odourless and transparent, and as air is removed from the 14mm–16mm space, argon is pumped in, creating a vacuum.

This vacuum slows the thermal transfer between the two temperature zones, reducing heat loss from the inside and preventing the external cold air from entering. Although the exterior pane will feel cooler to the touch, the argon gas doesn’t conduct the cold to the interior pane. In the same way, it retains the warmer interior air, preventing its transfer to the outside, and creating a layer of insulation.

While double glazing prevents heat from escaping your home, it allows the sun’s warmth through. The short wave infrared radiation from the sun can pass through the glass panes into the room beyond, but once inside, the sun’s energy is re-radiated as long wave infrared. As the long waves cannot pass through the glass, they are trapped, heating the room. This passive warmth is known as solar gain, and the process is called the greenhouse effect.

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How much do double glazing windows cost?

The cost of double glazing varies according to how many windows you need, which company you choose and the style of the window. uPVC windows generally tend to be the cheapest option followed by aluminium, with timber being the most expensive.

The below table is an average cost using the cheapest and most expensive windows installers’ price per unit. It’s worth noting that the average UK household has 10 windows, so this is something to consider when choosing which company is right for you and your budget.

MaterialAnglianEverestBriteliteBritannia
uPVC£250–£570 (A++ rated)£350–£570 (A+ rated)£160–£450 (A++ rated)£250–£500
Wood£845–£910£845–£1,250UnavailableUnavailable
Wood clad£575–£625£575–£625£475–£625£475–£625
Aluminium£500–£605£500–£605£500–£605£500–£605

The cost of both the double glazing and installation varies substantially depending on the material and style you select, the size you require and the company you choose to install your windows.

Our research compares the prices for one double-glazed window unit of approximately 60cm x 90cm in size for various materials, with the upper price referring to the highest rating the company offers.

MaterialAnglianEverestSafestyleBriteliteBritannia
uPVC£250–£570 (A++ rated)£350–£570 (A+ rated)£250–£570 (A rated)£160–£450 (A++ rated)£250–£500
Wood£845–£910£845–£1,250UnavailableUnavailableUnavailable
Wood clad£575–£625£575–£625Unavailable£475–£625£475–£625
Aluminium£500–£605£500–£605Unavailable£500–£605£500–£605

The quote process explained

A quick way to request multiple double glazing quotes so you can compare them is to fill out our simple form

  1. You’ll be asked for a few details, including how many windows you need to install and your contact information.
  2. Depending on your location, our trusted partners will follow up your enquiry with a phone call or email to discuss your project in greater detail so they can provide a free, no-obligation quote.
  3. If you choose to go ahead with one of these quotes, the installer will arrange for a specialist to visit your home in order to measure your windows. These measurements will be used to provide you with a more accurate cost, and they also ensure that all of the windows are manufactured to your home’s exact specifications.
  4. Once your windows have been made, the company will arrange a date for installation.

How to get the best out of a double glazing quote

We recommend gathering quotes from both national and local double glazing installers so you can compare the prices you’re given, including the cost of labour. Keep in mind that some national window companies may contract your job out to a local installer that they work with anyway, but it could be worth getting quotes from both parties individually to compare.

Before you start contacting installers, it’s important to consider a few things so you can be sure you’re getting the most accurate cost estimates, including:

  • How many windows you want to install – if you only have one or two faulty windows but your other units are getting old, it’s worth considering changing all of them at once, as this could save you on installation costs in the long run
  • What style of window you want
  • What material you want them made from
  • What type of glass you think you might want
  • A rough idea of your windows’ sizes
  • Any details about your house that could impact the installation, such as listed status (which will require planning permission and could affect what kind of windows you can get)
  • Keep an open mind about the timeline – double glazing companies can get busy at specific times of the year, so it’s best to plan ahead and understand that your installation might not happen right away. The earlier you can book your job, the better.

When looking for double glazing quotes, in addition to discussing the windows you wish to purchase, it’s a good idea to ask the installer some questions to establish their reliability and expertise.

  • Check the qualifications and experience of the installer
  • Are they a member of any professional associations?
  • Can you see examples of other projects they’ve worked on?
  • Will you receive follow-on support once the windows are fitted?
  • Can you see their insurance documents?
  • Are the installer’s fitters paid per window or a day rate?
  • What guarantees come with the windows?

How to find the best local double glazing installer

Double glazing is one of the most popular home improvement methods, but there are horror stories of poor fittings, noisy vents and even long-term damage to the home. As we said earlier, it’s best to gather quotes from both national and local windows installers. Before deciding on an installer, consider the following factors:

1. Experience 

Look for a company that has been in business for several years – the longer, the better. Longevity is a good indicator of expertise and reliability. 

2. Customer feedback

Customer reviews made up the bulk of our research. It’s important to read all customer reviews and testimonials on third-party sites before making a decision. The company’s response to negative reviews should also factor into the decision. If they show willingness to put right any issues, you can assume their aftercare service is up to scratch, whereas a negative response can be a warning sign. 

3. Portfolio of work

Local installers might keep pictures of their completed projects to show prospective customers, or they might even be able to tell you which houses in your neighbourhood they’ve worked on so you can have a look at the quality of the windows and installation for yourself. You can also reach out on community groups on social media for recommendations and feedback about the company from people who live in your area.

4. FENSA registration

Always ensure that the company is FENSA-registered and compliant with building regulations. This will  save you time and money registering your window installation (as the company will do this for you) and provides peace of mind that the company has been thoroughly vetted. 

5. Security

Windows are an easy access point for burglars. Ensure that your installer provides a multi-lock point system or other security measures that protect your home. 

6. Guarantees

All glaziers must offer a minimum 10-year guarantee on their labour and materials. The longer the guarantee period, the better. 

7. Value for money 

Value for money and price transparency are important. It’s not unusual for companies to inspect a home before providing a quote, but they shouldn’t charge for every little inspection or hide extra costs in the fine print. Windows quotes should be provided with no obligation. 

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Energy efficiency gradings explained

A diagram explaining the energy efficiency ratings of double glazing windows

Double glazing windows are typically given an energy efficiency rating by the BFRC. (Image credit: Adobe)

Double glazing units are graded according to their energy efficiency – their ability to keep your house warm and therefore save you money on your heating bills. Coded by letters, with E being the least efficient and A++ giving the best energy performance, every component is considered by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) when calculating its ratings. This includes the glass, any gas that’s used to fill the spacing and the quality of the unit’s manufacture.

All new windows should be rated C or higher, according to the latest building regulations.

What are the benefits of double glazing?

Double glazing windows offer several advantages, besides helping to insulate your home.

  1. Reduced heating bills

    Thanks to the insulating and solar gain properties of double glazing, your home will retain its warmth for longer, meaning that you can reduce your use of a boiler to heat your property. By improving the warmth of your house by around 64%, in a typical family property, double glazing can save you up to £235 annually.

  2. Increased security

    The glass in double-glazed windows is much stronger and more challenging to break than single panes of glass, and thanks to the design of the sealed units, it is almost impossible to force them open from the outside. Most models also come with locks as standard, greatly adding to your home’s security measures. For even more security, choose toughened or laminated glass for windows that are hidden from the road or any neighbours.

  3. Noise reduction

    If you live near a busy road, under a flight path or have loud neighbours, double glazing prevents that noise from causing a disturbance. The heat-insulating properties also stop sounds from outside intruding, or noise from inside your home escaping.

  4. Increased property value

    The addition of double glazing to your house improves its appearance and makes it attractive to potential buyers. Replacement windows can add as much as 10% to your property’s value.

  5. Reduced condensation

    If your home is prone to condensation, it can encourage the spread of dampness throughout, giving soft furnishing and carpets a musty odour, causing mildew spores in the air and adversely affecting any woodwork. However, double glazing prevents this from occurring. Condensation happens when the window glass is cooler than the air inside the property, but thanks to the gap between the panes, the room’s warmth never meets the colder exterior pane.

  6. Minimise interior damage

    Soft furnishings, pictures, wood and more can all be affected by sunlight streaming through your windows, but double glazing reduces the damaging UV rays that pass through. This prevents your furniture from suffering adverse effects, such as fading, and minimises temperature fluctuations that can cause wooden items to crack.

  7. Eco friendly

    By reducing energy consumption and lessening the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, double glazing is kinder to the environment. Changing from single-glazed windows to double allows you to decrease your carbon footprint by up to 410kg annually. The most popular material for double glazing frames is uPVC, and due to advancements in recycling technology and product innovation, this is recognised as a sustainable option. Window frames can be recycled as many as 10 times with no material degradation, meaning fewer go to landfill sites.

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What are the downsides of double glazing windows?

You may find that the benefits of double glazing far outweigh the downsides, but here are some of the cons of installing new windows:

  1. Difficult to repair

    Because double glazing is a sealed unit with a layer of gas between the two panes of glass, repairs are not as straight forward as single glazing. If the seal is broken and warm air is allowed to get between the panes of glass, the whole glass unit will have to be replaced, regardless if only one pane is broken. Blown double glazing repair can be costly. It is possible, however, to adjust uPVC windows, ensuring maximum efficiency is retained.

  2. Solar gain in the summer

    Double glazing windows benefit from something called solar gain, whereby heat from sunlight becomes trapped inside your house. This is great news in the winter because using sunlight to warm your home can reduce your reliance on your central heating, but during the summer it may lead to an uncomfortable house. This is why it’s important to keep your curtains or window blinds closed during the day in summer. However, if you’re able to keep your home cooler than the outside temperature, rest assured that your windows will prevent heat from getting inside.

  3. Not suitable for all properties

    While many companies have gone to great lengths to design double glazing windows that match traditional styles for older homes, there are some restrictions on what kind of windows you can install in listed buildings, which may require planning permission to overcome. However, you can still improve your home’s energy efficiency by installing secondary double glazing, which is a pane of glass installed on the inside of a window that does not affect the outside appearance and doesn’t require planning permission.

Different types of double glazing window frame materials

There are four types of window frames that you’ll most likely choose between during your double glazing windows installation process – uPVC, aluminium, composite and timber windows; but what are they and what are the pros and cons of each? The below table examines their advantages and disadvantages and should help you pick the right one for your home. 

Frame materialProsCons
uPVCLow maintenance, energy efficient, affordable price and secureCan stain easily if not maintained
AluminiumFrames are slim and sleek allowing for a larger glazed area and windows appear biggerFrames are not as energy efficient as other materials
WoodWood frames are aesthetically pleasing, and have the longest lifespan if they’re maintained properlyWood frames are the most expensive and are high maintenance
CompositeCombines the look of a wood window inside, but appears aluminium on the outside – looks stylish and is durable, but with less maintenanceMore expensive than uPVC window frames

What styles of double glazing are there?

Gone are the days of plain casement double glazing units, and today many styles are readily available, meaning you can match the architectural exterior of your property, enhancing its appearance.

Casement windows are the most popular type. Designed to allow as much light in as possible, they suit most UK properties. The windows can be opened with hinges on either side or the top, opening inwards or out – the choice is yours.

Tilt and turn windows are a style of fitting and are usually incorporated into casement window units. The units have a dual-hinge system, allowing them to be opened by tilting inwards from the top or the more traditional side hinge. This makes them ideal if you have young children, as the tilt action prevents anyone from climbing out and having an accident.

Sash, or vertical sliding, windows are ideally suited to a period property or Georgian and Victorian architecture, but can be installed in most frames. With the ability to glide up and down easily, modern sash windows are much lighter in weight than original windows.

Georgian bar windows are casement units with the appearance of having multiple small panes of glass in each window unit. This is created by incorporating vertical and horizontal bars within the large pane of glass. A popular choice, the bars lend period styles or a French country look to modern properties.

Different types of glass

How double glazing works diagram

Double glazing windows provide a number of benefits. (Image credit: Adobe)

Low-E glass

  • Best for cold regions where a lot of energy is used to heat the house
  • Windows made out of this type of glass are the most energy efficient and will help you save the most on your energy bills

Acoustic glass

  • This type of glass is designed to reduce outside noise
  • It consists of two or more sheets of glass that are bonded together with one or more acoustic layers
  • It’s the best type of glass for double glazing to reduce noise

Security glass

  • Security glass panes range in thickness from 7.9mm to 18mm
  • Security glass can withstand attack from objects likes bricks and axes for up to two minutes

Solar control glass

  • This type of glass is designed to reflect and filter the sun’s rays
  • Solar control glass allows light into your home without causing glares that can be a nuisance  

Self-cleaning glass

  • Self-cleaning glass is coated with a transparent coating
  • The coating breaks down dirt and works to spread water evenly around the windows surface 

Decorative glass

  • Decorative glass is a good way to personalise your windows with patterns, textures or colours
  • You can also combine decorative glass with with any of the above types for different functionality 

What’s the installation process for double glazing windows?

These are the steps your double glazing installer will take when putting in your new windows.

  1. Removal of old windows – Your old windows and their frames will be carefully removed to make space for the replacements. If there is anything wrong with the brickwork surrounding the window, this will be fixed before your new frames are fitted. Most installers include this step in their quote, but be sure to check whether they charge extra for either removal or disposal of the old units.
  2. New frames installed – The installers will fit the new window frames into the open spaces left by your old units and check they are level.
  3. Glass fitted – The sealed double glazing glass units are then carefully placed into the window frames and secured into place with beading.
  4. Finishing touches – With the frames and glass in place, your installers will finish the windows by sealing them around the edges on both sides with silicone and a colour-coded trim. 
  5. Final quality check – Once your windows are finished, your installers will check them over to ensure the installation quality is up to scratch. They will be looking for any gaps in the sealants or other issues that could lead to your double glazing not performing as it should.
  6. Clean up and demonstration – The crew working on your installation will clean up any dust or debris created during the process, leaving your home as it was before they arrived. You might also be offered a demonstration by your installer to show you how to open and lock your windows, how to use any trickle vents and how to take care of them, as well as an explanation of any issues you should watch out for that might require them to return for an inspection.
  7. Follow-up – Some double glazing installers will follow up with a courtesy call a week or two after your installation to find out if you’re happy with the quality of your windows and the work done. This is your opportunity to flag any issues or ask questions. You should also receive a FENSA certificate for your installation and details of your product warranty.

How long it takes to install your new double glazing will depend on how many windows you’re having installed. For the majority of homes, installation can be completed within one day. Installation costs vary between companies, but on average will be around £150 to £300 per day.

The below table should give you an estimate of how long the installation process will take and the total costs.   

Number of windowsCost (excluding installation)Installation time
4–5£1,000–£1,2501 day
6–10£1,500–£2,5001 day
10+£2,500+1 day+

What are your rights when buying double glazing windows?

It’s important to know your consumer rights when it comes to double glazing installation. (Image credit: Adobe)

Home improvements usually go off without a hitch, but there are horror stories of double glazing windows installations going wrong – incomplete work, incorrect installations, wrong-sized windows and even damage to people’s properties. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your project, it’s important to understand your rights as a consumer.

The most important step you can take is doing your research before contacting companies to gather quotes or signing any contracts. Hopefully our guide has provided you some insight on what to look out for.

Once you’ve chosen the quote that best matches your budget and vision of how your new windows will look, below are the things to keep in mind as your installation progresses.

What should be included in my contract?

Be sure to read your contract carefully before signing it so you understand what work will be undertaken and what terms the company has placed on the project. In general, your contract should include the following details:

  • A description of the windows you are ordering and the work to be carried out
  • The total price, including all known charges and applicable tax
  • A date for the installation to take place and how long it is expected to take

What are my cancellation rights?

General consumer rights state most sales contracts should include what’s called a cooling-off period of at least 14 days. This applies for agreements made online, over the phone or in person at your home and allows the purchaser to cancel the sale risk-free.

However, if your windows are made specifically for your property, or you signed the agreement at the installer’s premises, you will lose the right to cancel. This also applies if you discuss the sale with an advisor at your home and agree to it later, as you are then deemed to have had time to cool off and consider the contract.

What if there are problems after my installation?

If you discover a problem with your double glazing windows after your installation or something wrong with the work itself, you should be covered by your FENSA-backed guarantee, which is a requirement for installers to provide. You should contact the company in the first instance to resolve any issues.

You are also covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which protects consumers from flawed products or services. The guidelines state any services should:

  • Be carried out using all reasonable care and skills
  • Use products that are fit for purpose and materials that are of satisfactory quality
  • Be as described and what you ordered.

If you feel these criteria haven’t been met, your installer is required to put things right. However, it is up to the company to decide whether to repair them or provide replacements, and they will generally choose the cheaper of the two options.

FENSA also provides a complaints process if you’re unable to reach a resolution directly with your installer, so long as they are a member.

Is there an ombudsman for double glazing windows?

Yes. The Double Glazing and Conservatory Quality Assurance Ombudsman Scheme offers a free consumer advice line and free access to its services, while The Glazing Arbitration Scheme (TGAS – formally the Glazing Ombudsman Scheme) is able to take cases to arbitration, which aims to resolve disputes without going to court; however, this scheme is only available if your installer is a FENSA or Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) member and you have already been through their complaints process. Be aware that TGAS’s decision is legally binding, meaning you won’t be able to proceed to court action if you’re unhappy with the outcome of arbitration.

Other consumer rights

If you paid for part or all of your windows with a credit card or the windows company arranged finance on your behalf, and the sale was between £100 and £30,000, you will be covered by the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which makes your credit card provider equally as responsible as the installer for any disputes. This means you can claim up to the value of the entire sale. This does not apply if you took out a bank loan on your own to pay for the work.

Court action

Your last resort for resolving disputes with your installer is taking them to court to obtain an order for them to compensate you. Which court you turn to depends on the amount you’re claiming – if it’s £10,000 or less in England and Wales or up to £3,000 in Northern Ireland, you can use the small claims court. In Scotland, you can turn to the Simple Procedure for claims of up to £5,000.

Be aware that court action can be costly and may take a long time to reach a decision.

Keep records of every step of your complaints process, including emails, phone logs and other written communication with your installer, as well as pictures of any damage or faulty installation, as this can all be used as evidence to support your case.

Are there grants for double glazing?

There are some double glazing grants and loans available depending on your eligibility. The following schemes aim to reduce the costs of installing windows. 

Energy Company Obligation

The Energy Company Obligation, also known as the ECO4, is a scheme where energy suppliers who have signed up provide funding for energy-efficient upgrades. 

People who are part of the core group under the Warm Home Discount Scheme are eligible to apply or who receive at least one of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing benefit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Child Benefit
  • Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Pension credit saving credit

LA Flex

LA Flex is an extension of ECO4, offering financial support to those who don’t meet the ECO4 criteria. Your local authority has funding available to assist families on lower incomes with the cost of installing energy-efficient home improvements, including double glazing windows.  

Green Deal loan scheme

The Green Deal loan is a Government scheme that helps fund energy-saving home improvements in England, Scotland and Wales.  The loan is available for double glazing, solar panels, boiler upgrades and loft insulation.

The Green Deal loan must be repaid, but the repayments are less than the money you save by having the installation and are added to your electricity bill. 

Conclusion

Double glazing windows in a cream coloured house

Double glazing windows improve both the exterior and interior of your home (Image credit: Adobe)

After hours of research, we’re confident that this guide will help you find the best double glazing windows for your home. Whether they offer long-term guarantees, a reduced carbon footprint, low prices and value for money, or flexible payment terms, you can evaluate your options to find the best installer for your project. 

Double glazing windows frequently asked questions

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Methodology

While conducting this research, we utilised a scoring system based on some of the most important factors when choosing a double glazing windows company. Each company was rated on their ability to deliver on these factors. Each firm received a total score out of 100. 

Factors included: 

  • The type of double glazing material (uPVC, Wooden, Aluminium) for a total of 20 points;
  • The number of styles on offer for a total of 7 points;
  • The energy efficiency rating held by the company for a total of 2-5 points;
  • The level of security offered for a total of 4 points;
  • The warranty period for a total of 2-5 points depending on its length;
  • The company’s years of experience for 7 – 10 points;
  • The number of payment options for a total of 14 points;
  • The total rating score of the company held on Trustpilot for a total of 1-5 points;
  • Additional benefits (including FENSA certification, design options, customer support and the inclusion of trickle vents) for a total of 15 points.