The cost of living crisis has hit us all hard and the unfortunate truth is that it’s hard to see a way out of it any time soon. Soaring interest rates, ongoing global conflict and a revolving door of UK prime ministers have many of us worried about what the future will bring for the economy and for our household finances.
As energy costs soar, it can feel as though we’re powerless to reduce the effects that even modest energy consumption can have on our household spending. Especially when it comes to heating. As well as being more frugal with their heating, households are looking for ways to reduce the amount of heat waste in their homes before winter sets in. One of the most obvious places to look is their double-glazed windows and doors. Newer, more thermally efficient double glazing can help you to take control of your heating costs and mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on your budget.
However, is it really worth replacing your old double glazing? Will the benefits and savings outweigh the cost? Let’s take a look.
Is It Worth The Cost To Replace Your Double Glazing?
As energy costs rise, there’s even more potential for savings with new double-glazed windows and doors. Around 18% of a property’s heat is lost through the windows. Even if your home already has double glazing, it may be using older units that have lost much of their thermal efficiency. Replacing them could save you money on your heating costs for decades to come.
There are other benefits of replacing your double glazing, such as improved soundproofing and more aesthetic choices as new technologies allow double-glazed window panels to be placed in timber and aluminium frames, as well as the traditional UPVC frames.
Replacement double glazing can cost anywhere from £150-£600 per window, which is a substantial investment in these economically turbulent times. This is why we offer 0% financing to help households to spread the cost of new windows. So they can enjoy the benefits of new double glazing without huge overhead costs.
How Often Should Double Glazing Be Replaced?
Double-glazed windows are designed to last for many years. However, they will inevitably be subject to wear over time and may start to lose their energy efficiency. As the years go by, the seals that keep the insulating gas between the panes of glass contained can weather and fail. When this happens, it can lead to a loss of gas which in turn compromises the efficacy of your double-glazed windows.
There are a number of variables at play when considering how often double-glazed windows should be replaced. It depends on the quality of the materials, the gas that is used and the quality of the installation itself.
Generally speaking, however, the consensus is that double glazing should be replaced every 20-35 years, however, some units may last over 40 years.
Can The Glass Alone Be Replaced?
Yes! If you’re happy with the condition and aesthetic of the window unit as a whole, you may simply replace the glass panels in order to replace your double glazing at a lower cost. Doing this can bring the cost down to around £55-£150 per window.
Are Double-Glazed Windows Easy To Maintain?
The great thing about double-glazed windows is that they are very low maintenance, especially when compared to single-glazed timber windows. They do not need to be routinely repainted or refinished. All they really require is a little cleaning with a damp cloth to ensure a great look.
Occasionally, the locking mechanisms on double-glazed doors can become prone to sticking. This can easily be prevented by spraying a small amount of WD40 or 3 in 1 oil, into the grooves on either side of the handle mechanism, onto the hinges, onto the metal strip at the bottom of the window frame, and into the lock itself. Insert your key and move it around slightly to ensure that the inside of the lock is fully coated. We would recommend repeating this process around once a year.
How Much Will Replacing My Old Double Glazing Save Me?
Thermally efficient double-glazed windows save you money by preventing heat from escaping through your windows. It also helps to admit and trap natural heat energy from the sun when it shines through your windows. According to the Energy Savings Trust, investing in more efficient double glazing can save households up to £235 a year and prevent the release of 405kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
5 Signs The Double Glazing Needs Replacing In Your Home
In these turbulent times, replacing your double glazing may seem like a cost you can do without. The truth is, however, that the longer you wait to replace your old double glazing, the more you could be losing in unnecessary heating costs. Especially with elevated energy prices likely to be the norm for the foreseeable future.
Householders should be on the lookout for any of these 5 telltale signs that their double glazing needs to be replaced:
Sharp Rise In Heating Costs
Of course, this can be tricky to gauge at a time when energy costs are rising sharply anyway. However, if your home is one of the majority that uses gas central heating, it’s worth taking a look at your gas consumption in kw/h rather than in monetary terms. If you notice a sharp rise in gas use leading to a hike in heating costs, this may point to thermal inefficiencies in your home such as, inefficient double glazing.
Draughts
If you feel a cold draught when you walk past your windows, this may be a sign that the seal that contains the insulating gas between window panes has failed. If cold air is getting into your home, warm air is certainly leaking out of it. The sooner you replace your double glazing, the sooner you can bid farewell to chilly draughts.
Condensation
Beads of condensation on your double-glazed windows are a further indication that the thermal gas between panes of glass has dissipated. Because the internal pane of glass has become colder, the heat of the room causes condensation. When double-glazed windows are at peak efficiency, the internal layer of glass should match the interior temperature while the outer layer matches the temperature outside.
Water Puddles
Puddles of water on your window sill could be an indication of two issues: either the window’s weather seal has failed, or there is a problem with the window’s drainage. In either case, it could mean that your window has lost its thermal efficiency and would benefit from being replaced.
Chips
Chips or cracks in your window glass can cause your windows to lose their thermal efficiency, while also presenting a potential security risk. Chipped windows should be replaced as a matter of urgency.
If you feel that your double glazing may need to be replaced but are worried about the cost in these difficult times, talk to our team. We can help you to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.