Today -New Windows – Money Saver or Money Waster?

Double glazing salesmen have a bad reputation of using pressuring sales techniques and jargon which can confuse people. It is important to know that most are not like this, but the bad ones tend to stand out a lot more than the ones who do a good job.

Whether you’ve dealt with trustworthy tradesmen or not, you may have been told that you could “could save X amount on your energy bills per year”. Is this realistic? How can you know? Here are some top tips:

 

 

New Windows – Money Saver or Money Waster?

If you have single glazed windows, you most definitely will save money on your energy bill when you install double glazed windows instead. The same goes for double glazing that is over 20 years old. The glass industry has made huge advancements since then, and what used to be A-rated back in the nineties will no longer be A-rated and will need replacing to save money. Natural deterioration of your windows will reduce their energy efficiency, and in comparison to modern home insulation, just doesn’t cut it. Don’t let your windows be the energy leak in your home. If you’re low on budget, try applying for a new windows grant that is available for households that want to improve energy efficiency and make their home greener.

Those living in a conservation area may be restricted on the types of windows they can choose for their replacements. You may have to invest in more expensive window styles and materials if this is the case for you. Generally box sash windows are more expensive than their casement counterparts, and wooden windows cost more than uPVC and require more upkeep. Unfortunately, these are often required for period homes or conservation areas. If you are restricted in your choices and must go for more expensive windows, you may not recoup the cost of your new windows with energy savings.

 

One benefit to replacing old windows that may even make you money would be the increase in curb appeal, especially if you go for a more fashionable style or colour. Composite framing for windows and doors are very “in” at the moment, but fashion changes so this isn’t necessarily a long-term strategy.

It must be said, however, that bay windows always add value and appeal to a home. Not only do they make your home stand out from the outside, they also let in more light, allows for better ventilation and also increase the space inside, adding a seat or just a space to decorate!

 

If you can’t afford to buy replacement windows but still want to add value to your home, it could be time to repair them or simply carry out routine maintenance and cleaning that we often forget about. Who remembers to do a deep clean of their windows once a year? Congrats if you do, but if not, you may still be able to restore them to their former glory by doing some proper cleaning and perhaps replacing some broken mechanisms.

 

 

It is a good idea to talk to multiple window providers in order to separate the wheat from the chaff and to arm yourself with information about your particular requirements and desires. While you could definitely save money on energy bills by replacing your old windows with new ones with uPVC, this is not a given!

Make sure you know if you are in fact leaking heat, or if it’s just the salesman blowing hot air. The best way to do this is to talk to as many local window companies as you can, and you will begin to see patterns and outliers. Saving money is a top priority for many people, but they don’t want to go through the hassle of comparing. This is probably the best way to get significant savings so try to take your time and you will get the best deal available!

 

 

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