Due to the positive impact double glazing has on the environment, some governments are now offering double glazing grants to help home-owners offset the cost of installing double glazing in their homes.

Double glazing can reduce the loss of heat through windows by up to 50%, which means that homeowners have to use less renewable energy to heat their homes. The governments of industrialised countries around the world have acknowledged the effect that burning renewable energy sources has on global warming and carbon emissions and have all made pledges of varying degrees to reduce their carbon footprint. Double glazing grants are a method of helping people in less well of positions make the investment in double glazing.

Do I apply for a double glazing grant?

The criteria for double glazing grants will vary from country to country and even from state to state.  Most criteria are based on a calculation of the size of house or apartment and therefore the amount of energy that can be saved. Household income is also taken into account with more money given to those with less money to start with.

Age is also a factor. The elderly are often encouraged to install double glazing as it helps keep them warmer in the winter months and less susceptible to illness. It’s been argued that governments that invest in double glazing grants for the elderly often recoup the money through savings in the national health service as a result of fewer pensioners falling ill.

Regardless of where the application is made, it normally takes a while for a grant to be approved so it’s wise to prepare and submit your application in plenty of time of the works being carried out.