Feeling a cold draught?

As the nights get chillier and the welcome cool breeze through old windows in the Summer, turns to most unwelcome cold draughts in the Autumn, it's time to turn your attentions to your home's windows and doors.

And with double glazing companies eager for your business, following the slower Summer holiday period, there are some very good price deals to be had at the moment.

You'll also find such offers as 'a' rated energy efficient glazing at no extra cost, so don't forget to get your online quote for replacing your old windows and doors today from Window Quoter.

Helping over 2,500 homeowners every week get instant online quotes.

*Not all offers will be available across the entire UK. Offers subject to availability and individual companies terms and conditions. Exclusions may apply.

FREE - 'A' rated energy glass at no extra cost!

It's another cracking good offer - this time from several double glazing companies around the UK.

Maximise the energy efficiency and savings of your new double glazing by specifying 'a' rated energy efficient glass.

Now, several window companies are offering a free upgrade to 'a' rated glass from their normal 'c' rated glass at no extra cost.

And with energy bills rising this Summer - these kinds of offers can't come a moment to soon.

To get your instant online quote for replacement windows or doors, visit Window Quoter .co.uk and let us search out some of the best double glazing deals around.

Double glazing scrappage schemes - deals still out there

We're seeing one or two window companies starting to re-introduce their own 'scrappage schemes' to homeowners thinking of replacing their old windows and doors.

Deals will vary from company to company, but basically, you'll be allowed a discount against every window and door you replace. The savings can soon add up.

With so much uncertainty over whether double glazing will even be included in the Governments Green Deal - a scheme that's not due to start until Autumn 2012 anyway, many homeowners are realising how costly it might be to wait another whole year, before acting to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient.

And the timing of these 'scrappage' offers is just right too. Scottish Power have already announced huge increases to energy bills and it looks very much like British Gas is going to announce similar increases of around 15% to 17% later this month.

So any incentive to save serious money on installing the best double glazing option for your home should be investigated without delay.

Even if you're replacing old first-generation double glazing, you'll still find you can get generous discounts. Like their wooden counterparts, these days, old upvc windows can also be recycled, the 'ingredients' broken down, ready to be re-used in the UPVC industry etc.

Today's modern windows feature some of the latest energy saving glass and frame technology, including windows that are 'A' rated for their efficiency. Locking mechanisms are also more secure thanks to partnerships with the Police in schemes like the Secure by Design awards.

You can make your home more energy efficient without spending a fortune - if you're on a budget, why not consider replacing the worst windows rather than the whole house in one go? Choosing a reputable installation company that uses a well known profile should mean if you decide to replace your home's windows in two (or even three) separate occasions, that you'll be able to match with whatever's already been fitted.

Of course, the added savings from any scrappage type scheme being run by your local replacement window companies might make it possible to replace the whole house in one fitting. This in itself will save some money as you're not paying for fitting teams on each separate occasions.

FInd out what offers are available around you by getting an instant online quote from WindowQuoter - part of the 'Quoter family of websites as used by over 3,000 homeowners every week.

This story first appeared in our regular weekly homeowner newsletter, dated 11th July 2011. Click here to read the full newsletter.

photo credit: joost j bakker

Buying double glazing? How to get a better deal.

It's a fact that none of us like paying more than we have to for anything. We can accept paying a little more for a superior product or service but on the whole, the less cash we have to part with, the better.

So when it comes to buying double glazing for your home, here are a few tips that should help you get the most for your money.

- If you give me, I'll give you
Phrasing your 'wishes' in the correct way gives you the upper hand for counter-negotiations. This way, it may be possible to negotiate a little more for your money - i.e "If you give me that price, I'll have the whole house done".

- Trade up
Window companies have to make a profit (like everyone else) but it may be possible to squeeze a few extras out of them like locking handles or more efficient glass in return for your business. You'll have most success where the 'extra's of high value to you but low value to them.

- Shop around
Whilst its true that the double glazing industry has suffered many casualties in the recession, there's still plenty to choose from. Choose wisely and you'll have a installation to be proud of. There are a number of things you can do: Check their credentials carefully, ask to speak with previous customers, review feedback from other homeowners (if you use Window Quoter, you get to see this feedback automatically), compare one companies upvc profile and hardware over another.

- Offers
There's always offers - the trick is to accept the offer that suits your circumstances the most. Low rate finance is no good if you were going to pay cash but free upgrades on glass or paying nothing till the following year might suit you more. If a company is offering a 'free front door', still get comparative quotes. That 'free door' may still work out to be just as expensive as other quotes. Some offers are really genuine though - you'll have to use all the information at your disposal to decide if it's a good one or an offer that's right for you.

- Diary dates
If you're flexible about when the installation can be carried out, then that might be worth something to a window company with a patchy installation diary and they may be prepared to offer a little extra incentive if they can choose the installation date rather than you dictating it. But if their suggestion really isn't convenient, then don't be afraid to say so.

- Finance
Whenever you're offered finance, it pays to compare loans and interest rates with your high street bank or building society before agreeing to or signing anything. Even 'pay nothing' offers should be scrutinised carefully. After all, what happens when the payment free period is over? What are the terms and conditions etc. and will you be expected to hand over a large deposit? (WindowQuoter recommends never paying more than a 10% deposit and using a credit card if possible for maximum protection).
Never never never allow yourself to be 'accompanied' by a salesperson or other company representative to a bank or 'hole-in-the-wall' machine etc to withdraw cash.

- Get more than one quote
If you only get one quote , what do you have to compare it against? How do you know if you're getting value for money? Getting a range of different quotes (in writing) will allow you to compare prices at a glance and may even give you another 'weapon' with which to approach your preferred company e.g "if you can match this price, we'll go with you".

- Keep your head
It's all to easy to be carried along by an experienced salesperson and before you know it, you've incorporated georgian bars, stained glass or gold coloured handles etc into your order. Stand firm and ask yourself if they're really necessary? After all, all these additions come at a price. If you had a budget in mind and it's practical to do so then try and stick to it.

Remember if you're too inflexible or demanding, then the window company can say 'no thank you' to.