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

Government says no to Double Glazing Scrappage Scheme - make do with Green Deal

The Government has responded to a double glazing scrappage scheme petition.

Despite individual window companies offering customers 'scrappage scheme' discounts on double glazing, there's been no official Government campaign like the motor trade scheme the window companies have, and continue to copy.

However, after being petitioned by the glazing industry, the Government has finally responded.

Whilst it says it won't entertain an outright national scrappage scheme for replacement windows, even though it admits the cost of a full house installation could be on a par with purchasing a new car, it expects "double glazing will be one of the measures that can be installed under the Green Deal".

The Green Deal is a scheme where energy companies and high street stores will be required to finance insulation and other energy efficiency measures in homes upfront. The costs will then be paid back by the homeowner through their energy bills based on the energy savings they make. Effectively, the homeowner doesn't benefit from cheaper energy bills, but does get the value of the improvements.

Key properties that will be targeted are those that are difficult or expensive to heat - properties without cavity wall insulation and residential areas of fuel poverty.

Local authorities are helping the Government identify those homes and areas that will benefit most from a Green Deal.

It's not all bad news for homeowners then (or the double glazing industry which was hoping for a welcome boost to sales on the back of a nationally recognised scheme) but in the meantime, there will always be window companies offering superb individual money saving offers including their own scrappage schemes and finance options.

If you're interested in offers, keep a close eye out for VAT free offers. There are quite a few about now but expect the number to increase the nearer to December we get, ahead of the VAT increase to 20% in January.

Visit WindowQuoter and get your own online double glazing quote before seeing which double glazing offers are currently available where you live.

The return of double glazing scrappage schemes

What was a money saving godsend for homeowners at the beginning of the year is being repeated as many window companies emulate previous 'scrappage' campaigns to stimulate interest in their replacement windows and doors.

This mirrors many motor manufacturers continuing to offer their own motor scrappage schemes long after the end of the official Government scheme back in March.

Although there wasn't a similar Government backed scheme for the window industry, many window companies were undeterred and started their own money back schemes. Today's schemes may vary in name and the offer specifics may differ but they all share one theme - saving homeowners money on replacement windows.

It may be a total discount off of a whole house replacement or a specific amount off of each window replaced (usually up to a maximum allowance).

So once you've got your online quote from WindowQuoter, don't forget to ask our locally recommended companies what sort of scrappage discounts they're offering.

In fact, many of our registered companies have started posting details of their current offers within our homeowners dedicated online information areas so homeowners can see first hand what companies are offering what - even before they meet the companies concerned.

If you think a double glazing scrappage scheme could be just the inducement you've been waiting for to replace your windows or doors, then act now as these schemes, due to their popularity are sure to end soon.

Click here to get your instant online quote and compare double glazing companies, money saving offers, in your area.

Don't miss out on your £2000 window scrappage scheme allowance.

Double glazing and conservatory companies across the UK are now offering their own window scrappage schemes and WindowQuoter's got access to them. But hurry, these scrappage schemes won't last forever.

Don't miss out - make sure you get your online double glazing quote from WindowQuoter and our network of approved double glazing installers will be at your disposal - all vetted and approved and bursting with installation offers.

Click here to get your instant online quote now.

Click here to read the full article on WindowQuoter's own Blog.