It is probably easy to think about how double glazing will improve how your home looks, how it can make your home warmer and more comfortable or how it can even add to the value of your home – but you might wonder how spending around £2,000 or more on double glazing can possibly save you money. But it can and you may be surprised by how much.

How much can I save?

The Energy Saving Trust estimate that the average semi detached home could save between £85 and £115 on energy bills simply by replacing single glazed windows with double glazed windows that are “A” rated. While this amount might seem a little low on an annual basis, it is worth remembering that double glazing that is of good quality can last for around 20 years before you will need to replace it. That’s a potential saving of more than £2000 across their life. Plus, this saving could represent more than 10% of your total annual heating bill…not bad.

How does it work?

This reduction in bills is due to the way that double glazing can reduce the heat loss in your home. In a similar way to how other types of insulation (such as loft or cavity wall) works, double glazed windows have an insulating layer between the panes of glass that actually reduces the amount of heat that can pass through it. Your old single glazed units might have been constantly covered in condensation and that is due the fact that cold air was meeting the warm air and making it colder. That’s not good when it comes to heating your home.

What if I already have double glazing?

You might think you are in the clear when it comes to saving cash on your bills because you have double glazing already installed. But if your current windows were installed a few years ago you should be aware that the world of windows has moved on. Most window manufacturers now have their windows rated using a similar scale to appliances. Windows that are “A” rated will give you superior heat retaining qualities and therefore will save you money compared to your current windows.

Old double glazing also tends to fail as it gets older and the air or gas between the panes can escape. This means that you need to have them replaced or at least repaired.

So regardless of whether you already have double glazing or you are living with single glazing, new double glazing will save you money in the long term and it will make your home warmer and more cosy – something we all need.