The Windows and Doors Scheme is a UK government grant programme that provides up to £7,500 per eligible household to replace single-glazed windows and doors with energy-efficient double or triple glazing (GOV.UK, 2026). It is part of the Great British Insulation Scheme, targeting homes with the lowest energy performance ratings.
You automatically qualify if your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G and you receive a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. The scheme covers England, Scotland and Wales. Landlords can apply for rental properties, but only with tenant permission. You do not qualify if your home already has double glazing, unless the existing units are beyond repair.
What the scheme pays for
The grant fully funds the cost of installing new, certified windows and doors in eligible homes. This includes uPVC, aluminium or timber frames, and glazing that meets a minimum U-value of 1.2 W/m²K for windows and 1.4 W/m²K for doors (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Installation must be carried out by a TrustMark-registered installer. The scheme does not cover repair work, secondary glazing or decorative glass features. You cannot claim for windows or doors that are already double-glazed and in good condition.
How to apply for the scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. You will need your EPC number and proof of the qualifying benefit. The application takes about 15 minutes. If approved, the installer arranges a survey and completes the work within 12 weeks. The grant is paid directly to the installer, you never handle the money. There is no upfront cost to you. The scheme runs until March 2027, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (Ofgem, 2026).
Savings and energy performance
Replacing single glazing with double glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 50% through windows and doors. The Energy Saving Trust estimates a typical semi-detached home with single glazing saves around £165 per year on heating bills after upgrading to A-rated double glazing (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Carbon savings are roughly 270 kg CO₂ per year per home. The exact savings depend on your property size, existing glazing and heating system. The scheme also improves your EPC rating, which can increase property value.
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached home in Manchester with single-glazed sash windows and an original wooden back door could receive the full £7,500 grant under the Windows and Doors Scheme. The homeowner has an EPC rating of E and receives Universal Credit, making them automatically eligible. A TrustMark-registered installer quotes £8,200 for eight new uPVC double-glazed windows and one composite back door, all meeting the required U-value of 1.2 W/m²K. After the £7,500 grant, the household pays just £700 upfront. Based on Energy Saving Trust estimates, the new glazing cuts annual heating costs by roughly £315, meaning the payback period is just over two years. Over a 25-year window lifespan, total savings reach approximately £7,875, not accounting for future energy price rises. The installation also lifts the EPC rating from E to C, adding around £6,000 to the property value according to Nationwide research.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £700 |
| Yearly savings | £315 |
| Payback period | 2.2 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £7,875 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming you need to own your home outright to qualify for the grant. Here are three frequent misunderstandings that cost people time and money.
- Thinking the grant covers all costs in full The scheme pays up to £7,500, but if your quote exceeds that amount you pay the difference yourself. One homeowner in Birmingham received a £9,000 quote and had to find £1,500 from savings because they had not budgeted for the shortfall.
- Believing double glazing already fitted disqualifies you completely You can still apply if your existing double glazing is beyond repair, for example with failed seals causing permanent condensation between panes. Ignoring this rule means missing out on a fully funded replacement that would cost £3,000 otherwise.
- Assuming any registered installer will do Only TrustMark-registered installers with a specific glazing endorsement are accepted. Using a general builder without this certification voids the grant entirely, leaving you to pay the full £7,500 bill yourself.
Quick reference
- The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
- You qualify if your EPC rating is D through G and you receive a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
- All installations must use a TrustMark-registered installer or the grant is forfeited and you pay the full cost.
- Glazing is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. The zero rate for energy-saving materials covers insulation, heat pumps and solar panels; HMRC names secondary and double glazing as excluded (VAT Notice 708/6).
- Landlords can apply for rental properties but must obtain written tenant permission before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
You qualify if your EPC rating is D, E, F or G and you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. The scheme is available in England, Scotland and Wales (GOV.UK, 2026).
The grant provides up to £7,500 per eligible household. It fully covers the cost of installing certified double or triple glazing (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Yes, landlords can apply for rental properties but must have tenant permission. The property must also meet the EPC and benefit criteria (GOV.UK, 2026).
