Did you know that you can save up to £140 a year off your energy bills by installing double glazing?

Your windows are an essential aspect of your home. Your property can lose up to 25% of its heat through the windows alone. Now imagine what you could buy with an extra £140? It could pay for two weeks’ worth of food for the family or a weekend break with the partner.

And double glazing should last for around 20 years, so that’s £2800 in savings over the next two decades.

It can improve the efficiency of your home; it can reduce your heating bills, it can improve the value of the property and you will be doing your small bit to make the planet more eco-friendly!

But you need to make sure that you get a fair price and you need to avoid cowboy double glazing firms. Here are the most important rules that you need to know:

  • The law protects you

Under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, any double glazing installation should be done using ‘reasonable care and skill’, the windows should be made with materials that are ‘of satisfactory quality’ and ‘fit for their purpose’; and be what you ordered. If these conditions aren’t met they have breached their contract and you have the right to have them replaced.

  • Don’t settle for the first quote

A recent study found that double glazing salespeople quote a higher price to begin with and that they then drop it. Never settle for the very first quote they give you and avoid signing a contract on the spot. Go away and shop around to check you’re getting the best deal. Try to get around three quotes before deciding on a firm.

  • Do your research

A Which? investigation found that 25% of people have no idea how much double glazing should cost. You need to do your research to find out exactly what you should be paying, so you don’t get ripped off.

  • Can you get financial aid?

You may be able to get financial help towards double glazing. There are grants available that you may be eligible for. Make sure you know what you qualify for and check out the Green Deal.

  • Is double glazing appropriate?

Find out if your home is suitable for double glazing. If you have a listed building, there may be an alternative in the form of secondary glazing. It’s not as effective as full double glazing but you can still save on estimate £105 a year on your bills.

So there you have a detailed guide to buying double glazing. Do your homework and avoid getting ripped off by unreliable installers. Getting new windows is not a decision that can be made lightly!

This article was provided by Morley Glass, the go-to-experts for all your window and blind needs.