Keeping your home warm and energy-efficient is no longer a luxury—it’s a smart investment. With rising energy prices and rising worries about climate change, UK homeowners are looking for cheap ways to make their homes better. One of the simplest upgrades? New windows.
The good news? You don’t have to cover the full cost yourself. There are new UK schemes offering grants for windows, designed to make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible—especially when combined with smart home heating systems.
Let’s break it down in plain terms: what grants are out there, who can apply, and how you can benefit today.
Why Energy-Efficient Windows Matter
Before we move on to the grants, it’s interesting to know why windows are so crucial. Single-glazed, old windows lose heat. That translates to higher energy bills, colder winters, and more pressure on your boiler.
A year’s worth of heating bill savings of as much as £165 can be made using energy-efficient windows, the Energy Saving Trust estimates. Couple grants with those savings? That’s a winner.”.
What Are Grants for Windows?
Grants for windows are plans of financial aid, frequently offered by the UK government, local councils, or energy firms. They help homeowners, landlords, and renters to finance the cost of installing low-energy windows.
These grants usually focus on homes that qualify on some basis, such as:
- Low income households
- Energy-inefficient homes (old builds, single glazing)
- Households already receiving government benefits
1. ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
The ECO4 Scheme is one of the most well-known programs right now. It makes big UK energy providers help low-income households improve their home’s energy efficiency.
What It Covers:
- Upgrading old single-pane windows to double or triple glazing
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- Smart home heating systems
Who’s Eligible?
You could be eligible if you’re receiving any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
Even if you don’t get benefits, you might still qualify under ECO4 Flex, where local authorities set their own rules for eligibility.
Real-World Example:
Mary, a retiree from Leeds living in a 1960s bungalow, applied through her local council. She received full funding for new windows and a smart thermostat. Her heating bill dropped by 35% within months.
2. Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Introduced in 2023, GBIS aims to improve home insulation across the UK. While its main goal is insulation, many local authorities are extending it to include window upgrades—especially when combined with whole-home efficiency improvements.
Why It’s Relevant:
Local councils using GBIS often tie it to other energy-saving upgrades, such as:
- Window replacements
- Boiler swaps
- Installation of smart home heating systems
Case Study:
The Mitchells, a family in Birmingham, had their draughty windows replaced through a council-backed GBIS extension. Paired with loft insulation and a Hive smart thermostat, their home became noticeably warmer—and their EPC rating jumped two levels.
👉 Check with your local council to see if GBIS includes windows in your area.
3. Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)
The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) is part of the UK’s plan to cut carbon emissions. It offers funding to off-grid homes—properties not heated by mains gas.
What’s Covered:
- Triple-glazed windows
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Smart heating controls
Who Can Apply?
- Off-gas homes in England
- Households falling under EPC band D or worse
- Income below £31,000/year
Real-World Example:
A couple in Norfolk, living in a rural home with oil heating, used the HUG2 grant to install triple-glazing and an air-source heat pump. Their home became warmer, quieter, and significantly cheaper to run.
4. Local Council Window Grant Programs
Not all help comes from national schemes. Many local councils offer their own grants for windows—especially in areas with older housing stock.
Examples include:
- Manchester City Council: Funding for landlords to upgrade windows in energy-inefficient rentals.
- Leicester City Council: Home improvement grants covering glazing for low-income residents.
- London Boroughs: Eco-refurbishment programs tied to smart controls and insulation.
👉 Tip: Type “[Your Council Name] + window grant” into Google to see what’s available.
The Role of Smart Home Heating Systems
So where do smart home heating systems fit in?
When you upgrade your windows, it’s smart to also update how you control your heating. Devices like Hive, Nest, or Tado give you more control over when and where your heating runs. These systems:
- Learn your habits
- Let you control heating from your phone
- Save energy automatically
Some grants include smart heating controls as part of the package—especially under ECO4 or HUG2.
Why It Matters:
Double-glazing keeps heat in. Smart systems stop you from wasting it. Together, they offer real savings—up to 50% on energy bills, according to British Gas.
How to Apply for a Window Grant
Here’s a simple step-by-step to get started:
- Check Your Eligibility
Use the Simple Energy Advice Tool to see if you qualify. - Contact Your Council
Ask if local schemes or ECO4 Flex is available in your area. - Find an Approved Installer
Only go with TrustMark-registered companies or those recommended by the scheme. - Combine Upgrades for More Help
Ask if you can bundle windows with insulation or smart heating for better support.
What If You’re Not Eligible?
If you don’t meet the income or benefit criteria, consider these options:
- Green Loans: Offered by some banks for eco home improvements.
- Energy Provider Discounts: Companies like Octopus and E.ON sometimes offer discounts on windows or smart thermostats.
- VAT Relief: Energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for 0% VAT (through 2027).
Final Thoughts
Window grants are more than a giveaway—they’re an investment in your comfort, your budget, and the environment. And with more assistance to be found in 2025 than ever, it’s time to get moving.
No matter where you live, whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a countryside village, there’s probably a scheme to suit you that will make your home better. Add to that smart home heating systems, and you’re not only saving energy—you’re elevating your lifestyle.
