Everyone wants the best double glazing deals, and there are plenty of tempting offers about. The catch is that the cheapest headline price is not always the best deal once you look at what you actually get. A true bargain is a good window, fitted well, at a fair price, not a stripped-back product with a big discount stuck on the front.
Here are five things to check before you buy, so you can tell a real deal from a false economy.
1. What the spec actually includes
A quote is only comparable if you know what is in it. Two "double glazing" prices can be miles apart in what they cover. Check:
- The glazing: the gap between panes, whether it is argon-filled, and the low-emissivity coating.
- The frames: the material and how they are reinforced.
- The hardware: the locks, hinges and handles.
- What is included: removal of the old windows, making good and the certificate.
A very low price often means a basic spec. Pin down the detail so you are comparing like with like. Our uPVC windows range shows the sort of spec worth having.
2. The energy rating
Double glazing is meant to keep heat in, so the energy performance matters. Look at the window energy rating (A and above is good) and the U-value, which measures heat loss, where lower is better.
A warmer window keeps rooms comfortable, cuts draughts and helps with heating bills over time. A cheap deal on a poorly rated window is a false saving, since you pay the difference back in higher bills for years.
3. The security built in
Ground-floor windows especially need to keep your home safe. Check for:
- Multipoint locking that bolts the sash into the frame.
- Internally beaded glazing, so the glass cannot be removed from outside.
- Quality, well-fitted hardware.
Security is one of the first things a bargain product skimps on, so do not assume it is there.
4. The guarantee behind the deal
A good deal stands behind itself. Check what the guarantee covers, on the frames, the glazing units against misting, the hardware and the fitting, and how long each lasts. Just as important, check the guarantee is properly backed so it holds if the company changes.
A long, well-backed guarantee is part of the value. A cut-price deal with a flimsy or unbacked guarantee is worth less than it looks.
5. The fitting
This is the one that makes or breaks the whole job. The best double glazing fitted badly, with gaps, poor sealing or an out-of-square frame, will draught, mist and disappoint. A proper fitting, correctly sealed and squared, is what makes the windows perform.
Ask who does the fitting, whether they are trained in-house teams, and what happens if something needs adjusting afterwards. And make sure the work is registered for Building Regulations compliance, usually through FENSA or a similar scheme. Rules change, so check current requirements with your local authority. If an older window later mists or a lock fails, our repairs team can help.
The real meaning of a good deal
The best double glazing deals are not simply the cheapest. They are the ones where a solid product, good security, a proper energy rating, a real guarantee and a careful fitting come together at a fair price. Check those five things and you will spot the genuine value, and avoid the offers that cost more in the long run. For a straight, no-pressure price, request a free quote and we will measure up.
FAQs
How do I find the best double glazing deals?
Do not judge on price alone. Check the spec, the energy rating, the security, the guarantee and the fitting, then compare quotes on a like-for-like basis. The best deal is a good window fitted well at a fair price, not the cheapest headline figure on a stripped-back product.
Is cheap double glazing a false economy?
It can be. A very low price often means a basic spec, weaker security or a flimsy guarantee, and the savings can be swallowed by higher heating bills or early problems. A slightly higher price for a proper window fitted well usually works out better over time.
What energy rating should double glazing have?
Look for a window energy rating of A or above and a low U-value, which measures heat loss. A better rating means less heat lost, warmer rooms and lower bills over time. It is only part of the picture, though, since the frame and fitting also affect real-world warmth.
Does new double glazing need to be certified?
Usually, yes. Replacement double glazing generally needs to comply with Building Regulations, often certified through FENSA or a similar scheme by a registered installer. Requirements change, so check the current rules with your local authority.
Want to see the spec and finishes before you commit? Download our latest brochure, or request a free quote and we will pop out for a look.