Double glazing replacement is one of the most popular home improvements in the UK — and one that can genuinely reduce energy bills by 10-15%. But how much should you actually budget in 2026?
This guide covers everything: costs by window material, house size, labour rates, energy savings, regional differences, and a full sample quote so you know exactly what to expect.
Double Glazing Cost at a Glance — UK 2026
| Window Type | Cost Per Window | House Cost (10 windows) | Energy Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC (budget) | £150-£250 | £2,000-£3,500 | 10-15% |
| uPVC (mid-range) | £250-£350 | £3,500-£5,000 | 10-15% |
| Aluminum | £250-£400 | £3,500-£5,500 | 10-15% |
| Composite / Timber | £400-£600 | £5,500-£8,000 | 15-20% |
| Triple-glazed | £400-£700 | £5,500-£9,500 | 20-25% |
Key Insight: uPVC is the most popular choice in the UK — £150-£250 per window and the same energy savings as more expensive materials. Most homeowners don't need premium materials unless their windows are visible from the street or they have specific aesthetic preferences.
Window Material Costs — UK 2026
uPVC (Most Popular) — £150-£350 Per Window
The most common choice in the UK. Cheap, durable, low-maintenance, and good thermal performance.
- Budget range: £150-£250 (white frames, basic double glazing)
- Mid-range: £250-£350 (white or colored, better seals)
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Maintenance: Minimal, occasional cleaning
- Thermal efficiency: U-value 1.2-1.6 (good)
Aluminum — £250-£450 Per Window
Premium option popular for modern homes. Better thermal performance but more expensive.
- Cost: £250-£450 per window
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Thermal efficiency: U-value 1.0-1.4 (better than uPVC with thermal break)
- Best for: Modern, contemporary properties
Composite / Engineered Timber — £400-£650 Per Window
Premium option for traditional or period properties.
- Cost: £400-£650 per window
- Lifespan: 25-30+ years
- Thermal efficiency: U-value 0.9-1.2 (excellent)
- Best for: Period homes, listed buildings, conservation areas
Triple-Glazing — £400-£800 Per Window
High performance option with maximum energy savings.
- Cost: £400-£800 per window
- Energy savings: 20-25% vs single glazing
- Thermal efficiency: U-value 0.6-0.9 (excellent)
- Payback period: 8-12 years through energy savings
Cost by House Size
| House Type | Windows | Budget uPVC | Mid-Range uPVC | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed terrace | 6-8 | £1,200-£2,000 | £1,800-£3,000 | £2,000-£3,600 |
| 3-bed semi/terrace | 8-10 | £1,600-£2,500 | £2,500-£3,500 | £2,500-£4,500 |
| 4-bed detached | 10-14 | £2,000-£3,500 | £3,000-£5,000 | £3,500-£6,000 |
| 5-bed detached | 14-16 | £2,800-£4,000 | £4,000-£6,000 | £5,000-£8,000 |
Labour Costs — UK 2026
| Work | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-2 windows | £200-£400 |
| 3-5 windows | £400-£800 |
| 6-10 windows (full house) | £800-£1,500 |
| 11+ windows | £100-£150 per window |
Regional Price Differences — UK 2026
| Region | uPVC (10 windows) | vs National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £3,500-£5,000 | +20-30% |
| South East | £3,000-£4,500 | +10-20% |
| Midlands | £2,500-£3,500 | Average |
| North West | £2,200-£3,200 | -10-15% |
| North East | £2,000-£3,000 | -15-20% |
What Affects Double Glazing Cost?
- Window size — Larger windows cost more per unit
- Number of windows — Bulk discounts available for 6+ windows
- Frame color — White is standard, colored frames (+£20-£50 per window)
- Access difficulty — Upper floors, hard-to-reach windows cost more labour
- Removal of old frames — Usually included but can add £50-£150 per window
- Glass upgrades — Low-E glass, noise reduction, tinted glass add £20-£100 per window
- Installation angle — Bay windows, difficult angles add labour cost
Pro Tip: Always get quotes for the full house, not individual windows. Most window companies offer 15-25% discounts for 6+ windows. A full house quote is often cheaper per window than small jobs.
Sample Quote — 10 Windows
Typical quote for a 3-bed semi in the Midlands, replacing 10 windows with mid-range uPVC:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Survey & quotation | Free |
| uPVC frames & double-glazed units x10 (£280/window) | £2,800 |
| Removal of old frames & disposal | £150 |
| Installation labour (8-10 hours) | £600 |
| Sealing & making good | £150 |
| Cill repair/upgrade | £200 |
| Total | £3,900 |
That's £390 per window average for quality mid-range uPVC replacement.
Energy Savings & ROI
- Double glazing reduces heating loss by 10-15%
- Average household saves £150-£300/year on heating bills
- Payback period: 13-26 years (long-term investment)
- Government grants may be available (check Energy Company Obligation)
- Triple glazing increases savings to 20-25% but costs £1,500-£2,000 more per home
Building Regulations and FENSA
Replacement windows in England and Wales must meet Building Regulations for things like energy efficiency and safety. Installers registered with a competent person scheme, such as FENSA, can self-certify that their work complies and register it for you. If your installer isn't registered, the work needs approval from Building Control instead. Ask for the certificate when the job is finished — you'll need it when you sell your home.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Installer
- Are you registered with FENSA or another competent person scheme?
- What guarantee do you give on the frames, glass and installation?
- Is the guarantee insurance-backed if your business stops trading?
- Does the price include removing and disposing of the old windows?
- Does it include making good the reveals and internal finish?
- How much deposit do you need, and when is the balance due?
Energy Ratings Explained
Windows are often given an energy rating, or a U-value showing how much heat escapes. A lower U-value means better insulation. When comparing quotes, check that each installer is offering a similar rating, because a cheaper quote can sometimes mean lower-performing glazing.
Also check that quotes are for comparable window styles and opening configurations, since extra opening sections and specialist glass add to the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does double glazing cost in the UK?
£150-£250 per window (budget uPVC), £250-£350 (mid-range uPVC), £250-£450 (aluminum), £400-£650 (composite). A 3-bed semi with 10 windows costs £2,500-£5,000. Costs vary by region — London is 20-30% more expensive than the national average.
What is the cheapest option?
White uPVC at £150-£250 per window offers the best value. It performs nearly identically to premium materials but costs half as much. Most UK homeowners choose this option.
How long does installation take?
1-2 windows: 4-8 hours. Full house (10 windows): 2-3 days. Windows can usually be used immediately, but sealant needs 24 hours to cure.
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