A buyer’s guide to choosing replacement windows

When buying replacement windows, look for energy-efficient windows that suit your home, fitted by an accredited installer you can trust. A clear quote and a solid guarantee will then give you peace of mind that you’re getting good value.

New windows are a significant investment. We know comparing quotes can feel confusing, so our team at Emerald Windows and Doors has based this checklist on the questions homeowners ask us most during surveys. Here’s what to look for when buying replacement windows and the pitfalls to avoid.

Key takeaways

• Choose a frame material that suits your home and budget
• Look for an energy rating of A or above for the whole window
• Choose an installer who is FENSA registered
• Get a detailed quote and a written guarantee before you sign

Window material

The best material depends on your home, your budget and how much upkeep you’re happy with:

• uPVC windows: modern frames have hollow chambers inside that trap air for better insulation. They won’t rot, are low maintenance and are the more affordable option, offering great value and long-lasting performance.
• Timber effect windows: uPVC finished to look like wood, giving you the classic appearance of wood windows without the repainting. Our Residence Collection suits older homes and period properties.
• Aluminium windows: slim, strong frames with a thermal break (an insulating barrier inside the frame) to reduce heat transfer. Often seen as a premium choice, aluminium suits homes where a sleek, contemporary look is a priority.

If you’re unsure which suits your home, visit our Swindon showroom to see our window frames, design options and variety of colours side by side.

Energy efficiency ratings

In the UK, windows are given an energy rating from A++ (the best) to E. The rating covers the whole window (frame and glass) and considers heat loss, solar heat gain (warmth from the sun) and air leakage (draughts).

You’ll often see a U-value too, which measures how quickly heat passes through a window. The lower the number, the less heat you lose.

Every window we install achieves an A+ energy rating and is capable of reaching A++, with argon gas between the panes of glass to help keep heat in. If you’d like even better insulation, triple glazing is available too. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that upgrading from single glazing to A-rated double glazing could save a semi-detached home around £85 a year on energy bills.

Security standards

Your windows play a big part in keeping your home safe, so ask what locks and handles come as standard and whether the windows have been tested to a recognised security standard, such as PAS 24.

High-quality locks and the latest security features come as standard on all our windows.

Installer accreditation

Even the best window needs proper installation to perform well. A poorly fitted frame can let in draughts and moisture, so check your installer is accredited:

• FENSA: a government-authorised competent person scheme. Registered installers certify that their work meets Building Regulations, so you’ll receive a FENSA certificate once your windows are fitted.
• GGF: members of the Glass and Glazing Federation follow a consumer code of practice for extra peace of mind.

Emerald Windows & Doors is a FENSA Approved Installer. Our experienced fitting teams install every product we supply. We’re also proud members of the GGF and the Consumer Protection Association (CPA).

Warranties and guarantees

Not all guarantees are equal, so read the fine print before you sign. Check how long the guarantee lasts, which parts it covers and who backs it.

Your new windows are covered by our supplier backed 20 year guarantee. Our supplier works with installers across the country but has currently offered this guarantee only to us, in recognition of the quality of our installations.

Price transparency

A clear quote shows exactly what you’re paying for. Check it includes:

• The window style, frame material and type of glazing
• The energy rating of each window
• Removal of your current windows and making good the surrounding areas
• FENSA certification and full guarantee details

You can get a free, no-obligation quote from us at any time. We’ll happily talk you through every line.

How many quotes should you get for replacement windows?

We’d recommend getting at least three quotes. Ask each company for a full survey of your windows, so the prices you’re comparing are accurate and based on your home. Our team is always happy to provide a quote and answer any questions you have.

What to watch out for before you sign

Asking the right questions early helps you avoid the most common problems. Here are four to look out for.

Quotes without a full specification

If a quote just says “double glazing” without naming the frame, glass or energy rating, ask for the full details. It’s what we often find missing when homeowners show us quotes from elsewhere.

Comparing different U-values

When we quote replacement windows, we often find homeowners have been given a centre-pane U-value by one company and a whole-window U-value by another, making the products look easier to compare than they are. Asking every company for the whole-window figure means you’re comparing like for like.

Installers who aren’t accredited

In England, if your installer isn’t registered with a scheme like FENSA, you’ll need to arrange building control approval yourself, adding time and cost to your project. You also won’t receive a FENSA certificate, which buyers’ solicitors usually ask for when you sell your home. When we fit your windows, you’ll always receive one.

Reviews and aftercare

Google reviews are a helpful way to see what other homeowners think of a company. It’s worth checking that they come from customers who have had their products installed, as some companies ask for reviews after the initial sales appointment. Reviews can also show how well a company supports its customers once the job is complete. We’d recommend asking what aftercare is included, so you know who to contact if you ever need help.

Talk to Emerald Windows and Doors

At Emerald Windows and Doors, we’ve been fitting uPVC, aluminium and timber effect windows across Swindon and the surrounding South West since 2004. With clear quotes, FENSA registered installers and our supplier backed 20 year guarantee, we make the whole installation process stress-free, from survey to fitting.

• Request a free quote online
• Call our team on 01793 700 142
• Visit our Swindon showroom to see our windows