How Can Eco Windows Help You Save Money and the Environment?
Are you looking to reduce your energy bills while helping the planet? Installing eco-friendly windows is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. In this blog, we’ll explain how eco window installations work, what benefits they offer, and how they fit into a broader plan for sustainable home improvement.
What environmental impact do eco windows have?
Many homeowners upgrade their windows because they are concerned about their environmental footprint. At Gowercroft, we completely agree. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in sustainable manufacturing practices, including biomass-fuelled heating systems and the reuse of timber shavings for energy.
We even partnered with Derby University to conduct a full life cycle assessment of our timber windows, comparing them to aluminium and uPVC alternatives. The results showed that our Classic Range of timber-framed windows has a positive environmental impact over its entire lifespan — from cradle to grave.
This independent study confirmed what we’ve long believed: choosing the right materials and construction methods can lead to long-term sustainability gains. You can read more about the study here.
How do eco windows affect your home?
Installing high-performance timber windows like those in our Frontier Range will make a real difference to your everyday comfort. You’ll benefit from:
- Warmer rooms in winter
- Lower heating bills
- Reduced noise intrusion — especially with vacuum glazing
For properties in conservation areas or with traditional styling, we also offer Heritage Windows that blend modern efficiency with authentic appearance.
What happens when you improve insulation across your home?
The UK housing stock is notoriously inefficient. Many homes are either old and draughty or newer builds that lack proper insulation. By contrast, homes in countries like Sweden and Norway are designed to retain heat and minimise energy use.
Improving your windows is a great start, but combining this with roof, wall and floor insulation, draught-proofing, and improved doors can transform your home’s energy profile. We may not all reach Passive House standards, but every step towards a well-insulated property contributes to lowering emissions and energy costs.
Need help understanding which timber window options might be right for your home? We’ve created several guides to help you make an informed decision.e take up the government expected and will be replaced with the Replacement Boiler Scheme.
Could you upgrade your heating system too?
For even greater energy savings, consider pairing your eco windows with a more efficient heating system, such as an air-source or ground-source heat pump. These systems can be expensive to install, but they are far more efficient than traditional gas boilers.
While the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has now ended, it has been replaced with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides a one-off grant of £5,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump. To be eligible, your home must meet minimum insulation standards — another reason to ensure your windows and other building fabric are up to spec.
Combining eco windows with a heat pump and good insulation could cut your energy use by up to 75 percent. While not every home can achieve Passive House levels, even partial upgrades can lead to significant improvements.
So the use of an eco window makes a contribution to the overall efficiency of your home when certain other upgrades are made – but it cannot be denied that a significant energy saving can only be a good thing for the future of the planet, and your finances!
Learn more about the requirements for Passive House windows and how modern glazing, such as vacuum glass, fits into that goal.
Why are eco windows a smart long-term investment?
Switching to high-performance timber windows contributes to lower energy bills, improved comfort, and a reduced carbon footprint. Products like ours are built to last and come with long warranties. When you combine this with the environmental savings, it’s clear that choosing eco windows benefits both your wallet and the planet.
If you’re interested in a deeper dive into performance, explore our Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and read about our sustainability awards.