Second-Hand Double Glazed Windows: Are They Worth It?

✔ Second-hand double glazing can cost £50-£450 per window

✔ Second-hand windows need to be replaced sooner than new ones

✔ Secondary glazing is usually a better cost-saving alternative

Double glazed windows provide an extra layer of insulation for your home and can save up to £235 on your energy bills. But replacing your windows can be expensive, so you might be wondering if there’s a way to reduce the price of double glazing.

Buying second-hand double glazed windows will often reduce the initial cost – but you might end up paying more in the long run.

In this article, we’ll take you through the costs, advantages and disadvantages of second-hand double glazed windows, and whether they’re worth it, so that you can make an informed decision.

Want to see how much new double glazed windows will cost you first? Fill in our short form with some details about your home, and we’ll pass them on to our expert suppliers. They’ll then get in touch and offer you free bespoke quotes.

Can you get second-hand double glazing?

Yes, you can get second-hand double glazing – and it’s easier than you might think. Many online marketplaces, such as Gumtree or eBay, have listings for used double glazed windows. Most of these are from homeowners getting rid of old windows, and not window companies.

There are also various providers that specialise in selling second-hand windows and doors, such as Greendoors.

The second-hand double glazed windows listed on online marketplaces are usually much cheaper than new ones. Some cost as little as £50, while the average new double glazed window costs £640.

However, they also might have signs of wear or be defective in some way, such as having faulty locks, broken framework, or worn-out double glazing, so make sure to read the listings carefully.

If you get your double glazed windows from a specialised second-hand provider, they are more likely to be in better condition, but might be more expensive than independent listings on Gumtree or eBay.

Some of these providers even offer installation, and the windows they sell are overall still cheaper than new ones, by about 80% according specialist second-hand provider Greendoors.

Want new double-glazing instead? Check out our list of the best double glazing installers.

How much does second-hand double glazing cost?

Prices for second-hand double glazed windows can vary, ranging from £50 to £450 per window. The amount you’ll pay will depend on a number of factors, including the type of window, its measurements, the condition it’s in, how old it is, and the type of glass (e.g tempered, coloured, or eco glass).

Wooden windows, for example, are generally more expensive than uPVC or aluminum windows.

As a rule of thumb, the cheaper a second-hand double glazed window is, the more likely it will be in poor condition. We recommend looking at the listings carefully.

It costs around £2,500 to replace all the windows in a standard three-bedroom house with second-hand double glazed ones, not including installation. That’s around half of what it costs to install new double glazed windows.

To compare, new double glazing costs around  £640 per window –  around £6,010 to replace all windows in a three-bedroom house, not including installation.

Want a better idea of costs? Here’s a breakdown of the average price of second-hand windows, based on the size of property:

*Based on an average price of £250 per window. Figures are correct as of March 2023.

This does not include the cost of installation, which is around £25 to £35 per hour according to wisetradesmen – and even more if installing your new windows requires scaffolding.

Technically, you can install windows yourself, but we’d recommend using a professional to ensure your double glazed windows are properly fitted.

Pros and cons of second-hand double glazing

The advantages of second-hand double glazing

Cheaper than buying new

Getting double glazed windows can be expensive, but buying them second hand can reduce the total cost. Most second hand windows will be £50-£450, but the average new double glazed window will be about £640.

The amount you can save will depend on the deal you get on your second-hand windows, but it could be up to half what you would spend on new ones.

Better heat retention than single-glazed windows

Double glazed windows are more efficient than single-glazed windows, which means they’re better at preventing heat loss in a property. This is because the double panes add an extra layer of insulation to the property, which prevents heat from escaping and keeps cold air out.

The small gap between the two panes is filled with air or other gas like argon, krypton, or xenon. These gases conduct heat more slowly than air, because they’re heavier, so your home will stay warm for longer.

Lower energy bills

Your home will be more efficient with double glazed windows, as they prevent heat loss, which means you won’t need to use as much energy to keep your home warm. This can cut your energy bills by an average of £195 a year. How much you save will depend on factors such as whether you’re replacing single or double glazed windows, and the size of your property

Reduced carbon footprint

You’ll be cutting down on the amount of energy needed to heat your home after installing double glazed windows. Less energy being used around the property means fewer carbon emissions.

And buying your double glazed windows second hand is an even greener option. This is because, by reusing windows that have already been manufactured, you won’t be contributing to any extra emissions that come with producing new materials.

Better soundproofing

As well as keeping heat in, double glazed windows also keep noise out, meaning a more peaceful home for you. This is because two panes are better at absorbing sound vibrations than one, and the gap in between them lessens soundwave transmission. Double glazing can typically reduce the noise level by 35 to 40 decibels (dB), which is a level similar to a quiet conversation.

The disadvantages of second-hand double glazing

They’ll need to be replaced sooner

New double glazed windows can last between 20 and 35 years, but you’ll need to replace them sooner if you buy yours second hand.

The time it’ll take for second-hand windows to wear down will depend on the condition of them and how old they are when you buy them.

Mismatched windows

It can be difficult to find second-hand windows that exactly match each other – especially if you want to replace all your windows.

And even if you’re only replacing a few windows, you might find it difficult to find second-hand ones that look similar to your existing windows.

Bear in mind that this is just an aesthetic problem – it won’t affect the quality of the windows.

No warranty

Unlike buying new double glazed windows, there’s typically no warranty to make sure the quality of your second-hand windows are up to scratch, so you’ll need to be careful about who you buy them from.

Buying from specialised second-hand sellers might reduce the risk of getting poor-quality windows, but not always. There’s also no guarantee if they break, which means you’ll have to pay for a replacement out of your own pocket.

Less energy efficient than new models

Second-hand double glazed windows are usually less energy efficient than new ones. One reason for this is because the technology around double glazing is always improving.

For example, new double glazed windows are often made with low emissivity (low-E) glass, which is a coating that allows natural light into the home, while deflecting UV rays and infrared light back out of the property. This keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Is second-hand double glazing worth it?

Second-hand double glazed windows often aren’t worth the lower price because of the many problems they pose. There’s a higher risk of buying poor-quality products, it’s difficult to purchase matching windows, and they’re usually less energy efficient than new ones.

And even if the upfront cost of second-hand double glazed windows is lower than it is for new ones, you might end up spending more in the long run on repairs – not to mention you’ll need to replace your windows sooner.

A better alternative is to install new double glazed windows, which are worth the higher price because they last longer and are equipped with the latest double glazing technology, leading to maximum energy savings.

They also usually come with warranties, which means you’ll spend less on repairs if they break.

Plus, double glazed windows can increase the value of your home by around 10% – but this is less likely to be the case if you install mismatched second-hand ones.

Want to find out more? Check out our page: Is It Worth Putting In Double Glazing?

If you want to keep costs down, but avoid the disadvantages of second-hand windows, you should consider secondary glazing. This is where a pane of glass and a frame are fitted over existing windows. It typically costs about half as much as installing new double glazed windows, and is still a great way to insulate your home.

If you’re unsure about testing out second-hand double glazing on your property, you don’t have to rule them out completely. They might still be useful for other projects – like a greenhouse. Adding double glazing to a greenhouse creates an extra layer of insulation, perfect for growing fruit and veg. You can learn more about this on our page: The Complete Guide to Double Glazed Greenhouses.

Next steps

Second-hand double glazed windows are often cheaper than new ones, but they  aren’t as energy efficient, and will usually need to be replaced sooner than new models.

New double glazed windows, sourced from a professional installer, are worth the investment. You can keep costs down by opting for cheaper materials and styles, which will still do a great job at insulating your home.

If you want to install a set of double glazed windows into your property, just fill in this form with details about your house. We’ll pass your information on to professional installers, who will get in touch and offer you their best prices.

Frequently asked questions