Changing your windows:guide, advice, financing and cost

Changing windows is an interesting solution for saving energy by limiting heat loss, but also for improving the aesthetics of a home. Faced with the costs that this work represents and the growing reduction in State aid, it is advisable to prepare your project well, to study the possibilities and to obtain information from professionals in the sector to make the right choices and avoid bad ones. surprises.

Why change your windows?

Changing windows is one of the jobs most frequently carried out by the French. It must be said that the gains are multiple:

• Better insulation of the home, both thermally and acoustically, for optimized energy consumption.
• An aesthetic that matches your desires.
• Better security thanks to more resistant glazing and solid locking systems.
• Better ventilation, depending on the type of openings chosen, for more comfort.

Choose the right windows

For your comfort, and incidentally to benefit from the tax credit, the material chosen must be eligible and efficient. All materials are likely to be, it is the thermal transmission coefficient which is the real influence. This evaluates the amount of heat that passes through a wall during a given period and on a given surface. To be eligible, each material must comply with the established loss coefficient. Professionals in the field can advise you on this, or you can contact the Energy Info Centers (CIE) free of charge.

Each material has its specificities:

• Aluminum is bright, strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Although more expensive, it requires no maintenance, a rather interesting criterion.
• Wood is warm, natural and an excellent heat and sound insulator. On the other hand, it is less resistant to humidity and will require a specific water-repellent treatment in wet rooms (kitchen or bathroom).
• The aluminium/wood mix is ​​an interesting compromise that has several advantages, namely safety, customization, insulation and minimal maintenance.
• PVC is advantageous in terms of value for money. Very insulating and easy to install, it is resistant to humidity and requires little or no maintenance.

Several possibilities of openings are available to you for your windows:

• French style, it opens inwards and is not suitable for large rooms due to its size.
• Hinged, it opens partially and is suitable for small spaces.
• Sliding, it is insulating and ideal for exterior passages such as bay windows.
• Tilt and turn is the typical opening in bathrooms.

Double or triple glazing for its windows?

When it comes to glazing, double glazing is recognized as the standard for classic homes. Insulating from a thermal and sound point of view, it is perfect in town and in the countryside. In the mountains, triple glazing is more comfortable.

Window renovation:the different assemblies

Regarding the assembly of your windows, the cost and the work depend on the type of installation chosen. Do you decide to opt for a simple installation, for an installation with modification of the existing frame or for a new breakthrough? Here are the options available to you:

• For wall-mounting, the window is placed on the wall and adds the thickness of the thermal insulation.
• In tunnels, the window is placed in the thickness of the wall.
• In rebate, the window is embedded in the masonry.
• In renovation, the window is placed on the old frame, simply, without adaptation work.

Quality labels for your windows

To choose quality joinery, you can refer to the various established labels and certifications:

• the Acotherm certificate evaluates thermal and acoustic performance;
• the AEV classification relates to airtightness and watertightness;
• the Cekal label certifies the quality of double glazing;
• the NF CSTBat mark assesses watertightness, resistance and manufacturing quality.

What are the formalities for having windows changed?

When you decide to change your windows, certain formalities are necessary. The steps can be more or less restrictive depending on the nature of your project and the work that ensues.

The declaration of work for the replacement of your windows is not systematic and depends on your situation:

• If you replace your windows with a similar model, which retains the same size, the same type of joinery and color or which adopts more insulating glazing, the declaration of work is not necessary.
• If you replace your windows with a different model in terms of color, carpentry or if you switch from PVC to wood, for example, the declaration of work is necessary.
• If you transform your window into a French window, the exterior appearance is modified and a declaration of work is required.

If you live in a safeguarded or protected area, you are subject to specific regulations related to the historical criteria of conservation, enhancement or aesthetics of the area. Any renovation and development program is governed by the Safeguarding and Enhancement Plan, which imposes certain styles, colors or materials on you.

How much should you expect for your new windows?

Predicting the cost of your new windows is not easy; the invoice depends on the quality of the material chosen, the size of the opening, any accessories, the type of installation and the labour. PVC models are generally the most affordable on the market; then count a little more than a hundred euros per piece, against double for aluminum models. Do not hesitate to get free quotes online or from professionals and find out about the installation procedures; you will have the opportunity to compare the proposals and make the right choice.

To reduce the cost, it is advisable to install several windows at the same time; you save the travel costs of the professional and you can benefit from preferential rates for a larger order.

Whatever the cost, tell yourself that an installation carried out by a professional is the way to benefit from guarantees and insurance in all legality. Also remember to require the craftsman's civil liability guarantee when signing the quote.

Financial aid:what are the regulations in force?

The rate of the energy transition tax credit, or CITE, which applies to windows, doors and shutters has been reduced to 15% since January 1, 2018, compared to 30% previously. On July 1, 2018, it will be reduced to 0%, as stipulated in the decision of the deputies voted within the framework of the finance bill for the year 2018. During this period, taxpayers who replace their single glazing with double glazing, or who sign an estimate, benefit from the reduced rate.