Double-glazed windows - do they make a noticeable difference?

[Newtothis4921]

Has anyone changed their single glazed windows to double glazed? Did you feel a big difference? Just had planning permission in to change ours (we're listed). It will be the heritage approved double glazing, so thinner than standard. Would love to hear from other people who have changed if you loved it or couldn't really tell ! Hoping for a warm winter for once!!

Massive difference
Our house was only partially double glazed when we moved in, very cold winter& we slept in the spare room until our bedroom window had been replaced. Could see our breath in the toilet (no heater/radiator).
considering triple glazed when we replace the lounge

I had internal secondary glazing put in and it does make a big difference.

It doesn’t look great though but I have original stained glass windows and couldn’t afford the alternatives.

Having the roof insulated and a dormer rebuilt with insulation made a big difference too, and I think that underfloor insulation would be worth it, but I’m moving out.

Cuts down Noise too

Huge difference. For one thing, it was wonderful not to have streaming windows in cold weather. And I could always feel the cold air if I sat near the windows before we had double glazing.

Yes, definitely. When we moved here from single glazed we noticed the difference. After 20 plus years we replace the windows with higher spec double glazing and the difference was remarkable, we hear very little apart from the 30 or so sparrows that live in the front hedge having a cheep off or very large tractors and trailers at harvest time.
Noticed the house was warmer too.

Yes. (20 years ago now) The house was so much cozier. Not a fair test for heating bills because we replaced a 40 year old boiler at the same time but they dropped a lot.

Yes and so much quieter too!

Yes it really helps. Our old failed double glazing used to freeze on the inside in cold weather. However the outside walls still get very cold.

I can remember my DOs getting double glazing when I was a teen and it making a difference.

I would go for it.

Also in a listed house, wondering how the cost of specialised windows compares to standard ones- are they much more expensive? I have 4 large sash windows and am dreading even asking for a quote!

Also, how did you get around planning dept. when applying for DG?

@SurroundedByEejits it depends on the window size but most of our 4 pane window 2 pane sash are coming in about £1.5k, I don't know what it would have been non-heritage as we never would have got that past planning we didn't explore. For planning, we had a planning expert help us as it's so complicated and you need loads of drawings etc, so he came over and had a look first and advised he thought we would get approval if we had them designed exactly right. Then he worked with the window team to get the right drawings etc and did most of it for us. Cost us about £600

Massive difference! Definitely worth the money.

They are ammaaaazing. We moved into our house in November a couple of years ago. The house had ancient, half rotten windows from the 1930s (<-- no character though, just old) with secondary glazing. The windows wouldn't open if there was any damp in the air and, every single morning in winter, I'd have to wipe down the inside of the windows. When it was especially cold, I'd have to de-ice the insides of the windows.

Got double glazing fitted and it was awesome waking up to dry windows!! They're also quieter and warmer. And I can open and close them whenever I want!!

Huge difference especially in an old drafty house. At one point partway through replacing them we had an old single glazed next to a new triple glazed - condensation running in rivers down the old one and nothing at all on the new one. It's actually warm now with the heating on and it seems to have fixed some damp and mould problems in one room. Should have done it years ago!

Yes, really big difference. I moved from single glazed to double in Victorian terrace. Massive thermal comfort and noise difference. I also got the patio doors and rear window (South facing) covered in heat reflective film, and it was cooler in summer too.
I've also changed a couple of years ago from 'old' narrow 1980's double glazing to new, warmer windows and doors. Another step up in warmth...

@Newtothis4921 as others have said, yes, a massive difference, both for insulation and noise.

I also recommend lined and interlined curtains. Decent linings make an incredible difference and for this winter we've supplemented our roman blinds with ready made curtains that have black out lining.

All of this is money well spent IMO.

Are you keeping the original frames or getting new ones made? You can get thin profile double glazed glass out into original frames. It is cheaper than all new windows. I would also recommend getting a ventrolla system installed or similar to minimise draughts

@Geneticsbunny new frames as the old ones all rotten, part of the reason we're changing now

Very excited after all these positive posts!