Change your windows: For greater comfort and savings.

More than one good reason to change

Renovation work in general, and window replacement in particular, has many benefits. It will enable you to :

- save energy and significantly reduce your energy bill;

- improve your living comfort, both in summer and winter;

- obtain a better Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE);

- add value to your property;

- give your home a facelift and embellish it to suit your tastes;

- and help protect the planet...

The right material

The key to energy-efficient renovation undoubtedly lies in changing the joinery. The first thing to consider is the choice of material. Even today, PVC is the material of choice for homeowners. This is primarily due to its price, but also to its longevity and heat-reducing qualities. Tinted in the mass, it is available in a wide range of finishes and colors.
Long reserved for sliding doors and windows, aluminum is now used for many types of glazing. A material in tune with the times, it has undergone significant development in recent years, with the addition of thermal bridge breakers to prevent the conduction of heat and cold. Today, aluminum joinery is recognized for its resistance over time. Another advantage is their rigidity, which makes them ideal for large windows. Last but not least, all types of profile are accepted, down to the thinnest, to offer greater clarity without compromising energy performance. Aluminum is the perfect material, maintenance-free and fully recyclable. It also adapts to any shape. A plus when renovating older buildings or those with unconventional openings. The only problem is cost, which can be double that of PVC windows.
Finally, wood joinery still has its fans. They adapt easily to traditional architecture (thanks to their warm style) and offer one of the most effective solutions in terms ofinsulation. There is an ever-growing range of species, with varying levels of insulation and resistance. The right choice depends on both the budget and the orientation of openings to take account of their exposure to the elements.

The RGE label or nothing at all!

Have your work carried out by a craftsman with the RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement)label. This label is awarded to professionals who respect a commitment charter that attests to their expertise in energy performance and renewable energy installation. It's the guarantee of a job well done, and an essential criterion for receiving financial aid such as the Eco-PTZ or Ma Prime Rénov.

Glazing and opening are equally important

For good thermal insulation, double glazing remains the norm. However, triple glazing is increasingly being considered to improve home insulation. But your choice between double and triple glazing will depend on the solar gain from your windows and your real insulation needs. If you live in a region where sub-zero temperatures are rare, and the exposure of your home guarantees you plenty of heat and light even in winter, double glazing will certainly be sufficient. But don't forget thermal comfort. In a south-facing room, solar-control glazing will bring you real well-being by blocking up to 80% of solar emissions.
Another important point is the opening system. The so-called "French" system, with casements opening inwards, is still the norm. This provides maximum ventilation, and windows and French doors are easy to clean, making them suitable for most rooms. This type of opening can be complemented by a tilt-and-turn opening. This allows you to leave your windows open at night or when the occupants are away. Sliding or galandage openings, increasingly popular for bay windows, offer exceptional space-saving and opening possibilities.
To choose the right type of window opening, take into account the space and environment of each of your rooms.

Financial assistance

Whether you're building a new house or renovating an existing one, the purchase of windows represents a substantial budget. To encourage people to buy high-performance windows and carry out energy-saving work, the government offers a number of grants and subsidies.
While the Crédit d'impôt pour la transition énergétique (CITE) will be phased out in 2021, Ma Prime Renov' is set to replace it. Created in 2020, Ma Prime Rénov is a grant to help finance certain energy improvement work (insulation, heating, ventilation or energy audits). Previously reserved for the most modest households, this scheme now concerns all households regardless of income. More precisely, the amount of the bonus is a flat rate. It is calculated on the basis of the household's income and the ecological gain achieved by the work. Resource ceilings are categorized into 4 profiles/colors according to different income levels (from the most modest to the most affluent households): Ma Prime Rénov'Bleu, Ma Prime Rénov'Jaune, Ma PrimeRénov'Violet, Ma Prime Rénov'Rose. A 5th Ma Prime Rénov'Copropriété profile has been established for work carried out by condominiums. Each profile has its own amount of subsidy, depending on the nature of the work involved. To check which grants you are eligible for and estimate their amount, use the online Simul'Aides simulator available on the Faire.fr website.
You may also be able to benefit from the Eco-PTZ to change your windows.The aim of this loan is to promote energy renovation work in homes built more than 2 years before the work is due to start. The Eco-PTZ can be granted, without means-testing, to owners of homes to be renovated (including condominiums), as well as to landlords wishing to renovate their rental property. The maximum amount of the eco-PTZ for a single action on glazed walls is €7,000, repayable over 15 years. From the date of obtaining the loan, the borrower must have the work carried out within a maximum of 3 years.
Energy vouchers, intended for households on modest incomes, are paid out each year by the tax authorities to beneficiaries. While they can be used to pay or help finance energy bills, whatever the fuel (wood, fuel oil, electricity, gas, etc.), they can also be used to finance part of the energy-saving work carried out in the home. In 2020, they were worth between €48 and €277.
When looking for financing, don't forget to consider grants from energy suppliers. Energy suppliers (Total, Engie...) offer various forms of assistance for energy-saving work, as part of their Energy Savings Certificates (CEE). There are also grants from theAnah, local authorities andAction Logement.

Reduced VAT

Renovation work to improve the energy performance of a house more than 2 years old is eligible forreduced-rate VAT at 5.5%.It is available to owner-occupiers, landlords, owners' associations, free tenants and non-trading property companies. Be careful, however, in your choice of materials. Only materials with proven energy performance are recognized by the tax authorities.

Marie-Christine Ménoire