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Replacing windows — it’s one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can face as a homeowner. And let’s be honest, it’s not as exciting as updating a kitchen or renovating a bathroom. But replacing your windows has a lot of surprising benefits — from a better-than-expected return on your investment to immediate savings on your utility bill.
Dig deeper: Are home improvements tax deductible?
In this article:
How much does it cost to replace a window?
So, what’s the cost to replace one window? According to the home services website Angi, it’s about including labor costs. As with any home improvement project, there are a lot of variables driving that price up or down. A good range for window replacement costs is $300 to $2,500 per window.
That’s a pretty broad estimate — especially if your entire home needs new windows. You might be wondering how much it costs to replace 25 windows. In that case, you’ll likely pay around $18,000 to $20,000.
But that’s still only an estimate. Your project will have its own unique costs that could make it more or less expensive. It’s tough to budget for a project with so many factors and such a wide price range. But there are some ways to reduce the costs. The best way to start is to understand what you need and want from your new windows. To do that, you’ll need to learn some window lingo.
Window shopping 101
You have a lot of choices when shopping for windows. But don’t get overwhelmed. There are really just six main categories you need to understand: size, window type, window frame material, number of panes, low-e coating, and gas fill.
Getting familiar with this window terminology will help you narrow down the cost of replacing windows. Once you’ve mastered these terms and options, you can feel confident as you price out your windows and get quotes from pros.
1 . Size
Measuring a window correctly is more complex than you’d think. We recommend letting a pro do it before making a purchase. But if you’re just shopping around and need some estimates, go ahead and measure the window horizontally and vertically.
The window will likely be set in wood trim or drywall. Measure trim to trim or drywall to drywall. That’ll give you a good estimate of what size window you need.
2. Window type
Here are the five main types of windows:
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Single-hung windows: This is a common window type. The bottom half moves up to open, while the top half is fixed and doesn’t move at all.
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Double-hung windows: Most new construction homes have double-hung windows. The top and bottom halves of the windows can open.
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Sliding windows: These windows operate just like a sliding glass door. Rather than opening vertically, they open side to side.
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Casement windows: These less common windows operate like doors, with hinges on the sides. To open, they swing out or in.
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Fixed windows: These don’t open. Good examples are picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows in a high-rise condo.
3. Window frame material
Once you have the size and type of window you want, it’s time to pick a material for your window frame — this is what the glass sits in. Here’s a breakdown of your options, going from least to most expensive:
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Aluminum: This is the cheapest option. Aluminum windows are durable but not energy efficient, and they’re prone to corrosion.
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Vinyl: This is the most popular type of window frame. It’s durable, energy efficient, and relatively inexpensive.
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Fiberglass: If you want low maintenance, good energy efficiency, and more durability, fiberglass windows are for you. But fiberglass is one of the more expensive options.
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Composite: These frames are made of a blend of wood fibers, plastics, metals, and other materials. They often resemble natural wood and are incredibly durable, but they’re not budget-friendly.
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Wood: If you’ve got a historic home or you’re going for a high-end look, wood windows might be what you want. But they come with a higher price tag, less durability, and more maintenance.
4. Number of panes
You have three options when it comes to window panes:
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Single-pane: This is the cheapest option. But one sheet of glass means low energy efficiency and more outside noise in your home. And single-pane windows might not meet your local building codes. Make sure to check before you buy.
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Double-pane: This is the most common option. With double-pane windows, you get good energy efficiency and sound protection at a reasonable price.
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Triple-pane: If your house is in a noisy area or somewhere with extreme temperatures, triple-pane glass will do the best job keeping your home quiet and energy efficient. But this is the most expensive option.
5. Low-e coating
The “e” in “low-e” stands for emissivity. If something has low emissivity, it doesn’t let a lot of heat pass through it, so the summer sun won’t heat up your house as much. And in the winter, the heat in your home won’t get out as quickly.
In a cold climate, though, you might want that winter sun getting through. Manufacturers have found clever ways to allow that to happen. Certain coatings are made for different climates. So, they’ll let the winter sun through based on the angle of the light.
Low-e coatings have some drawbacks. They increase the window replacement cost, and some homeowners claim they let less natural light into your house.
6. Gas fill
If you have double- or triple-pane windows, there’s a good chance a gas called argon fills the space between the layers of glass. Weird, right? Argon is denser than air, so it acts as an insulator. It keeps heat out during the summer and in during the winter.
Argon also keeps out moisture, so your windows are much less likely to get condensation between the panes of glass. Argon-filled windows will cost you a little more, but they’re something to consider.
Related: Roof replacement cost — What to expect and how to pay for it
How much do new windows cost?
With all those options, you’re probably wondering where to start when figuring out your window replacement cost. So, how much does it cost to replace windows?
While a quote from a professional is the only way to get a definite answer, you can get a rough idea of the average cost to replace windows by looking at these cost ranges:
What’s the most common window style?
The most popular windows are:
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Double-hung
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Double-pane
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Vinyl
Besides a couple of outliers — like picture and bay windows — the double-hung, double-pane, vinyl window will meet most homeowners' needs. It strikes a good balance between value and energy efficiency, costing $350 to $2,500 per window, including installation. Extras, like argon gas fill or low-e coating, push the cost to the higher end of that range.
When should you replace your windows?
If you’re not quite sure whether you need new windows, here are a few signs it’s time to replace them:
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Condensation/fog: Occasional moisture on the inside or outside of a window is normal. But condensation or fogginess between panes of glass is a sign that it’s time for new windows.
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Difficult operation: Opening and closing your windows should be easy. When it becomes a struggle, it’s time to replace them.
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Age: If your windows are a few decades old, it’s time to consider swapping them out with new ones.
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Damage: When you see rotting frames or moisture damage around windows, they need to be replaced.
Learn more: When should you replace your water heater, and how much does it cost?
Does replacing windows increase your home’s value?
When you install new vinyl windows in your home, you can generally expect a 67% return on your investment (ROI). That’s a better ROI than a major remodel on a midrange kitchen (49.5%) and a bath remodel (49.4%).
You’ll also likely see immediate savings on your utility bills. Newer windows are much more energy efficient than ones from a few decades ago, so upgrading to ENERGY STAR-qualified windows will save you about 7% to 15% in utility costs per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And they’ll look better — inside and out.
Financing options for window replacements
Replacing the windows in your home is an expensive project. If you’re worried about the up-front payment, there are several ways to pay besides cash or check. Here are some ways to finance home renovations:
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Personal loans: Banks and credit unions offer personal loans for home improvement projects.
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Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): Use your home’s equity to secure either a lump sum of money or a line of credit you can draw from as needed.
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Window company financing: Many window companies offer installment plans with little to no interest.
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Credit cards: Higher interest rates are a downside of credit cards. But securing a card with a 0% introductory APR could help you finance your windows interest-free.
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Government energy-efficiency programs: This isn’t a loan, but it is a way to offset your cost to replace windows. You may be able to find tax credits and rebates from the national, state, or local level for making energy-efficient home improvements.
Window replacement is a huge investment in your home. While costs may seem overwhelming, new windows can significantly improve your house’s energy efficiency, appearance, and value.
As you begin your search for replacement windows, get quotes from multiple companies and take advantage of financing options and government incentives.
Overall, replacing your windows is a worthwhile and often necessary project. If you take your time and do your research, you’ll make the right decision and enjoy your new windows for years to come.
Window replacement cost FAQs
What is the average cost of a good replacement window?
The average price of a good replacement window is $750, including installation. You’ll pay around $300 to $2,500 to have a new window installed. To stay on the lower end of that range, you can choose an aluminum frame and avoid add-ons like low-e coating and argon gas fill. You could also choose a single-pane window if your local building codes allow it.
Is it cheaper to replace all windows at once?
Yes. In terms of cost per window, window installation companies will give you a bulk discount. The more windows they’re installing, the cheaper the price per window.
What is the average cost to replace 10 windows?
On average, it costs $4,500 to $15,000 to replace 10 windows. As with any home improvement project, that range can fluctuate depending on what you want and need.
This article was edited by Laura Grace Tarpley.
