How much does window replacement cost?
Window replacement costs $493, on average, and prices typically range from $399-$675. However, installing new windows can cost as little as $149 and as much as $4,264.
Average cost to replace windows:
| National average cost | $493 |
| Average cost range | $399-$675 |
| Low-end cost | $149 |
| High-end cost | $4,264 |
We know that's a pretty big cost range, but bear with us. A variety of factors influence window replacement estimates, including the number of windows, the window style and the labor expenses. Let's look at how it all breaks down.
What's in this cost guide?
As with any home improvement project, the cost of installing windows depends on to two major things: materials and labor. Some installation companies charge labor fees by the hour, others by the window.
As far as materials go, windows are priced individually so the more you replace, the more you spend. Rather than doing all the windows at once, some homeowners go room by room, completing the project over time. If that sounds like one giant, drawn-out headache to you it's worth asking the installation company if they offer discounts to homeowners who replace all their windows at once.
Windows themselves are priced according to a unit of measurement called the “united inch." (Window width + window height = united inch). The window company you hire will likely send a pro to your house for an in-home consultation. The replacement pro will take the proper measurements, then new windows will be custom made-to-order.
Read the video transcript.
Beyond united inches, three other factors influence window replacement prices:
- The window glass
- The window opening
- The window frame
Window glass replacement cost
There are two main types of glass: single glazed and dual glazed (also called single-pane and double-pane). Triple-pane glass is a thing, but only necessary if you live in a very cold climate.
Add-ons and extra coatings can improve energy efficiency of your glass – but those extras cost you more money. Here are the key terms to know.
|
Glass |
Pros and cons |
|
Single-pane |
Like the name says, a single glaze (single-pane) window has just one layer of glass. Provides little to no insulation. |
|
Double-pane |
Dual glazed (double-pane) windows have two layers with an air space in between that acts as an insulation barrier for your home. |
|
Low E coating |
“Low emissivity" is a high-tech glass coating that blocks heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun without blocking natural light. |
|
Argon gas |
Argon gas is denser than air and has lower thermal conductivity. It improves the performance of double-pane windows. Yay, science. |
Single-pane window replacement cost
Some companies charge about $135-$145 per window to replace a single-pane window.
Double-pane window replacement cost
It costs approximately $185-$250 per window to replace for double-pane windows.
The “opening" is how a replacement window operates. Does is slide horizontally on a track? You've got yourself a sliding window. Lift up from the bottom? That's single hung. Here are the most common opening styles, ranked from least to most expensive.
|
Style |
Average cost |
|
$150 to $350 |
|
|
$300 to $800 |
|
|
$250 to $700 |
|
|
$300 to $1,000 |
|
|
$350 to $900 |
|
|
$450 to $750 |
|
|
$1,000 to $4,000 |
Single-hung window replacement cost
This is least expensive style, and prices range from $150-$350. With a single-hung window, only the bottom half opens, sliding upwards. The other half stays in place.
Double-hung window prices
Double-hung windows are the most common window style. Both the top and bottom slide open vertically on a double hung window, offering better ventilation than single hung. Average costs range from $300-$800.
Casement window replacement cost
Casement windows cost $250-$700 to replace. They have side hinges and open outwards from the middle. The casement style allows better airflow and less obstructed views.
Sliding window replacement cost
Sliding windows, well… slide open horizontally along a track. Average costs range from $300-$1,000.
Picture window price
Picture windows cost $350-$900. These windows are large panes of glass that don't open at all. They're unobstructed by frames or grids.
Awning window cost
Popular in rainy climates, awning window cost $450-$750 and open outward from the bottom, creating an “awning" that allows you to leave the window open for air flow, even when it's raining.
Bay window costs
Bay window prices range from $1,000-$4,000. A classic (and pricey) window style, bay windows extend outward from a structure.
The frame you choose is the foundation of your replacement window. When considering which windows to purchase think frame first, then glass. Here are common materials.
|
Frame material |
Pros and cons |
|
Vinyl frame |
Not as durable or attractive as wood or aluminum, but vinyl windows are easy to maintain, well insulated and affordable. |
|
Fiberglass frame |
A great insulator, fiberglass is strong and energy efficient. It looks similar to vinyl but is much more expensive. |
|
Aluminum frame |
Aluminum is modern and very durable. It does conduct heat, though, so it's not an ideal choice for colder climates. |
|
Composite frame |
Made with particleboard and other wood products, composite frames are weather resistant, low-maintenance and eco-friendly. |
|
Wood frame |
Very durable and energy efficient (and expensive). Wood requires regular painting and upkeep to retain its function and classic look. |
Most homeowners only have to install new windows once in their lifetime. Decisions shouldn't be based on cost alone – the quality of replacement windows you choose is very important. But even more important is having your windows installed correctly. A cheaper window installed properly can be much more efficient than a high-end window installed incorrectly.
That's where a window installation professional comes in. They have the expertise to guide you through the process of choosing the right windows for your home and make sure the job is done right.
As with any home improvement project, you'll want to interview window installers to explore your options before deciding who to hire. It's good to have a window wishlist in mind when speaking to pros. For example, is window appearance a top priority, or would you sacrifice looks for function? Once you've clarified your wants, the pro can make recommendations to suit your needs.
Your window installer will also provide you with an estimate or proposal for the job. An estimate typically has a single price whereas a proposal gives you multiple options with different brands, prices and services – sort of a “good, better, best" menu of window packages. Your estimate should also include labor fees for removing old windows, installing the new ones, and hauling away old windows and debris.
Replace multiple windows at the same time. Although the total cost of the project will be higher, the install cost per window will likely be less because the professional can maximize time and labor at one job site. Some pros even offer promotional pricing (5% off your total invoice, for example) for installing multiple windows in one location.
That's the million dollar question, right? Or in this case, the 10 to 20 thousand dollar question. Everyone knows new windows save you (some) money on energy bills. Upgrading a single-pane house to new double-pane windows improves energy efficiency by about 10%, and those energy savings do add up over time. But that's the problem – it takes time. So you may be thinking, why replace your windows if it's going to take 30 years to get that money back?
According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can recover about 73% of replacement window costs when selling their home. Most buyers know the hassle and expense that comes with a window replacement project. Your realtor will be able to market new windows as an upgraded feature on your listing. It's certainly a project worth considering, even if you only plan to be in your home for five to seven years. Just be sure you don't overspend on premium windows if your house won't be selling at a premium price point. Mid-range replacement windows will serve you (and your resale value) just fine.
Find window installation services near you
Once you've figure out what type of windows you want to install, reach out to several professionals to get cost estimates in your area. Look up the top-rated window installation professionals near you on Thumbtack, and start asking for free prices quotes.
Video transcript: Cost of replacing a window
"The window average replacement cost a customer can expect is between $600 and $800 for an average quality window. A customer can expect to pay an average of $8,000 to $15,000 on a common single-family home entire window replacement, which would typically include labor, all of the permitting and disposing of all of the existing windows.
Residential windows can last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the window. A lot of these windows have warranties that can protect the client for 20 or 30 years. There are some companies that have glass protection. So basically if the windows break for whatever reason, they will come out and replace it.
Typically, our process [is] we come out and give a free estimate. If clients are just looking for an estimate, we can come out through a window measurement. The second step from that is, obviously, they choose [a] window agreed to the contract amount, and then it takes about two to three weeks to get the the windows in and to be able to start the project.
On average, we can replace about two to four windows per day. So depending on the amount of windows, if you only had a small house with eight or 10 windows, then we can do that with two or three days. A customer can expect between two to six crew members, and it just depends on, obviously, the size of the project and the scheduled activities for the day.
Typically, it's recommended to do a whole house replacement. There's a lot of companies that will only work on that basis. You're going to get better pricing if you do it that way. Plus, the house will perform better if you replace all of them and not just, you know, a few here and there.
When you're replacing windows, it typically is going to save you energy in your heating and cooling bill. Sometimes, buying a window that's not necessarily a top brand, just looking at some reviews online, usually you can find some some good companies out there that you can save some money on the product. I'm Jaime Delgado with Sustainable Living Builders, and you can find us on Thumbtack."
