Window Replacement Prices at a Glance
- Price per window: $650, average; $200-$1,800, range
- Vinyl window frames: $100 – $900 per window
- Composite window frames $300-$1,200 each window
- Labor costs: $100-$250 per window
- Hourly average rate: $38
Window replacement is a good investment if your home feels drafty or looks dull. Although it is a costly project, new windows can make your home look better and reduce your energy costs.
This cost guide will help you budget for window replacement, whether you are replacing one window or all of them.
These are some signs that your windows need to be replaced
Window replacement should be considered for damaged windows. Chipped or cracked panes can make windows less energy efficient and give intruders easy access to your home. If the glass is foggy or has condensation, there may be damage. Condensation on the outside or between glass layers is not usually a cause for concern.
If you see signs that your windows aren’t energy efficient, it may be worth replacing them. Inefficient windows could be characterized by drafts, poor installation and high heating bills. If your windows are difficult to open or look old, you might consider window replacement. Old windows can let too much ultraviolet light into your home, which can cause floors, wallpaper, and furnishings to fade.
What is the average price per window?
Bob Vila estimates that the national average cost of replacing a window is $650 per window. The cost of replacing a window can range from $200 to $1,800. Costs will vary depending on what type of windows and frames are chosen and how much labor is required in your region.
What other factors affect the cost of window replacement?
Replacement costs for windows vary depending on many factors. Larger windows are more expensive, so be prepared to spend more to replace fixtures such as bay or basement egress windows. Multiple panes of glass can also be more expensive. You can expect to spend between $300-$700 to replace a bedroom window. However, the average cost for replacing a bay window with three windows is $1,800.
Tinted glass, which is energy-efficient, can be more expensive than regular glass. Tempered glass is required in certain areas.
The cost of replacing a window can also be affected by the frame material. Vinyl frames are the most cost-effective option and can be purchased for between $100 to $900 per window. Composite window frames, on the other hand, can cost you between $300 and $1200 per window.
Your home’s age may also impact the cost of replacing old windows. Because of the possibility that the structure around the windows will need to be repaired or updated, replacement windows for older properties can run up to twice the cost of newer builds. Non-standard sizes of windows may require custom windows. Retrofitted windows are less common in older homes. Because they are easy to install and remove, retrofitted windows can be cheaper than new ones.
What is the hourly rate for window installers?
Modernize estimates that you can expect to pay $100-250 per window in labor costs, based upon an hourly wage of $38. The labor costs vary depending on where you live. Window installation labor tends to be more costly in areas with higher living costs. For more difficult or unique window installation jobs that require specific skills and expertise, you may need to pay more.
Are energy-efficient windows worth the extra cost?
Energy-efficient windows with the government-endorsed Energy Star certification tend to be more expensive than regular glass. They can save you significant money on your energy bills as they offer better insulation and reduce heat loss. Energy-efficient windows can also reduce the amount of ultraviolet light that passes through them, which protects your furniture and decor from sun damage.
Energy Star estimates that a family of four living in a 2,000-square foot home could save $125 to $340 annually by replacing single-pane windows and installing energy-efficient ones. You can save $20 to $70 each year by replacing clear, double-glazed windows with Energy Star-approved ones.
It is important to consider the energy savings and the additional cost of replacing windows with energy-efficient ones. Many homeowners feel that energy-efficient windows are worth the extra cost, as they reduce their energy consumption and make their home more eco-friendly.
