Key Points of Money:
- While replacement windows can reduce your energy bills, the initial costs may not fit into your budget and the payback will likely take years.
- New windows can add value to your home, so be sure to choose them carefully, taking into account the style of your home.
- Consider whether you could repair existing windows or simply replace some parts.
- Check local building codes and permits to make sure you follow them.
Before you decide to replace the windows in your home, it is important to consider several key factors. First, think about why you want to replace them. Are they drafty, damaged, inefficient or simply outdated?
This may lead you to the second consideration: window styles. Understanding how to maximize your curb appeal while increasing energy efficiency and ventilation capacity is important, but keep in mind that local permits and regulations may limit your options.
Finally, be realistic about your budget by looking at all upfront costs.
To give you a rough idea, according to Angi’s (an online directory of home service providers), in 2024 homeowners in the United States can expect to pay between $575 and $1,475 for a new window. Cost differences depend on the size, material, quantity, number of panes, brand and labor cost of the windows. While some windows may result in long-term savings because they are more energy efficient, it’s important to do the math to make sure this home improvement project is a wise investment.
Need to replace your current windows?
There’s no way out. Replacing windows will not be easy or cheap. But there are some signs to look out for when deciding whether or not it’s necessary.
Common problems with older windows
There are a number of things that might make you want to replace your windows. Some of the most common are listed below.
Losses
Maybe you’ve noticed that your windows are letting water in or you’ve noticed drafts (both incoming and outgoing). Windows are meant to protect your home from the outside, but damage can reduce their ability to protect you from the elements. Excess moisture can peel paint, warp frames, or lead to rot and mold, all of which are costly to deal with. Drafts can bring warm air in during the summer and warm air out in cold weather, resulting in higher energy costs.
Condensation
When the seals between the panes of insulating glass fail, inert gas escapes and moisture can penetrate, fogging the window. You can use a defogging spray, ventilate your home regularly, check for a moisture barrier in the crawl space under your home, and use a dehumidifier to try to help. If the problem is severe, however, you may need to change the problematic top or bottom sash or the entire window.
Harm
A sticky window that is difficult to open could be due to something as simple to fix as cleaning grime or grime in the window track, but it could also be due to a warped frame. If the warping is severe, you may need to purchase new windows, although putty can help cover small cracks. Another issue is broken hardware, which may not be a big deal unless you’re out of your warranty period or your windows are so old you can’t find replacement parts anymore.
What is the typical lifespan of a window?
Windows usually last an average of 15-50 years. Weather, material, installation and maintenance will affect their condition.
Window warranties typically cover two parts: the glass panels themselves, the hardware, and the frame. The warranty on the glass (or rather, on the window that keeps the energy-efficient gas between the glass) generally covers about 20 years. It depends on the guarantees on the non-glazed parts of the window, which range from 20 to 50 years.
Consider the materials of your windows
The non-glass parts of windows are usually made of wood, vinyl, or fiberglass, and sometimes aluminum, although this is a less common material.
- Wood. Wood is highly energy efficient and can offer a classic look that is easily customizable, but its lifespan can vary and may require more maintenance than synthetic materials. For context, the old wooden window frames were made from old-growth trees, making them much more resistant to the elements than newer wood. (This is mostly because the lumber is grown quickly rather than naturally growing slowly.) If you have older wooden frames, consider restoring or repairing them rather than wholesale replacing them. Another option is wood-clad frames, which have wood interiors and vinyl or aluminum exteriors.
- Vinyl. Vinyl frames are typically less expensive than wood, although they are an equally energy efficient frame material. They’re durable and require less maintenance, but design options are limited (although most window brands have a fairly wide selection of tints).
- Glass fiber. Fiberglass does not need to be repainted, is very energy efficient, and does not warp or crack with seasonal expansion or contraction. The choice of colors is generally wider than that of vinyl and these often come with a limited lifetime warranty. However, they are often the most expensive option.
- Glass and glass package. The glass itself is an important part of the decision-making process when purchasing new windows (or deciding whether to replace them altogether). For the most energy-efficient windows, consider whether the glass has a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, a star energy rating, double or triple glazing, and argon or krypton gas between the window panes. These will help keep heat in your home during the colder months and reflect solar heat during warmer periods.
Budget for new windows
Replacing old windows or installing some in a new construction is a fairly large construction project and can include more parts than just the windows themselves, such as awnings. This makes it doubly important to really understand how much you are willing to spend. As mentioned above, several factors will affect the total cost of the project, although you should expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1,500 for each window. Typically, storm windows are the least expensive, down to arched and bay windows as the most expensive window types.
Today’s best double-pane windows are about twice as effective at retaining heat and air conditioning as single-pane units installed just a couple of decades ago, but perhaps only 15 percent more efficient if those older units have storm windows.
A window contractor will not only know local regulations and window installation costs, but can also help you take advantage of any rebates available at the local, state or federal level. Make sure you are honest and upfront about your needs and budget, so they can recommend the best window for you.
Recovering Costs Since windows make up only a small part of the building’s exterior envelope, new windows will only yield total energy savings of between 5% and 15%. The average homeowner in America pays about $1,000 a year to heat and cool a home, meaning it would take more than 100 years to recoup their investment.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Cost Versus Value study, homeowners recoup approximately 61%-68% of their window replacement investment when they resell their home. By choosing the wrong windows, however, replacements can detract from the value of your home.
Be sure to match the look of the original windows, using wood instead of vinyl to replace the existing wood, and matching the split light pattern (the number of panels in each window) to the originals.
Consider whether you actually need a complete replacement
There are two ways to replace windows. The contractor can remove the interior and exterior siding to install a completely new window and insulate any gaps before reinstalling the siding, the same process used during a complete remodeling project. Or they can install a window insert, which is a smaller unit that fits inside the existing opening, without the need to remove the existing trim.
The latter saves $150 to $300 per window in labor costs, but does not insulate common air spaces around window openings, so inserts could produce much less energy savings and the overall size of the Insert window could be two to four inches smaller.
A window restoration specialist – or even a good handyman or carpenter – can clear the painted top sash; replace broken glass, sash cords, hardware and glass (the putty that holds the glass in place); and add weathering. This type of overhaul typically costs $100 to $350 per window, and once it’s done, your old windows may be almost as efficient as your new ones. Additionally, some old homes have beautiful windows that are worth preserving.