How much does it cost to replace windows?

Vinyl double-hung windows cost $300-$800 each installed. Wood windows cost $600-$1,500+ each. A whole house (10-15 windows) costs $3,000-$8,000 for budget vinyl, $5,000-$12,000 for mid-range vinyl, or $8,000-$20,000+ for premium wood or fiberglass. Installation adds $100-$500 per window depending on the type of replacement. Are new windows worth the investment?

Are new windows worth the investment?

Yes. New ENERGY STAR windows save $126-$465/year replacing single-pane or $27-$111/year replacing old double-pane. Beyond energy savings, new windows improve comfort, reduce noise, enhance curb appeal, and increase home value. Window replacement typically returns 60-70% of cost at resale. The ROI period for energy savings alone is 5-15 years. What is the best window frame material?

What is the best window frame material?

Vinyl is the best value — affordable ($200-$600), maintenance-free, and good insulation. Wood is best for beauty and insulation ($400-$1,500+) but requires painting. Fiberglass is the strongest and most durable ($400-$1,000) with low expansion. Composite (wood/PVC blend) offers wood interior beauty with maintenance-free exterior ($350-$1,000). Choose based on budget and maintenance preference. How do I know if I need new windows?

How do I know if I need new windows?

Signs you need replacement: drafts near windows (even when closed), difficulty opening/closing, visible condensation between glass panes (seal failure), high energy bills, outside noise easily heard, visible rot or damage to frames, single-pane glass. Windows over 20 years old with these symptoms should be replaced. If just one or two windows have issues, spot-replace those first.

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Siding & Exterior

Window Replacement Guide: Types, Cost, Energy Efficiency & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Window & Energy Efficiency Specialists Aug 22, 2026 9 min read

Window Styles

Double-hung (most popular): Both sashes slide up and down. Easy to clean (tilt-in sashes). Traditional look. Cost: $200-$800 per window. Best for: most rooms, traditional homes.

Casement: Hinges on side, cranks open outward. Excellent seal when closed (most energy efficient). Good ventilation. Cost: $250-$900 per window. Best for: hard-to-reach areas, kitchens over sinks.

Sliding: One or both sashes slide horizontally. Good for wide openings. Cost: $200-$700 per window. Best for: contemporary homes, wide wall spaces.

Picture/fixed: Does not open. Maximum light and views. Most energy efficient (sealed). Cost: $150-$600 per window. Best for: living rooms, views, accent windows.

Awning: Hinges at top, opens outward from bottom. Can ventilate during light rain. Cost: $250-$800 per window. Best for: bathrooms, basements.

Bay/bow: Projects outward from wall. Creates extra interior space. Cost: $1,000-$4,000 per unit. Best for: living rooms, dining rooms, reading nooks.

Frame Materials

Vinyl: Most popular (65%+ of replacements). Cost: $200-$600 per window. No painting or staining. Good insulation. Limited color options. 20-40 year lifespan. Best value.

Wood: Premium natural beauty. Cost: $400-$1,500+ per window. Can be painted or stained any color. Best insulating frame material. Requires maintenance (paint every 5-10 years). 30-50+ year lifespan.

Fiberglass: Strongest frame material. Cost: $400-$1,000 per window. Paintable. Low expansion/contraction. 40-50+ year lifespan. Premium option.

Aluminum: Strong, thin profiles. Cost: $200-$600 per window. Poor insulator (conducts heat). Best for: contemporary/commercial look, warm climates. 20-30 year lifespan.

Composite (wood/PVC blend): Combines wood interior beauty with low-maintenance exterior. Cost: $350-$1,000 per window. No exterior painting needed. 30-40 year lifespan. Andersen and Marvin offer popular options.

Energy Efficiency

Glass options: Double-pane (standard): two glass layers with gas fill. Triple-pane: three layers (best insulation, highest cost). Low-E coating: reflects heat (keeps heat in during winter, out during summer). Argon gas fill: better insulator than air between panes. Krypton gas fill: even better insulation (premium cost).

Energy ratings to look for: U-factor: measures insulation (lower is better). 0.20-0.30 is excellent. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): how much solar heat passes through. Lower in hot climates, higher in cold climates. ENERGY STAR: meets regional efficiency requirements.

Energy savings: Replacing single-pane with ENERGY STAR: save $126-$465/year. Replacing double-pane with ENERGY STAR: save $27-$111/year. ROI period: 5-15 years depending on climate and energy costs.

Cost

Per window (materials + installation): Vinyl double-hung: $300-$800. Vinyl casement: $350-$900. Wood double-hung: $600-$1,500. Fiberglass: $500-$1,200. Composite: $500-$1,200.

Whole house (10-15 windows): Budget vinyl: $3,000-$8,000. Mid-range vinyl: $5,000-$12,000. Premium (wood/fiberglass): $8,000-$20,000+.

Installation types: Insert replacement (into existing frame): $100-$300/window. Full-frame replacement (remove everything): $200-$500/window. New construction: $150-$400/window.

Additional costs: Trim/casing repair: $50-$200/window. Lead paint remediation (pre-1978 homes): $100-$500/window. Permit: $50-$200.