Window replacement is a great way to revamp your home’s aesthetics and improve energy efficiency. It’s an investment that can reduce your utility bills and increase resale value.
Window replacement costs vary depending on the size, style, and material of the windows. These factors can significantly affect the final cost of your project.
Single Pane
Replacing a window glass with energy-efficient glass is an inexpensive upgrade that can lower your utility bills. Glass options include insulating, tempered, and privacy glass.
Additional options include ENERGY STAR®-rated windows with double or triple panes, low-E coatings and argon gas filling. These upgrades increase efficiency, reduce condensation, and save money in the long run. They also offer a longer warranty than standard glass.
Double Pane
Double-pane windows are a popular choice for homeowners looking for improved energy efficiency. The gap between the two glass panes is often filled with inert gas such as argon or krypton to regulate temperature and provide insulation.
The frame type you choose will also impact costs. Aluminum is the most affordable option, while composite and fiberglass frames are more expensive. Upgrades and extras can also increase the overall cost of your project.
Triple Pane
Replacing your windows with triple-pane windows can improve the energy efficiency of your home. They also reduce noise and odors. Triple-pane windows have three panes of glass with spacers that ensure a uniform distance between each layer. The spaces are filled with argon or krypton gas for additional insulation and improved energy efficiency.
The type of frame you choose will greatly impact the cost of your project. Some frames are more insulative than others.
Aluminum
Windows can be a big investment for homeowners, but they can also provide a high return on investment, particularly if they have energy-efficient features. Costs vary based on frame material, style, size, and extra features like argon gas fills.
Aluminum is a popular frame material because it’s inexpensive, but it doesn’t insulate well. You can get better insulation from fiberglass frames.
Wood
Replacing windows with energy-efficient models is an excellent way to save money on utilities. The cost will be higher up front, but the long-term savings are worth it.
Other factors that influence the overall window replacement cost include size and style. Larger windows will cost more than smaller ones. Also, specialty shapes like bay or bow windows are more expensive than standard styles.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows offer a number of benefits, including durability and energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of styles and can be customized with features like privacy glass, UV protection, and insulated frames.
These windows can be more expensive than vinyl or aluminum, but they provide superior strength and insulation. They also resist expansion and contraction. They can be paired with wood or vinyl frames to create a more visually appealing look.
Occult Glass
If a window has extensive damage, it might be more practical and affordable to replace the entire unit rather than trying to repair it. This includes broken muntins and mullions.
Energy efficiency upgrades like Low-E and argon gas may increase the initial cost of a replacement window, but will help save homeowners money over time. This is also true of features such as smart glass.
Tempered Glass
The type of window frame you choose has a significant impact on your project’s cost. Aluminum frames are popular due to their durability and affordability. Wood frames are a traditional option, but they require more maintenance and have lower energy efficiency.
Low-E glass reduces energy bills and provides privacy without obscuring sunlight or the view. 3M window film is another popular option, but it can be more expensive.
Retrofit
For homeowners who want to keep costs low, retrofit windows are an excellent option. These windows use existing frames, and only replace the window sash. They are durable and offer improved insulation.
Double-pane windows with argon gas fills are popular choices in this price range. They offer superior energy efficiency and may qualify for tax credits. Other options in this price range include hopper windows, which open by tilting downward from a hinged base, and jalousie windows.
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Replacing windows is one of the best home improvement projects you can undertake to improve curb appeal and energy efficiency. However, the overall cost can vary depending on window style and size.
Clad wood composite windows are among the most expensive to replace, while vinyl and aluminum windows are affordable. Hopper and jalouse windows are also relatively expensive to install because they open from a hinged base to provide ventilation.