When replacing windows in your home, your choices will have an impact on project costs. Considerations include frame type and style, glass types, and additional considerations like egress options and hard-to-reach areas.
Opt for obscure glass for privacy or tempered glass that is four times stronger than standard glass. For homes in extreme climates, triple pane windows provide superior insulation.
Single Pane
Several factors impact the cost of replacing windows, including window size and type, frame material, and energy efficiency upgrades. For example, double hung windows with low-e coating and argon gas fills can save homeowners $125 to $350 per year in energy costs.
The frame material also plays a major role in the overall cost of your project. Aluminum frames are affordable, lightweight and durable, but they’re not as energy efficient as vinyl or fiberglass options. Alternatively, wood frames offer classic appeal and don’t expand or contract with heat. They require more maintenance than vinyl and aluminum alternatives, though. Other frame materials include fiberglass and wood composite, which combine the durability of metal with the aesthetics of wood.
Double Pane
Double-pane windows are a great choice for Waldo homeowners who want to add a touch of tradition to their home while benefiting from the added insulation. These windows are available in many different styles, including colonial-style double-hung windows.
They can also be enhanced with a low-e coating that deflects heat and UV rays. Another option is to fill the spaces between the panes with an inert gas, such as argon, which increases efficiency and lowers energy costs.
Major window brands often include performance enhancers like these in their manufacturing process, so they won’t add much to the cost of your windows. However, these options can still increase your overall investment.
Triple Pane
Triple pane windows offer a greater energy efficiency benefit than double-pane windows. They also reduce interior condensation and protect furniture, flooring and other home materials from fading.
They are available in wood, composite and fiberglass. The insulating benefits come from the three glass panes and an argon or krypton gas fill between them. Krypton offers the greatest insulation benefit but is more expensive than argon.
Window installation pros typically recommend triple-pane windows for first floor windows. Replacing windows on upper stories takes longer and requires safety precautions, which increases the labor cost. Triple pane windows also help reduce exterior noises. They do not completely block out outdoor sounds, however.
Retrofit
Replacing windows in your home with new energy-efficient units is one of the top five returns on investments for a home improvement project. However, the cost of the upgrade depends on the type of window frame and glass you choose.
For example, obscure glass provides privacy and reduces noise while tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass. Aluminum frames offer affordability but are less energy efficient than vinyl or wood frames.
For homeowners seeking better insulation and an aesthetic, wooden frames are a top choice. Fiberglass frames, which mimic the look of wood and do not warp in Florida’s humid climate, are a good option as well.
Insert
Window replacement costs vary widely depending on the type and style of windows installed. Composite and fiberglass windows are popular mid-range choices due to their durability and energy efficiency, while wood windows offer a classic look and high quality.
Insulated windows feature two or three panes of glass separated by air or inert argon gas. They are more expensive than standard single- or double-hung windows, but they reduce energy bills and improve home comfort. Bay and bow windows cost more than other types, but they add elegance to the home’s architecture. Hopper windows, which open by tilting downward from a hinged base, are a common choice in basements and bathrooms.
Full Frame
Full-frame replacement involves installing a new frame and sashes into the opening of your existing window. This option costs more than retrofit or insert installations, but it offers a better fit and superior energy efficiency.
Window frame material plays a big role in cost, as well as durability and energy efficiency. Vinyl frames are inexpensive and low maintenance, while clad wood composite frames are more expensive but highly durable.
Energy-saving features like low-e glass and argon gas filling are another factor that affects window installation cost. These features can add up to a significant savings over time. Most reputable window companies offer these options as standard features, so you don’t have to pay extra for them.