Replacing windows can range tremendously in price, with basic, standard-size windows costing just $100 or so to expansive, custom bay windows that can run $7,000 or more. Having quality windows can not only make your home look better, it can boost energy efficiency, too. Here, learn more about this important home improvement project and the usual costs.
Key Points
• Window replacement costs range from $100 to $1,000 for standard windows and up to several thousand for custom windows.
• Factors for repair or replacement include condition, energy efficiency, noise, and aesthetics.
• Replacing all windows at once can save money through bulk discounts and reduce labor costs as well.
• Spring and fall are ideal for window replacement due to better weather and material performance.
• Window types include single-hung, double-hung, bay, arched, and sliding, with options for dual-pane, triple-pane, and low-e glass.
How Much Do Windows Cost?
A standard new window, installed, can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, according to Home Depot. Those prices, however, can go much higher if you are shopping for something special, such as a bay or casement window, wood vs. vinyl windows, or a custom size.
Window frames are commonly made of wood, vinyl, metal, or fiberglass.
• Of those, vinyl windows are the most popular choice. The average cost of a double-hung, double-pane vinyl window, is around $600 in 2025. Installation, according to HomeGuide, can add another $300 to the cost.
Vinyl windows typically last for 30 years, don’t need to be painted, and are easy to clean. Compared with their cheaper cousin, aluminum, vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency, and they will not rust.
• Fiberglass and fiberglass-composite windows are stronger than vinyl. Like vinyl, they offer a high degree of energy efficiency, and with both types of window, there are options to enhance the energy efficiency. Expect to pay $600 to $2,000 for one fiberglass window, installed.
• Wood windows can lend a classic look. Expect to pay more — around $875 to $1,875 in 2025, including installation, according to This Old House. Custom sizes and styles can cost significantly more. Wood windows tend to be harder to maintain than vinyl windows, given that the paint can peel or the wood can start to rot if it gets wet.
Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel or Renovate a House?
When Should I Replace My Windows?
If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, consider these questions. First, do your windows show any damage? Are they drafty, or have you noticed an increase in your electrical bills in the winter when the heat is on, or in the summer when the air conditioning is on?
Is there frequent moisture buildup, or condensation, on the outside of the glass, or is moisture trapped between layers of glazing, signaling leaky seals? Can you hear too much noise outside? Are you ready for a new look?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to consider replacing your windows. Or if you are on a smaller budget, consider repairing them.
If you’re buying a new home, an inspection will be a part of your mortgage process. It’s best to have the windows inspected, and if there are major issues, try to negotiate for their replacement before you close on the house.
Can I Repair Old Windows?
If your windows are in pretty good shape, it may make sense to repair or update them rather than replace them. Doing so can be a cost-effective way to help you save money on energy costs and reduce drafts and moisture in your home.
• Check windows for air leaks.
• Caulk and add weather stripping as needed.
• Consider solar control film that can block heat and reduce glare.
• If a pane is cracked, in a pinch the glass alone can be replaced with an insulated glass unit.
Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?
How Long Do Windows Last?
The lifespan of a window depends on a number of factors, such as quality and type of material, local climate, and proper installation. In general, you can expect windows to last 15 to 30 or even 50 years.
Wood windows can last a long time, but might require a bit of maintenance on your part, whereas vinyl or fiberglass windows may require none. Fiberglass typically lasts the longest period of time.
Your local weather can play a big part. Extreme heat or cold can shorten the lifespan, salt spray from the ocean can corrode window exteriors, while humidity can lead to warping or rotting.
Whether or not a window is properly installed can also impact how long it lasts. If it is sealed improperly, for example, moisture may get in and damage the frame.
Finally, consider how much a window is used. Normal wear and tear on parts in windows that are opened and closed frequently can lead to replacement more often than windows that are rarely opened.
Should I Replace All My Windows at Once?
Whether or not you decide to replace all of your windows at once will largely depend on your budget. Consider that the price to replace 10 windows in a modest house could be several thousand dollars.
However, replacing all your windows at once can yield bulk savings, qualify for discounts, and save by having installation done once vs. paying for multiple visits. You might consider a home improvement loan (which is a kind of unsecured personal loan) to get the job done all at once if you don’t have enough cash saved up.
If you don’t have the budget to replace all your windows in one go, it’s common to swap windows out in stages. In this case, windows at the front of the house are generally the first to be replaced. They’re public-facing and add to the curb appeal of the home. The windows in the back of the house tend to come next, followed by any upstairs windows.
What Type of Window Should I Buy?
The first thing to consider is materials. You might consider wood windows if you’re trying to match them to an existing wood exterior or trim. You might choose fiberglass or composite for its durability and ability to look like painted wood. Or you might decide on vinyl for its affordability.
You’ll also want to consider the many types of windows available. For example, single-hung windows are among the most popular and cheapest options. They have a fixed upper window and allow you to open a lower window sash.
Double-hung windows are pricier but have two moving window sashes that allow for increased airflow and easier cleaning. There are also bay windows, arched windows, sliding windows, and many more to choose from.
The glass option you choose is an important decision. There are a variety of insulating options, such as dual-pane or triple-pane windows. Glass can be treated with a low-emittance coating to reflect heat in the summer and keep it in in the winter.
In climates where you need to cool the house for much of the year, consider three-coat low-e glazing, which best reduces heat from the sun. In colder climates that require more heating, it may make sense to go with a two-coat low-e treatment.
The space between glass may be filled with a nontoxic gas that can provide better insulation than air.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Replacing Windows?
Spring and fall tend to be the most popular times to replace windows. That’s because in these more moderate months, you don’t have to worry about winter air getting into your house, requiring you to jack up your heat or close off rooms to control drafts. The same holds true for summer: Avoiding the hot season can help you sidestep blasting the a/c as windows are taken out and replaced. These factors can be especially irksome if you’re having multiple windows replaced.
Weather can affect how materials behave. For example, caulk doesn’t adhere well in extreme cold, nor does it cure well in very high temperatures. As a result, you may want to aim to replace windows when temperatures are between 40 and 80 degrees.
If you can stand the cold, you may be able to secure a discount to have windows installed in the winter. A contractor can help you decide on the right time of year to have your new windows installed.
The Takeaway
The cost of replacing windows depends on the materials (wood, vinyl, fiberglass), style, size, and labor costs. Prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per window. Think of new windows as a long-term investment that may provide energy savings, visual appeal, and, potentially, enhanced resale value. Typically, people finance them from savings or with a personal loan,
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
FAQ
What is the average price for replacement windows?
Windows can typically cost anywhere from $100 or so to a few thousand dollars each, depending on such factors as size, material, and where you live and purchase from. As you might guess, custom windows can be pricier than standard-size ones.
Is it cheaper to replace all windows at once?
Yes, it can be cheaper to have all your windows replaced at once. You might save on a bulk purchase, qualify for discounts, and pay less by having installation done just once vs. having contractors make multiple visits.
Should I replace windows that are more than 20 years old?
Yes, windows that are 20 years or more old and are experiencing issues like drafts, condensation, and diminished energy efficiency can benefit from replacement. They may not be at the very end of their lifespan but could probably be nearing the date that they should be upgraded.
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