How much will your window installation cost?
Columbus, OH 43215
Window replacement costs$850 - $3,459
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$850
- Most common high price:$3,459
How much does it cost to replace a window?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Tue, Aug 05
The national average cost of window replacement ranges from around $850-$3,459, and most people pay around $1,715, according to Thumbtack data. A variety of factors influence window replacement estimates, including the number of windows, the window style and the labor expenses. Let's look at how it all breaks down.
Window replacement cost
| National average cost | $1,715 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $850 |
| High-end average cost | $3,459 |
Table of Contents
Window replacement cost factors
As with any home improvement project, the cost of installing windows depends on to two major things: materials and labor. Some installation companies charge labor fees by the hour, others by the window.
As far as materials go, windows are priced individually so the more you replace, the more you spend. Rather than doing all the windows at once, some homeowners go room by room, completing the project over time. If that sounds like one giant, drawn-out headache to you it's worth asking the installation company if they offer discounts to homeowners who replace all their windows at once.
Windows themselves are priced according to a unit of measurement called the “united inch." (Window width + window height = united inch). The window company you hire will likely send a pro to your house for an in-home consultation. The replacement pro will take the proper measurements, then new windows will be custom made-to-order.
Beyond united inches, three other factors influence window replacement prices:
The window glass
The window opening
The window frame
Window glass replacement cost
There are two main types of glass: single glazed and dual glazed (also called single-pane and double-pane). Triple-pane glass is a thing, but only necessary if you live in a very cold climate.
Add-ons and extra coatings can improve energy efficiency of your glass – but those extras cost you more money. Here are the key terms to know.
| Glass | Pros and cons |
|---|---|
| Single-pane | Like the name says, a single glaze (single-pane) window has just one layer of glass. Provides little to no insulation. |
| Double-pane | Dual glazed (double-pane) windows have two layers with an air space in between that acts as an insulation barrier for your home. |
| Low E coating | “Low emissivity" is a high-tech glass coating that blocks heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun without blocking natural light. |
| Argon gas | Argon gas is denser than air and has lower thermal conductivity. It improves the performance of double-pane windows. Yay, science. |
Single-pane window replacement cost
Some companies charge about $135-$145 per window to replace a single-pane window.
Double-pane window replacement cost
It costs approximately $185-$250 per window to replace for double-pane windows.Compare prices from window installers near you.
Window prices
The “opening" is how a replacement window operates. Does is slide horizontally on a track? You've got yourself a sliding window. Lift up from the bottom? That's single hung.
Here are the most common opening styles, ranked from least to most expensive:
| Style | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Single-hung window | $150 to $350 |
| Double-hung window | $300 to $800 |
| Casement window | $250 to $700 |
| Sliding window | $300 to $1,000 |
| Picture window | $350 to $900 |
| Awning window | $450 to $750 |
| Bay window | $1,000 to $4,000 |
Compare prices from Window Installers near you.
Window frame replacement cost
The frame you choose is the foundation of your replacement window. When considering which windows to purchase think frame first, then glass. Here are common materials.
| Frame material | Pros and cons |
|---|---|
| Vinyl frame | Not as durable or attractive as wood or aluminum, but vinyl windows are easy to maintain, well insulated and affordable. |
| Fiberglass frame | A great insulator, fiberglass is strong and energy efficient. It looks similar to vinyl but is much more expensive. |
| Aluminum frame | Aluminum is modern and very durable. It does conduct heat, though, so it's not an ideal choice for colder climates. |
| Composite frame | Made with particleboard and other wood products, composite frames are weather resistant, low-maintenance and eco-friendly. |
| Wood frame | Very durable and energy efficient (and expensive). Wood requires regular painting and upkeep to retain its function and classic look. |
How do I hire a window installer?
Most homeowners only have to install new windows once in their lifetime. Decisions shouldn't be based on cost alone – the quality of replacement windows you choose is very important. But even more important is having your windows installed correctly. A cheaper window installed properly can be much more efficient than a high-end window installed incorrectly.
That's where a window installation professional comes in. They have the expertise to guide you through the process of choosing the right windows for your home and make sure the job is done right.
As with any home improvement project, you'll want to interview window installers to explore your options before deciding who to hire. It's good to have a window wishlist in mind when speaking to pros. For example, is window appearance a top priority, or would you sacrifice looks for function? Once you've clarified your wants, the pro can make recommendations to suit your needs.
Your window installer will also provide you with an estimate or proposal for the job. An estimate typically has a single price whereas a proposal gives you multiple options with different brands, prices and services – sort of a “good, better, best" menu of window packages. Your estimate should also include labor fees for removing old windows, installing the new ones, and hauling away old windows and debris.
How can I save money on window installation?
Replace multiple windows at the same time. Although the total cost of the project will be higher, the install cost per window will likely be less because the professional can maximize time and labor at one job site. Some pros even offer promotional pricing (5% off your total invoice, for example) for installing multiple windows in one location.
Is window replacement worth all that money?
That's the million dollar question, right? Or in this case, the 10 to 20 thousand dollar question. Everyone knows new windows save you (some) money on energy bills. Upgrading a single-pane house to new double-pane windows improves energy efficiency by about 10%, and those energy savings do add up over time. But that's the problem – it takes time.
So you may be thinking, why replace your windows if it's going to take 30 years to get that money back?
According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can recover about 73% of replacement window costs when selling their home. Most buyers know the hassle and expense that comes with a window replacement project. Your realtor will be able to market new windows as an upgraded feature on your listing. It's certainly a project worth considering, even if you only plan to be in your home for five to seven years.
Just be sure you don't overspend on premium windows if your house won't be selling at a premium price point. Mid-range replacement windows will serve you (and your resale value) just fine.
Find window installation services near you
Once you've figure out what type of windows you want to install, reach out to several professionals to get cost estimates in your area. Look up the top-rated window installation professionals near you on Thumbtack, and start asking for free prices quotes.
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