If you live in your home for any length of time, you’ll replace at least one window.
The neighborhood child with a fast arm hits a ball right through your living room picture window. Time and weather eat away at your window frames. Your home could use a little help with curb appeal.
No matter the reason, replacing windows in your home requires an investment.
Take a minute and read today’s post to find out what you should know about new windows, including the average window replacement cost.
Energy Efficiency Matters
Whether you need an emergency window replacement, or you include new windows as part of a home improvement project, consider the two features below. They affect price, but also impact energy efficiency and durability.
Glass
When choosing window glass, consider the direction of the window you’re replacing. A south or west-facing window receives significantly more direct sunlight than a window facing north or east.
Look for replacement windows made with low emissivity, or Low-E glass. Low-E glass is available in 180, 272, and 366 argon-filled versions. There’s a price difference between the three.
U Value
U value measures heat loss and indicates how well the window insulates.
Living in a climate where you heat your home but spend more on cooling, means buying windows with a U value less than 0.30.
Frames and Window Replacement Cost
Window frames also affect price. Many homeowners go with vinyl window frames because they’re durable, offer a decent amount of insulation, and aren’t the most expensive option.
Don’t discount the benefits of wood or fiberglass frames—they both make excellent options, but you’ll pay more.
If you decide on vinyl, you’ll invest around $500 for each new window. For that price, you’ll get a double-hung, standard size window, but you’ll also get an energy-efficient one.
Other factors that affect the cost of replacing windows include window size, your zip code, and your window installation company. Even within the same zip code, you may find a significant fluctuation in price.
What About Whole-Home Window Replacement?
If you’re planning an exterior facelift and you have multiple windows in need of replacement, you may save money by replacing all of your windows at the same time. Ask your window installation company about volume discounts.
Not all homeowners have a budget large enough to handle a whole-home window replacement. If it isn’t in the budget this year, you could replace all windows on one side or one level of your home. Then, over the next couple of years, replace the remaining windows.
Inspired By This Post?
We’ve given you some food for thought about what to expect when shopping for windows and calculating window replacement cost.
New windows not only help keep your home comfortable, but they also make your home look more attractive. If you’re feeling inspired and want to explore your window project further, congratulations!
For more posts like this, don’t leave us yet. Continue browsing our archives where you’ll find even more money-saving ways you can improve your home.