Upgrading your home’s windows and doors is one of the smartest investments you can make. New windows can add to your home’s overall aesthetic, while also improving its energy efficiency. A new front door can offer similar benefits, particularly when it comes to curb appeal. You’ve probably got some ideas of the look, style, features and benefits you’d like to get from your new windows and doors. If you’re a fan of all the home-improvement shows on TV you may have even developed a case of house-envy, and it’s easy to see why. Many of those television remodels are built with super-lux products, which isn’t in every homeowner’s budget.

Whether you’re replacing your home’s windows because the glass is broken or cracked, the frames are warped or damaged, or they just don’t look attractive anymore, you should remember to conduct thorough research. You need to determine which type of windows work best for your daily needs and expectations, complement your home’s existing architecture and, most importantly, fit within your budget.

Replacement windows are available in several styles and can feature different upgrade options like tinting, low-e glass, insulation or impact-resistance that can affect the cost of each new window.

How Much Does Home Window Replacement Cost?

Before getting your heart set on one particular style, make a plan and know how much you’re willing to spend. Not all windows and doors are created equal. How much will new windows cost? Asking a simple question like this doesn’t have an easy answer. On average, replacement windows cost around $500 per window, but estimates for new windows range from around $300 to $1200 per window depending on a variety of considerations.

Different Window Styles and Their Average Costs

One of the biggest factors contributing to the average cost of your replacement windows is the type of window you determine best suits your daily needs, regardless of any added upgrades or other features. Prices can differ depending on how each window functions and its overall quality, but there are durable and dependable options for every type of budget and need. Popular window replacement installations for many homeowners include:

• Single-hung windows (generally $175 to $350 per window): A single-hung window is the basic, traditional window replacement option for many homeowners. The single-hung window style has two panes, but only the bottom pane, often referred to as the sash, slides open and closed.

• Double-hung windows (generally $300 to $800 per window): The double-hung style window is similar to its single-hung cousin, but instead of just the bottom sash being able to open and close, both the top and bottom pane can move. With a double-hung window, you can have better air circulation with the windows open, and cleaning the window is easy.

How Much Will New Windows Cost?

Here are the Two Factors that Most Commonly Affect Window Replacement Costs

Factor 1: Different Types of Windows

Before you decide on a certain style window, it’s important to know the different types on the market. Double-hung windows and casement windows are two common types on the market. Double-hung windows have two moving parts (also called sashes). You can open them from the bottom (a sash that moves upward) or the top (a sash that can slide down).

A casement window has framing with a hinge that allows it to open outward, swinging right or left like a door. Double-hung windows are more commonly available compared to casement, and typically cost a little bit less.

Aside from the style of the window, there also a number of different types of framing materials. These can also vary in cost from the low- to high-end. Wood windows are typically the most expensive option, but other choices include aluminum, fiberglass and vinyl. Vinyl windows are a common choice when it comes to replacement windows. This material has a long life span and the frames are easy to clean.

Factor 2: Glass Options

One of the most important elements of new windows is the glass. Just as there are many different choices when it comes to frames, you will also find there are a lot of options in glazing, as well.

Insulating Glass

Insulating glass is one option. This type of glass comprises several components: multiple pieces of glass and materials that create a glass sandwich and maintain an air space between the glass. For even more performance benefits, glass fabricators add certain types of gas, such as Argon, to the space between the glass. These pieces are assembled into a single, sealed unit that holds the entire system together. This helps prevent changes, especially to the air (or gas) between the glass. These systems are commonly constructed with two pieces of glass to create a dual-pane unit; triple-glazed units have three pieces of glass.

Homes in extremely cold climates most commonly incorporate triple glazing. So unless you’re located in one of these regions, you likely won’t need to consider this option.

Low-E Coatings

You can also look into glass with a low-emissivity (low-E) coating. This kind of glass has a coating that reduces the ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through a window. It helps regulate temperature (and energy consumption) within a building by redirecting heat back in the direction from which it is coming. Low-E coatings are made of microscopically thin layers of materials that reflect heat much better than it absorbs or emits it. Coatings can include layers of silver and/or a metal oxide. These coatings are applied to the glass during the manufacturing process (a pyrolytic application) while the glass is still hot. This process forms a “hard coat” as the glass cools. The coatings are applied after the glass has cooled and cut, via a vacuum process called sputtering. This results in a “soft coat.”

High-performance glass may be an expensive upfront investment, but you will soon see the payback in your heating and cooling bills.

Other Factors Affecting Residential Window Replacement Costs

While all windows may look about the same to an untrained eye, each one is created differently. With such a diverse scope of prices available, it can be difficult for homeowners to determine how much window replacements will cost. To best figure how much your home window replacement will cost and assess your window replacement needs, consider these additional factors:

• Size: The size of your window replacement includes both the number of windows you plan to replace and special requirements — like oversized windows that may need additional construction to fit in your home. The cost of your window replacement will depend on the size of your project and any specialty products required.

• Installation costs: Labor for window installation isn’t free. Decide if you have the skillset required to efficiently and effectively install your window, or if you would be better off with a professional. Installation costs can also vary depending on where you live.

How Much Will New Doors Cost?

If you’re in the market to replace your entry door, there are also many options to consider.

Here are the Two Factors that will Most Greatly Affect Door Replacement Costs

Factor 1: Glass Selection

Just like with windows, entry doors are available in a wide variety of styles. These include doors that are entirely opaque (without glass) as well as those with an assortment of glass panels. There are many different glass options for doors. These include transoms, which cover the space above the door, sidelites, the panels beside the door, and a variety of decorative glass choices. As with windows, glass used in entry doors is also available in high-performance configurations, including insulating and with low-E coatings.

Factor 2: Material Selection

In addition, you can choose from a number of different materials for your entry door. Wood is one of the most popular, but requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Other choices include steel, fiberglass and aluminum. All of these options have their own pros and cons. You can learn more about different door material options here.

Make the Selection

There’s no simple answer to the question “how much will new windows and doors cost?” Many considerations go into determining the final price. Keep in mind, that high-performance, specialty products will typically cost more than standard products. You can also expect to pay more if you opt for custom features.

Start by setting a budget and know what you’re comfortable spending. Then visit glass.com® to find a qualified window and door dealer in your area. Our professionals will schedule a time to meet with you about your unique needs when it comes to selecting your new windows and doors. They can discuss the many options, show you samples of glass, frames and even hardware. Once you know and understand all that’s available, you will be well on your way to enjoying your home’s new windows and doors.