2026 Window Replacement Cost by Type (installed, vinyl frame)
| Window Type | Per Window | 10 Windows | 20 Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Hung | $450 - $1,200 | $4,500 - $12,000 | $9,000 - $24,000 |
| Casement | $500 - $1,300 | $5,000 - $13,000 | $10,000 - $26,000 |
| Sliding | $400 - $1,100 | $4,000 - $11,000 | $8,000 - $22,000 |
| Bay / Bow | $1,150 - $4,600 | Typically 1-3 per home | |
What Drives Window Replacement Costs?
The three biggest cost factors are frame material, glass package, and installation type. Vinyl frames are the most popular and affordable option, running 30-60% less than wood or fiberglass. However, wood and clad-wood frames offer superior aesthetics and can increase home value in higher-end neighborhoods.
Retrofit (insert) vs. full-frame installation: A retrofit installation fits new windows into the existing frame, which is faster and cheaper ($150-$300 per window for labor). A full-frame installation removes the entire window including the frame down to the studs, which costs 25-50% more but is required when frames are rotted, damaged, or you want to change window sizes.
Energy efficiency pays for itself over time. ENERGY STAR certified windows can save $125-$465 per year in energy costs according to the Department of Energy. Triple-pane windows with Low-E coating and argon gas fill cost 25-40% more than standard double-pane but provide the best insulation, noise reduction, and long-term energy savings, particularly in extreme climates.
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit offers up to $600 per year for qualifying ENERGY STAR windows (through 2032). Many state and utility programs offer additional rebates of $50-$200 per window, which can offset 10-20% of your total project cost.
Calculate Your Window Replacement Cost
Average home: 10-20 windows.
10 Double-Hung Windows — Vinyl Frame
Per Window (installed)
$545 – $1,470
Save $125-$465/yr on energy
Installation Type
Retrofit Insert
Into existing frame
Estimated Total Cost
$5,700 – $15,500
| Line Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Double-Hung Windows x10 (Vinyl, ENERGY STAR Double-Pane) | $3,450 | $9,200 |
| Installation Labor (retrofit/insert) | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Interior/Exterior Trim & Caulking | $500 | $1,500 |
| Old Window Disposal | $150 | $400 |
| Permits & Inspection | $100 | $400 |
| Total | $5,700 | $15,500 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Replace all windows at once for 15-25% volume discounts vs. doing them in batches
- Claim the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (up to $600/year for qualifying windows)
- Choose vinyl frames with ENERGY STAR rating for the best price-to-performance ratio
- Retrofit installation saves 25-40% over full-frame when existing frames are in good condition
- Get quotes in fall/winter when window installers offer off-season pricing (10-20% savings)
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Window Replacement Guide
Per-window pricing, energy efficiency ratings, and installation types for window replacement.
How Much Does Window Replacement Cost in 2026?
Window replacement costs $400–$1,200 per window installed for standard double-hung or casement windows, with the national average around $650 per window.
- Vinyl windows: $300–$700 per window installed
- Wood windows: $600–$1,200 per window installed
- Fiberglass windows: $500–$1,000 per window installed
- Full-frame replacement: $150–$300 more per window vs. insert (pocket) installation
- Whole-house (15–20 windows): $7,000–$18,000 total
Key Takeaways
- Average window: $650 installed
- Vinyl: $300–$700 per window (most popular)
- Whole house (15–20 windows): $7,000–$18,000
Window Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained
Look for ENERGY STAR certification and a U-factor of 0.30 or lower for maximum energy savings in most climates.
- U-factor: Measures heat transfer (lower = better insulation). Target 0.25–0.30 for cold climates
- SHGC (Solar Heat Gain): Measures solar heat through glass. Low SHGC (0.25) for hot climates, higher (0.40) for cold climates
- Double-pane: Standard for residential, R-3 to R-4 insulation value
- Triple-pane: R-5 to R-7, costs 25–40% more, best for cold climates
- Low-E coating: Standard on quality windows, reduces UV damage by 75%
Upgrading to ENERGY STAR windows saves $125–$465/year on energy bills (per ENERGY STAR estimates).
Key Takeaways
- Target U-factor: 0.30 or lower
- Triple-pane: 25–40% more cost, best for cold climates
- ENERGY STAR saves $125–$465/year on energy
Insert vs. Full-Frame Window Replacement
Insert (pocket) installation is faster and cheaper but only works when the existing frame is in good condition.
- Insert installation: 30–60 min per window, $200–$400 labor, preserves existing trim
- Full-frame replacement: 2–4 hrs per window, $350–$700 labor, new frame + trim
- When to use insert: Existing frame is square, dry, and structurally sound
- When full-frame is needed: Rot, water damage, out-of-square openings, changing window size
Insert windows slightly reduce glass area (the new frame sits inside the old), but the cost savings are typically worth it.
Key Takeaways
- Insert: faster, cheaper, preserves trim
- Full-frame: required if existing frame has rot/damage
- Insert reduces glass area slightly
Complete Guide to Window Replacement Costs in 2026
Replacing windows is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make, improving energy efficiency, noise reduction, curb appeal, and comfort. It is also a significant investment, with a full-home window replacement costing $5,000-$25,000 or more depending on materials and options. This guide covers everything you need to know to budget accurately and make the best choices for your home.
Frame Materials: Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Fiberglass
Vinyl frames dominate the market because they offer the best price-to-performance ratio. At roughly $300-$800 per window for a double-hung, vinyl is 30-60% less expensive than wood, requires zero painting or staining, and provides excellent thermal insulation. Wood frames ($500-$1,200+) remain popular in high-end homes and historic districts where building codes or aesthetics require them. Fiberglass frames ($450-$1,000) are the premium middle ground, offering superior structural strength, paintability, and the best expansion/contraction performance in extreme climates.
Energy Efficiency: Understanding Glass Packages
The glass package (also called the insulated glass unit or IGU) has as much impact on performance as the frame. Standard double-pane glass provides basic insulation. ENERGY STAR rated double-pane adds Low-E coating (reflects heat) and argon gas fill between panes, improving energy performance by 20-30%. Triple-pane glass with dual Low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas provides the highest insulation (R-5 to R-9 vs. R-3 for standard double-pane) and is particularly worthwhile in extreme cold or hot climates.
Window Styles: Pros and Cons
Double-hung windows are the most common and versatile style, with two operable sashes that tilt in for easy cleaning. Casement windows crank open outward and provide the best ventilation and seal tightly when closed, making them the most energy-efficient operable window. Sliding windows work well in wide openings and above counters. Picture windows offer the best views and are the most affordable per square foot but do not open. Bay and bow windows create architectural interest and add interior space but are the most expensive to purchase and install.
Tax Credits and Rebates in 2026
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) allows you to claim 30% of the cost of qualifying ENERGY STAR windows, up to $600 per year. This credit is available through 2032 and can be claimed annually, making it feasible to spread a large window project over two tax years to maximize the credit. Many state and utility programs offer additional rebates of $50-$200 per window. Always check the ENERGY STAR rebate finder for programs in your area before purchasing.
Signs You Need Window Replacement
Common indicators include: visible fog or condensation between glass panes (indicating seal failure), drafts felt around closed windows, difficulty opening or closing windows, visible rot or damage to frames, single-pane glass (extremely inefficient by modern standards), and excessive outside noise. Even if your windows still function, replacing single-pane or failed double-pane windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by 20-40%.
Choosing the Right Window Installer
Look for installers certified by window manufacturers (Andersen, Pella, Marvin) or by industry organizations. A certified installer ensures proper installation techniques, and many manufacturer warranties require certified installation. Get at least three written quotes that detail window specifications (brand, model, glass package), labor costs, warranty terms, and timeline. Avoid any company that requires full payment upfront or quotes over the phone without measuring your windows.
How to Use This Calculator
Compare window types in the cost table
Start with the cost comparison table showing per-window and whole-home pricing for double-hung, casement, sliding, and bay windows with vinyl frames.
Count your windows and select type
Enter the number of windows to replace and choose the window style. Most homes have 10-20 windows. You can run the calculator multiple times for different window types in different rooms.
Choose frame material and energy rating
Select your frame material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass, or clad) and energy rating (standard, ENERGY STAR, or triple-pane) to see how these choices affect your total cost.
Decide on installation type
Choose between retrofit (insert) installation, which fits new windows into existing frames, or full-frame installation, which replaces everything down to the studs for a more complete but costlier upgrade.
Review costs and available rebates
Check the total estimate, per-window cost, and money-saving tips including federal tax credits and seasonal pricing strategies that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
Window Replacement Cost Formulas
Total Cost = (Window Unit × Frame Multiplier × Energy Multiplier × Install Type) × Count + Labor + Trim
Retrofit Install: Base window cost × 1.0
Full-Frame Install: Base window cost × 1.35Where:
- Vinyl Frame
- = 1.0x base cost (most affordable)
- Wood Frame
- = 1.4x base cost
- Fiberglass Frame
- = 1.3x base cost
- ENERGY STAR
- = 1.15x base glass cost (eligible for $600/yr tax credit)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does window replacement cost in 2026?
What is the difference between retrofit and full-frame window installation?
Are ENERGY STAR windows worth the extra cost?
How long does window replacement take?
Should I replace all windows at once or in phases?
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