How To Calculate Window Replacement Cost

After a few years of living in your home, there are plenty of reasons why you might consider replacing your windows. Maybe you need to swap out a window that has a crack in the glass or a warped frame. Or perhaps you’re considering changing out your home’s windows with more energy-efficient models.

Whether you’re planning to replace one window or 10, it’s important to understand the many factors that contribute to the total price tag. While this home improvement project can become expensive, it will pay off in the long run by saving you money on energy bills and increasing your home’s value.

In this article, we’ll review the average cost of replacing windows, including how to estimate the price of your particular project based on the number of windows, as well as size and type.

What’s The Average Cost To Replace Windows?

Let’s get straight to the point: The average cost to replace one window is about $650. The actual price can vary between $200 – $1,800, depending on the size and quality of your window. The cost of window installation also varies based on your location, which is why it’s important to request estimates from at least two professional companies in your area to find the best deal.

Speaking of professional window installers, don’t forget to factor labor fees into the window replacement cost. In addition to the price of the window, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 – 300 for each installation.

For example, if you’d purchased two new windows for $450 each and the window company charges $200 per installation, your total bill would come out to $1,300.

What Factors Impact Window Replacement Cost?

As mentioned above, the cost of a window replacement job can vary from relatively inexpensive to thousands of dollars. Let’s review the factors that affect the price tag of this home improvement project.

Window Type

Homeowners have several options to choose from when it comes to window types. While double-hung windows are a popular option, it’s important to consider your window size and style when making a final decision.

Window Frame Material

If the frame of the window being replaced is showing signs of damage, it’s time to swap that out, too. This will increase the overall cost of the window replacement, but it will be worth it to keep both your windows and frames in lasting condition.

Be sure to consider how each type of frame will perform over time:

Installation Cost

Not only do window installation costs vary by window size and type, but they also depend on the location of your home. Once you’ve chosen the type of window and frame you’d like to purchase, use that information to get price estimates from local window installation companies.

In the meantime, use these estimated ranges for window installations to help set your budget:

Do The Benefits Outweigh The Cost Of Replacing Windows?

Now that we understand how much it typically costs to replace at least one window, it’s clear that the bill can quickly add up. However, the long-term benefits of replacing an old, drafty window with a more energy-efficient model will pay off in the long run.

Here are a few examples of way that a window replacement will (almost) pay for itself in a few years:

More Comfortable Environment

It should be a golden rule of real estate that homeowners should never feel cold or uncomfortable in their own homes. Windows that let outside air in – especially if they’re centrally located – can make your house feel drafty and chilly. By replacing a window that’s no longer serving its purpose, you’ll regain control over your home’s temperature and overall atmosphere.

Lower Your Energy Bills

Not only are energy-efficient windows better for the environment, but they’re better for your monthly budget, too. While eco-friendly windows are more expensive to purchase upfront, they save you money over time by cutting down your energy bill. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that ENERGY STAR-certified windows save homeowners between $101 and $583 per year.

Increase Home Value

If you’re preparing to sell your home, a new set of energy-efficient windows is a surefire way to increase the value of your home. Be one step ahead of your future home appraiser by installing new windows now to reap the benefits at closing.

How To Finance The Window Replacement Cost

If you’re experiencing some sticker shock over the price of replacing a few windows, don’t worry – there are several payment options available.

Unable to cover the window replacement cost through your initial accounts? A great finance option is applying for a home improvement personal loan. This type of personal loan is geared toward homeowners who need help covering the cost of an expensive home renovation or update. Home improvement personal loans can range from $1,000 to $100,000, and feature fixed APR and monthly payments.

When it comes to other payment alternatives you can apply for financing directly through the manufacturer. You can also take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance, both of which require you to borrow against your home’s equity. The difference between these two options is that a HELOC features an adjustable interest rate, while a cash-out refinance has a fixed rate but usually provides more money.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to replacing damaged or drafty windows, the sooner the better. While the cost of purchasing and installing new windows is not cheap, the long-term benefits tend to outweigh the initial price tag.

Luckily, there are several different ways to cover the cost of this home improvement project. After receiving a final quote for your windows, apply for a home improvement personal loan through Rocket Loans®. We’ll help you look at personal loan options without putting a dent in your credit score.