How much does window replacement cost in 2022? Let’s find out!
As you’re shopping for windows you’ll find different companies will charge widely varying prices. It can be harder than ever to get real information on window prices without suffering through hours of very unpleasant sales presentations. Nobody wants to do that. We can help.
The first step to understanding window replacement cost is to understand a few basics about the replacement window industry.
What are the main factors that determine window replacement cost?
First, windows are made of different materials
The window frame material will definitely impact the price. You’ll find vinyl windows, fiberglass windows, wood windows and composite windows like Fibrex among others. The different window materials will have different costs and we’ll explore those differences below.
It would be a mistake to compare the cost of a vinyl window with the cost of a fiberglass window as fiberglass windows will almost always cost more (and fiberglass windows are often less efficient).
Second, windows are available with many options.
Once you’ve decided which window material is right for you there will still be a wide range of prices available. Sometimes people think more expensive windows are better than less expensive windows, but that’s not always the case.
Almost all windows are custom made so they can ordered in a wide range of configurations. It’s easy to see your nosy neighbor saying they bought vinyl windows from Alside for $700 per window and then a salesman gives you a quote for $1000. That doesn’t mean the $1000 guy is ripping you off, although he might be. It could mean they’re quoting different options.
For example, a black vinyl window will cost a bit more than a white vinyl window. These are important factors to consider.
Third, some companies just charge way too much.
This can be a tricky business to navigate. Many companies will routinely employ very well trained salespeople who are specifically trained to separate you from your hard earned money. Years ago I worked for a larger national window manufacturer where I dealt with these pushy contractors every day.
Window companies like that can be horrible to deal with and you’ll want to avoid them at all costs. We can help with that too. Check this section for our recommended window companies all over the country. That’s the easiest way to avoid the runaround.
Tell me about the replacement window cost already!
Ha, ok here we go.
Vinyl windows will tend to cost $500 to $1000
Of course that will depend on the configuration and then the installation will likely be in the $250 rage for a total installed cost of $750 to $1250.
That’s still a pretty wide range and the final cost will depend on a few factors. Like I mentioned above adding a black exterior to a vinyl window can add $200 – $300 per window.
Other options like grids, upgraded glass, triple pane glass will impact the price. In addition curved windows will almost always cost more than rectangular windows and some installations can be trickier than others.
You’ll definitely find companies out there charging $1500 or $2000 per window but those numbers are pretty high. If you’re getting prices like that you might want to get anther quote to compare.
Remember, a company that knows they’re offering great pricing will be happy to talk about the pricing with you. If they insist on sending a salesperson to your house who insists on spending 60 or 90 minutes on his sales pitch you should probably look somewhere else. Don’t forget, our recommended local companies are here.
Fiberglass windows will often cost $1500 to $2000 or more
The fiberglass window salesmen will be ready and willing to explain why you should pay this extra cost but it’s usually not the best deal around. They’ll make all sorts of claims about expansion and contraction, strength of the frames and much more.
In my experience none of this is based in reality. See common window sales tactics here. The one advantage to fiberglass windows is that they can look very pretty.
The salesman tends to forget that they’re often less energy efficient and sometimes have shorter warranties than vinyl windows too. If the look is the most important factor for you and you’re willing to pay the premium they may be a good option, otherwise they’re probably not.
Wood windows are also often in the $1500 to $2000 range
Often times people ask for wood windows simply because their old windows were wood. For most people wood isn’t the best window material so I’d definitely suggest talking to the company about the available options.
While we see many people initially ask for wood windows, we see a much smaller percentage actually order wood windows. When you compare the options wood windows just don’t make a whole lot of sense in most cases.
We do see wood windows in very old and historic properties and they can look beautiful in those situations.
Most people are more concerned about efficiency and longevity and wood windows don’t tend to compare very well in those areas.
Composite window replacement cost will often be $2000 or more
In my humble opinion composite windows tend to be the worst value of the bunch. They’re sort of an imitation wood, but they cost as much or more than a real wood window and they’re often less energy efficient than a much more reasonably priced vinyl window.
The sales tactics used by the composite window salespeople can be some of the worst out there as well.
When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.
To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.
For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.
Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in 2022 in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.
I’d appreciate you revisiting this with the inflation we are currently experiencing and how that will affect overall window pricing. I’m in the market for new windows and I think this is probably the worst time to buy.
Hi Joe, I think this is still accurate info. I just wrote it a couple months ago. I would not say this is a bad time to buy. Prices are up a little bit from where they were a couple years ago, but I think it’s likely we’ll still see more increases. If you’re thinking about buying I’d say it’s better to get going sooner than later.
What’s your zip code? I might be able to recommend a company in your area.