Replacement windows can change the entire look and value of your home. And if you haven't changed your windows in a few decades, then this update may be more necessary than you think. But replacing home windows is not something that should be taken lightly. Options abound, from what material to choose for the frame, to what type of glass to buy, and, of course, what company to hire to do the job.
Are you dizzy before you even start? Check out this comprehensive guide to finding the best replacement windows, including the average cost to replace windows, top window replacement companies, and which materials are best for your home.
The Best Replacement Windows – An In-Depth Look
Renewal by Andersen
Average price range Quotations by consultation
Warranty 20 year limited warranty
Response Time Advice is relatively quick
Renewal by Andersen offers replacement windows for every type of home and window requirement, from double-hung to picture windows and even custom doors and awnings. It has a great photo gallery on the site so you can browse the different window styles and understand the definitions before making your choice.
What's really great about this company is the free consultation that anyone can get. You will schedule a scheduled appointment (no windows) during which Andersen Renewal will assess your home and window replacement needs. The contractor will discuss your options, provide project price quotes and answer any questions you may have.
- A beautiful and strong energy efficient product
- Long warranty
- Highly reputable and professional company
Cons - The warranty is limited to certain conditions
- An expensive option
Home Services
Average price rangeVaries by manufacturer
Warranty Yes:
Response time In a few hours
The Home Depot is one of the biggest names in home improvement. The familiar orange logo is synonymous with making your home look, feel and function better. So it's only natural that Americans also turn to The Home Depot for their window replacement needs. And for good reason. The Home Depot has a wide range of attractive and affordable replacement windows, comes with a true lifetime warranty, and provides professional consultation, measurements, delivery and installation.
One convenient feature that The Home Depot offers that most other window replacement companies do not offer is the convenience of scheduling a virtual consultation. From there, you will be connected with a design consultant who will help you based on your specific needs. Of course, The Home Depot offers a free in-house consultation if you want more options, professional measurements, and more experienced recommendations. But you can do it all online if you want and have a professional, licensed contractor deliver and install your windows.
- True lifetime warranty
- Consultations and authorized facilities throughout the country.
- Wide variety of online and offline options.
Cons - Some branches are more professional than others.
- Not so many special designs
Home Window Prices
Average Price Range Varies based on contractor
Warranty Varies based on contractor
Response time Varies based on contractor
Home Window Prices is a simple online search portal that helps homeowners find local professionals who can efficiently perform window repair and replacement. The network consists of over 100 expert home window replacement services, including well-known names such as Marvin Windows and Doors, Renewal by Andersen, and Jeld Wen Windows and Doors. Home Window Prices partners with quality name brands, so homeowners can be sure they're getting the best money they can buy.
In addition to being an easy online process, Home Window Prices offers some helpful information about buying and replacing windows right on the site. Learn about different types of window ratings, energy efficient window models and more when you visit the Pure Home Window Prices website.
Pros
- Fast online search engine
- Best window repair services on the net
- Several levels of energy efficiency available
Cons - Not dealing with a direct contractor at first
- Works with in-network contractors only
Simple Home Quotes
Average Price Range Varies depending on local provider
Warranty Varies depending on local supplier
Response time Quotations in hours:
Simple Home Quotes offers free quotes from local contractors for your window replacement. Simply enter your details and the company will contact you within hours with up to 3 quotes to choose from.
Simple Home Quotes does not perform window installations itself, so it is up to you to research individual contractors and get the final price for your project. However, the platform can help you get started on your window replacement project and make it easy to find great, affordable local contractors.
Pros
- Completely free to use
- Get local estimates in hours
- Start searching for quotes in minutes
Cons - Does not request information about window types
- Estimates can vary widely
Pella
Average price $90 to $2000
Warranty 10 to 20 years depending on product
Response time 3 to 47 days
Pella is a popular window manufacturer with a modern website and quotes, plus a huge selection of windows. This company has a reputation for customization and quality of its products. Pella offers wood, vinyl and fiberglass windows in all major styles.
Although some customers have had problems with Pellas warranties in the past, as long as you read the terms and conditions carefully and install the product properly (or ask for the help of a qualified Pella installer), you shouldn't have any problems. The great thing about Pella windows is that there are options if you need special weather protection or have had problems with other windows in the past.
Pros
- Virtual or home consultation
- A series of architectural windows
- Warranties are available
- Warranties not long/wide enough
- Past Class-Action Suit for Grooming
- Somewhat inconsistent customer service
Lowe's
Average price range from $2,000 to $5,000
1 year warranty for labor
Response time: 1-3 days
Lowes has a wide selection of windows from top brands to help you with window replacement. The company can fit any budget, with options ranging from aluminum and vinyl to fiberglass and wood. Just keep in mind that customization options are somewhat limited.
The window replacement process at Lowes is not ultra-custom. You can get a free online consultation, but not all locations offer in-home estimates. Additionally, installations are performed by independent contractors rather than a dedicated Lowes team.
Pros
- Affordable windows available
- Offers dozens of major brands.
- Financing plans available
Cons - Independent contractors perform the installation.
- Short one-year warranty for installation.
Marvin Windows
Average price $250 to $1500
10 year warranty on most components
Response time 3+ days
Marvin manufactures elegant replacement windows that match any home decor. The company stands out for its wide selection and ability to fully customize your finishes and equipment. Marvin also backs its windows with a 10-year or longer warranty.
We also appreciate that Marvin works with local contractors for installation. This makes it easy to get a personalized assessment of your home right at the beginning of the design process. Marvin also offers free guides and samples to help you get started with the replacement process.
- A wide variety of window types
- 10 year warranty on finish
- Work with local contractors for installation
Cons - Remove expensive window options
- Warranty does not include installation
Thumbtack
Average Price RangeVaries depending on the contractor and job.
WarrantyPush Pin Warranty
Response time Generally within 4 hours
Thumbtack is the fastest and easiest way to hire window replacement contractors. Consisting of a huge network of home repair professionals, Thumbtack connects homeowners with the service providers they seek quickly and efficiently. What's more, Thumbtack only works with local professionals. This way you will only receive profiles of contractors from nearby companies. This significantly reduces waiting time. What's more, since they are all professionals, you can rest easy knowing that the job will be done right.
Thumbtack service providers cover all aspects of window requirements including window installation, cleaning and repair. You can also find professionals to handle more sophisticated window treatments, such as window tinting and screen installation or replacement. Detailed contractor pages let you see a lot of information about contractors before you even pick up the phone, and customer reviews help you distinguish inferior options from better ones.
Pros
- Thousands of professionals in a single network
- Convenient mobile applications
- Thumbtack Guarantee
Cons - Not all types of services are available in all areas.
- Not a direct window replacement contractor.
Remodel Connection
Average Price RangeVaries by contractor
WarrantyVaries depending on the contractor.
Response time Same day quotes
Remodel Connection is another window replacement company comparison tool. However, one difference between this and others of this type are the numbers. Remodel Connection has a massive network of over 500 contractors to work with. Therefore, you will get a great selection of the best people for the job.
Since everything is done online, Remodel Connection is a great way to calculate the average cost to replace windows in your area and within your range of requirements. Answer some basic questions, such as what type of windows you are interested in, where you live, how many windows need replacing, and whether you are repairing or replacing the windows entirely. Remodel Connection then connects you with the best window replacement services for you.
Pros
- More than 500 industry-leading contractors
- Fast online process
- Simple comparison tool
Cons - There aren't many options to choose from on the initial form.
- Not a direct contractor
Home Renovation
Average price range Free to sign up and free quotes
Warranty Varies by contractor
Turnaround Time How quickly will your home's windows be replaced?
Home renovations work on a simple principle: according to experts, replacing your windows can increase your home's resale value by 80% or more. That's a pretty good incentive for most homeowners. Home remodeling gives you easy access to a large number of trusted contractors at the same time. It's an online portal that connects homeowners with contractors in their area, so it basically takes all the work out of shopping around.
Thanks to a smart home improvement algorithm, homeowners will get the best comparison prices when using a simple comparison tool. You fill out one application form and tell Home Renovation what type of replacement windows you're looking for. The system then processes your information through a network of qualified contractors and returns only window replacement companies that match you. So you get multiple quotes instantly. It is a good system for those who like to shop.
Pros
Multiple quotes with one app
Instant online quotes
Wide network of qualified contractors
- Not a true window replacement service
- There is not much information before signing up.
What is the Best Window Replacement and How to Choose the Right One?
The best window replacement for you will depend on several factors, including your budget, the climate in your location, and the type of home you have. If you already have a style or design in mind, it's a good idea to talk to the contractor directly. They will be able to give you a professional opinion on whether or not your design choice is the best option for your home.
To choose the best window replacement for your location, consider the weather. Do you live in a very cold or very hot climate? Does it rain a lot in your area? After answering these questions, these 4 attributes should be weighted accordingly.
R-value
- R-value. This is a measure of how well the window prevents heat loss. Basically it's about isolation. This will ensure that the window keeps the correct temperature inside and the wrong temperature outside.
U-value.
- U-value. The U-value is the inverse of the R-value. So you want a high R-value and a low U-value.
Wind resistance
- Wind resistance. This indicates how much air leakage the window will allow. You want a lower number for this because it indicates a better seal.
Solar gain
- Solar gain. The solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC for short, is a measure of how well a window will allow a room to be heated by the sun. This can be good or bad depending on the weather (bad in summer, good in winter). The higher the solar gain, the higher the number.
These different window ratings are clearly marked, so use these factors to decide which type of window is right for you. If, for example, you live in the southern half of Florida, Texas, or Louisiana, you'll look for windows with a U-value of 0.40 or lower and a solar gain of 0.65 or lower. On the other hand, more northern areas such as Maine and New York will look for values of 0.35 U (solar gain is not such a factor in northern areas).
How Much Does the Average Window Replacement Cost?
The average cost of window replacement will vary significantly depending on several factors. They can include:
- Quality of materials used
As with any design, there are high-end and low-end material options. Depending on your budget, you will decide which material is best for you.
- Frame material and type
It's not just the quality of the material that will affect window replacement costs. The type of frame and glass you choose will also vary considerably. Vinyl window frames are significantly more cost effective than the common alternative, wood. It is easier to manufacture and is more available. Wood, on the other hand, is a beautiful option, but will cost approximately 30% to 50% more. Fiberglass is another option that falls somewhere in between these two pricing options.
- Glass type
Thickness, any special effects (such as glazing or tinting), and other factors can significantly increase the cost of your glass package. Energy efficiency is one of the most popular features that people look at. This will increase your window replacement cost by approximately 15%. However, before you rule this out, keep in mind that energy-efficient windows can give you a return of up to 75% in just a few years.
- Facility
The level of difficulty of the installation will also determine the price. More difficult installations will cost more, including where in the house they will be installed, full-frame installations, and fancier bay windows.
- Number of windows being replaced
This is obvious. The more windows you replace, the more it will cost you. However, several window replacement companies will offer discounts for multiple window replacements performed simultaneously.
Types of Window Replacements
Home window replacements can vary in terms of frame style, glass thickness, glass type, and more. Some of the most common types of window replacement include:
sash windows
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The bottom half of the window is what moves.
Average cost: $170-$360
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sash windows
Both the top and bottom of the window can be moved.
Average cost: $450-$600
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arched windows
They are windows with round covers.
Average cost: $325-$500
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Awning windows
These open to the outside.
Average cost: $420-$760
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bay windows
This is a window that protrudes from the exterior wall, creating a bench inside your home.
Average cost: $1,150-$3,550
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arched windows
This is a rounded semicircle of windows on the outside of the house.
Average cost: $1,400-$3,800
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casement windows
Like shutters, it is a single panel that opens to the right, left, up or down.
Average cost: $270-$750
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egress windows
This is an escape hatch style window, often seen in basements.
Average cost: $100-$5,000
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garden windows
These are miniature windows in which you can place plants.
Average cost: $1,000-$4,000
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glass block windows
These are literally glass blocks, a decorative element.
Average cost: $365-$785
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Hopper windows
They generally open from the top and are good for small spaces.
Average cost: $265-$720
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Windows with lattices
This is a multi-pane window style.
Average cost: $175-$375
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Panoramic windows
It is a large glass window, ideal for enjoying beautiful views.
Average cost: $245-$850
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circular windows
These beautiful windows can be elliptical, oval, round or semicircular. They are decorative, in addition to allowing light to enter smaller spaces.
Average cost: $250-$750
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windows skylights
They are installed on the ceiling, which is perfect for letting more light into limited spaces on exterior walls.
Average cost: $900-$2,130
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sliding windows
These are elongated, rectangular windows made up of 2 panels, one of which slides from side to side.
Average cost: $320-$1300
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storm windows
Another layer of protection, they are installed directly above your current windows.
Average cost: $200-$460
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Stern windows
Another attractive option is decorative windows that are installed simply to add more style to an area.
Average cost: $200-$575
You can also get custom windows. Not everyone will offer all of these services, but all good window replacement companies will have a good enough selection to give you plenty of options to choose from. They will also help you choose the best replacement windows for your home situation and budget.
What Window Materials Should I Look For?
The material of your replacement windows will dramatically change the price of your project, as we noted above. Here are some of your options for frames:
- Wood frames vs. vinyl frames, we've already discussed this
- Fiberglass, the middle ground
- Fibrex is a composite of wood and epoxy resin: this option does not rot or deteriorate but looks like wood.
As for the glass itself, you can get one, two or three panels. These can be coated with multiple coatings to resist the elements or create more energy efficient options. Choose your window material based on location and budget, but also consider aspects such as energy savings and wear and tear over time.