A single-hung, double-pane aluminum window ranges from $270 to $769 per window according to data we analyzed from RSMeans, a construction cost database.
The price of a dual-pane window fluctuates dramatically depending on factors such as window style, frame material and size. In addition, the window brand, type of installation and where you live also affect cost.
To help you figure out which type of double-pane window is best for your home, we secret-shopped popular retail websites, spoke with industry experts and crunched data from RSMeans to outline the typical costs of the most common double-pane windows. Below, we highlight extra cost factors of double-pane windows, when to consider window replacement and tips to save on your replacement project.
The best window brands offer double-pane windows in multiple styles and frame types.
What factors influence the cost of double-pane windows?
Since double-pane windows come in many window types, sizes and frame materials, their costs will naturally vary. According to Corey Buescher, a virtual handyperson for Frontdoor, a single-hung, double-pane window ranges from $100 to $400 per window. He adds that bow windows cost up to $4,500 per window — significantly more than a basic single-hung version. We highlight the major cost factors below.
Window size
The size of a double-pane window is the first major factor affecting costs. Larger windows will cost more because of the additional glass and frame material. Generally, window manufacturers build standard window sizes that fit residential homes.
The table below shows the cost ranges of vinyl double-pane, single-hung windows for common window sizes, according to Home Depot’s website.
| Window Size | Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| 36” x 36” | $159–$1,169 |
| 48” x 48” | $339–$1,485 |
| 36” x 72” | $512–$1,169 |
Window style
The window style you choose is another major factor affecting the price of a double-pane window. For example, a basic sliding window will cost less than a basic casement design due to its material and hardware differences.
If you prefer specialized or custom window shapes, expect to pay much more per window. Custom window styles can range from $500 to several thousand dollars per window without accounting for labor costs or any necessary modifications to your home, Buescher stated.
The table below shows Buescher’s cost ranges for seven popular double-pane window styles by window style. Note that figures will vary based on the window frame, size and the location you purchase them from.
| Window Style | Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| Bay and bow | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Casement | $200–$1,000 |
| Double-hung | $150–$650 |
| Picture | $300–$1,200 |
| Single-hung | $100–$400 |
| Sliding | $150–$800 |
Window frame material
The window frame material you choose will contribute to your total window replacement cost. Vinyl windows are the best bang-for-your-buck window frame material for most residential homes, largely due to their longevity, affordable cost and maintenance-free nature, according to Craig Ricks, president of New Orleans-based Acadian Windows.
“[Vinyl windows] are weld-fused together in their corners. Whereas with wood windows, their corners are screwed, glued, caulked and sealed. Over time, a wood window’s seal could fail, whereas vinyl windows are welded, so the longevity of [vinyl windows] makes more sense,” Ricks said.
Ricks recommended spending slightly more for a premium window since these tend to last 30 to 50 years compared to economy windows, which may last seven to 10 years.
The table below shows the average cost of double-hung, dual-pane windows based on data we sourced from RSMeans. These averages incorporate pricing averages from the following window sizes: 24 inches by 24 inches, 36 inches by 24 inches, and 36 inches by 36 inches.
| Window Material | Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1,058 |
| Vinyl | $1,137 |
| Wood | $1,356 |
You should also consider which window frame best suits your climate. Certain window frames provide good insulating properties in one climate and the opposite in another. Aluminum window frames perform well in mild to warm climates but not in cold climates, according to Jeff Ludy, the owner of Houston Window Experts.
Ask your window replacement professional which window frame best fits your location.
Glass type
Double-pane window prices fluctuate widely depending on the glass type you choose. A single-hung, double-pane window with low-emissivity (low-e) glass coating costs between $227 and $654, while the same window type with tempered glass costs between $208 and $228, based on our secret shopping at Lowe’s.
Prices also vary between single-, double and triple-pane windows. Single-pane windows tend to be the cheapest while offering the lowest energy efficiency because of their single-glass construction. Double-pane glass varieties are a good middle ground between cost and energy efficiency; triple-pane windows provide the most sound and temperature insulation at a higher cost.
Triple-pane windows are a great option if you’d like to reduce street noise or heat from the sun entering your home, according to Matt Gibson, the director of marketing for Cornerstone Building Brands, who’s based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
The table below shows the pricing differences between double-pane skylight windows with different glass types. These figures are from Lowe’s.
| Glass Type | Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| Tempered | $154–$1,355 |
| Low-e with argon gas | $310–$1,946 |
| Laminated | $154–$2,794 |
| Impact | $75–$1,896 |
Number of windows installed
The number of windows you purchase will also contribute to the total cost of your project. Generally, the more windows you need, the higher the project cost. If your home has many windows and you’re concerned about cost, consider replacing several windows at a time.
You should replace the worst-performing windows first and address the remaining ones later, according to Mark Waddell, the installation and application manager of Cornerstone Building Brands, who is based in Rocky Mountain, Virginia. “To this same end, understanding the total cost of the project versus the value of the overall investment can help in decision-making,” Waddell added.
The table below highlights the average amount respondents reported paying for their window replacement project by the number of windows they purchased. We sourced this data from our October 2023 window replacement survey of 1,500 homeowners who purchased windows within the last five years.
| Window Material | 1–5 Windows | 6–10 Windows | 11+ Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $10,566 | $14,966 | $24,643 |
| Vinyl | $10,643 | $12,249 | $22,547 |
| Wood | $10,036 | $14,940 | $23,300 |
What other factors affect double-pane window costs?
While the main factors affecting the cost of new windows are size, style, frame material, glass type and number of windows, you should consider these additional factors before starting a window replacement project.
Installation type
The window installation method you or a professional window installer choose is the biggest cost factor aside from the window itself. Generally, you can choose from two types of window replacements: full-frame and pocket replacements. Full-frame replacements replace the entire window and frame, while pocket replacements only replace the window. Typically, full-frame replacement costs more due to the extra labor and materials required to complete the job.
However, you likely won’t have a choice of which window replacement method to use, said Ricks. Your home’s construction type and style, as well as your windowsills’ conditions, will dictate which type of replacement you should choose, he added.
Ricks said that most newly constructed homes will likely require pocket replacement, which costs less due to the reduced labor required to install them correctly.
Labor
A professional window installation company’s labor rates are another major factor affecting double-pane window costs. Labor rates can vary significantly depending on the window style, size, frame material and installation, Buescher stated. He added that he charges between $50 and $200 per hour for a standard-size vinyl window.
However, window installation labor rates can also vary based on your location. Expect to pay more per hour in a large metropolitan area — such as New York City — than a small town. The larger your project is, the more you’ll pay in labor as well.
Professional installation vs. DIY installation
At some point during your window replacement journey, you must decide between installing your double-pane windows yourself or hiring a professional installer. While DIY installation may seem enticing due to the lower upfront cost, carefully consider the downsides of replacing your windows yourself.
First, we highly recommend hiring a professional if you have little to no experience installing windows. Installing windows correctly involves many measurements and steps; incorrect installation can cause all sorts of future problems.
Ricks recommended spending the most time measuring your old windows before purchasing new ones to ensure they are a direct fit. “If you buy the most energy-efficient window, but if it’s short by an inch or two, then all those features are pretty much obsolete, and you may have water intrusion down the road,” he added.
Nearly 60% of our window survey respondents reported purchasing their replacement windows from a full-service window company that manufactured and installed their windows. Also, over 92% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their professional installation company’s workmanship.
Another major difference between professional installation and DIY is the labor warranty installation contractors offer. You are responsible for the workmanship of a DIY window replacement, meaning if there are any flaws in the installation, you’ll pay out of pocket to correct them.
On the flip side, a reputable window installer usually includes some form of a labor warranty. Sal Sucato, the owner of DunRite Windows & Doors in Scottsdale, Arizona, suggested finding window installers with a reputation for good customer service and a comprehensive labor warranty. “It pays to have them on your side if issues arise since the installer typically has more leverage with the manufacturer than a single homeowner,” he added.
What signs indicate you should replace your double-pane windows?
Between 25% and 30% of your heating and cooling use can be attributed to heat gain and loss from poor-performing windows, according to the Department of Energy. Below, we outline a few of the most common signs indicating you need to replace your double-pane windows to increase energy savings.
Broken glass or frame
This is the most obvious sign indicating that you must replace your double-pane windows. Broken window glass or frames won’t insulate properly, which can significantly increase your energy bills and reduce the safety of your home.
Difficult to open or close
Another reason to replace your double-pane windows is stubborn windows that are difficult to open or close. If you own double-hung windows, they should slide up and down smoothly and with minimal effort. If you own casement windows, they should easily open fully and not get stuck.
Excess wear
Windows with excess wear or an unappealing appearance may require replacement since they likely don’t insulate properly. In addition, replacing these worn windows with new ones will increase your home’s curb appeal.
Leaks
If your existing windows have a draft or leak water, it’s a good time to check your windows’ caulking. If your window’s weather insulation is in poor condition, we suggest repairing it versus replacing the entire window if you’re on a tight budget.
How can you save on replacing double-pane windows?
While double-pane window replacement is one of the priciest home improvement projects, you can purchase them without breaking the bank. Below are some tips to save on double-pane window replacement.
Requesting quotes from different window brands ensures you find the best deal for your window needs. Sucato recommended requesting quotes from at least three companies for better leverage when price matching.
Check with the window company to see if they offer any rebates on their windows. Energy Star has a tax rebate that provides up to $600 back in tax credits if you purchase Energy Star-certified windows.
If you have many windows to replace, consider replacing them in small batches to reduce the total project cost.
Many window brands have sales or discounts for certain window lines at various times throughout the year. In addition, ask if the company will offer a wholesale discount if you purchase many windows.
The peak of summer and winter are typically the offseasons for window replacement companies because of lower demand and challenging weather conditions. Some companies may install windows at a reduced rate if you hire them during these seasons.
What’s next?
Double-pane windows are the best bang-for-your-buck window varieties due to their balance of cost and overall energy efficiency. They have two glass panes, increasing their durability and insulating properties while letting in plenty of natural light.
As a result, all of the best window brands we’ve reviewed offer double-pane windows as standard. Our top pick, Renewal by Andersen, offers in-house installation and a robust labor warranty, providing the best investment value.
Cost information in this article, where noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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