How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $325 - $2,000
Installing energy-efficient windows in your home costs an average of $400, but the price can easily go as high as $2,000 depending on the size and style of the window, the frame material, and the number of panes.
Energy-efficient windows not only help keep your home comfortable all year round, but they can also lower your energy bills, so they're a good investment for many. Energy-efficient windows cost anywhere from $325 to $2,000 per window, with most people paying around $400 per window. The cost depends on the window’s size, material, and type. If you hire a pro to install them, expect to pay an additional $100 to $300 per window, or about $40 per hour.
- Average
- $400
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $6,500
Energy-Efficient Window Cost Factors
To fully understand pricing for energy-efficient windows, it's helpful to know what qualifies a window as energy-efficient. Energy-efficient windows work through various components that help promote their efficiency, including:
Multiple-pane glass: Double- and triple-pane windows insulate better than single-pane windows.
Spacers: Vinyl, wood, or fiberglass pieces are used to support multiple panes of glass in windows.
Low-E coating: Low-E, or low emissivity, refers to a window’s ability to reflect heat rather than absorb it. Low-E windows help prevent heat from escaping.
Gas fill: Dense gas is kept between the window panes to further insulate.
Size
Windows are typically priced by size, so the bigger your window is, the more you can expect to pay for it. For instance, a 24-by-36-inch window often ranges from $150 to $240, while a 36-by-72-inch window costs $450 to $720.
| Window Size (in.) | Window Size (sq. ft.) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 24 by 36 | 6 | $150 – $240 |
| 24 by 52 | 8.6 | $215 – $345 |
| 32 by 48 | 10.6 | $270 – $425 |
| 32 by 52 | 11.6 | $290 – $460 |
| 36 by 72 | 18 | $450 – $720 |
Window Type
Your window's type is another factor affecting cost. For example, bow and bay windows are typically the most expensive, ranging anywhere from $500 to $1,900 without installation costs, while single-hung windows cost as little as $150 for materials only.
| Window Type | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Single-hung | $150 – $2,500 |
| Casement | $150 – $600 |
| Double-hung | $250 – $3,000 |
| Picture | $200 – $650 |
| Bay | $480 – $1,920 |
| Bow | $1,500 – $6,500 |
| Sliding | $150–$800 |
Number of Panes
Energy-efficient windows typically contain double- or triple-pane glass. Triple-pane windows cost more than double-pane windows, but they're also more energy-efficient, so they can save you more money in the long run. Double-pane windows cost between $300 and $1,500 to install, while triple-pane windows cost $550 to $3,300, on average.
| Number of Window Panes | Price |
|---|---|
| One | $100 – $350 |
| Two | $300 – $1,500 |
| Three | $550 – $3,300 |
Frame Material
When you upgrade to energy-efficient windows, you’ll probably need to upgrade your window frame at the same time. This will ensure that the new window panes fit perfectly and the frame is equally as insulating as the glass. Here are some common types of window frames, their average costs, and their average energy efficiency.
| Window Type | Energy Efficiency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Poor | $200 – $1,500 |
| Wood | Moderate | $270 – $2,400 |
| Composite | Moderate | $420 – $2,500 |
| Vinyl | Good | $220 – $2,000 |
| Fiberglass | Great | $620 – $2,700 |
Labor
When it comes to installing your new energy-efficient windows, one significant cost to consider is labor. Professional window installers typically charge an average of $40 per hour with an average labor cost between $100 and $300 per window on top of the cost of energy-efficient window materials.
Additional Costs to Consider
In a home renovation project like window replacements, there are some miscellaneous factors or unforeseen costs that you should consider. For example, the cost of replacing a window screen is $300 on average, so if your screens need some TLC, it’s a good time to think about upgrading them.
Additionally, disposing of old windows and other materials after the job may cost you. While many contractors include cleanup costs in their quotes, some may charge an additional $40 to $50 for this service.
One positive factor to consider for your budget is the tax credits and rebates. The federal tax credit for green updates like energy-efficient windows is currently 30% of material costs and up to $600 in labor costs. You may also be eligible for other rebates in your state or local municipalities.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to installing energy-efficient windows, you might be torn between the classic “do it yourself” approach and hiring a pro. DIYing can be a fun and cost-effective adventure, perfect for the handy weekend warriors out there. But let's face it; installing windows can be tricky, and one wrong move might lead to leaks.
Hiring a local window company ensures precision and expertise, saving you time and potential headaches. So, if you want flawless results, leaving it to the pros might be the best choice.
3 Ways You Can Save Money
If you’re looking to keep your window replacement costs down, you’ll be glad to know there are some ways you can accomplish this by installing energy-efficient windows. Here are a few tips for saving money during this project:
Start with your smaller windows: If you don’t want to fork out the entire cost at once, start small with your most modest windows.
Opt for wood window frames: Wood window frames are budget-friendly but still perform fairly well at insulating. Just be sure to keep up on maintenance.
Upgrade multiple windows: The more energy-efficient windows you install at once, the more you’ll save on delivery and labor costs, and each window will end up costing less overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to your pocket, opting for energy-efficient windows can lead to an average of 12% in energy bill savings. That totals to yearly energy savings between $100 and $600. However, the exact amount you’ll save hinges on factors like your local climate and the number of windows in your home.
Energy-efficient windows are judged on their performance according to a few different factors, including heat transfer, air leakage, light transference, and condensation resistance. If you're unsure whether a window is energy-efficient, look for an ENERGY STAR® label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If various products, including windows, meet energy-efficiency standards set by the federal government, the EPA issues this label to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.
Energy-efficient windows cost more than other window types, but they can help you save on your monthly energy bills, get you some breaks on your taxes, and even increase the value of your home. According to Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when people invest in green upgrades like energy-efficient windows, they save energy, money, and more.