Replacing old windows can make a dramatic difference in your home. Drafts disappear, and the whole house feels more comfortable. You can open the blinds and let natural light in without roasting – or feeling the chill in wintertime. Bonus: New windows can block outside noises much more effectively, and they’re often a big aesthetic improvement.
But window replacement can get expensive. The price can vary between $300 to $2,500 per window, depending on what option you want.
You have a huge variety of options in replacing or updating your windows. Here, we provide some thoughts for how to approach this decision, and briefly explain a few different paths to take.
Ask Yourself: What Do You Want From New Windows?
Focus on your key priorities, so you can have greater clarity on which type of window project is worth it to you. Think through which of these four options is motivating you the most:
1. A Comfortable and Quiet Home
If you find yourself cranking up the heat in the winter, you’re baking in the sun whenever you pull back the shades in summer, and your neighbor’s conversation outside may as well be right in your living room – yes, look at either a window replacement or at least adding storm windows to mitigate these issues. Long-term energy savings are great, but your focus is mostly on improving quality of life right away.
2. An Enhanced Look to My Home
If you want to beautify your house – either because you want to sell it soon, or you want to enhance your own enjoyment – replacement windows make a big difference. You might also own a historic home and wish the windows were more in keeping with the original look of the structure. If you’re motivated by aesthetics, a window replacement is the best option, and you’ll also get to benefit from energy efficiency. Your decisions will likely come down to which materials you prefer, and how much you’re willing to pay for looks.
3. Increase Energy Efficiency to Save Money
If you’re motivated largely by financial reasons, you’ll want to maximize the return on investment from window improvements. That begs the question: How much will new windows lower your energy costs, and how long will it take to recoup your initial window purchase?
For fastest ROI, you might first install storm windows or seal air leaks – or you can target the leakiest windows instead of trying to replace a lot at once, and use the most cost-efficient materials. (If you’re targeting lower energy costs, make sure you’ve already taken steps like insulating your home and doing weather-stripping around doors.)
4. Fix Damaged Windows
Aside from being annoying, you might be surprised at how much energy you’re losing from damaged windows. Condensation between panes indicates they aren’t fitted properly, and cracks should also be dealt with quickly. Replacing individual problem windows as soon as possible will boost quality of life as well as high energy costs.
Options for Window Replacement
You’ll need to talk to a professional to get quotes for your home, but here’s a quick rundown to go over options.
Full-Frame Replacement
This involves taking out the whole window frame, typically to replace with either new frames and double- or triple-paned glass. This improves energy efficiency both from the glass itself, as well as the better insulation around the frame during installation. Frames are typically vinyl or wood – vinyl is cheaper and easy to maintain, while wooden frames are energy efficient but require more maintenance and are far more expensive than vinyl. Wood frames are often chosen for their aesthetics, particularly in older homes.
A full-frame replacement of old windows will save money on your energy costs – as much as 25-30 percent – but you have to weigh the initial investment against eventual energy savings. The immediate improvement in comfort and aesthetics is often the deciding factor.
Pocket Installation
Instead of taking out the whole frame, installers insert new panes in an existing frame. It’s a much quicker alternative and costs far less – and may be necessary if you have a brick or stucco house where frame replacements are tricky. The new glass is sealed and caulked, but this method isn’t as thorough as a full-frame replacement. Insulation around the frame may not be as complete.
Storm Windows
Low-emissivity storm windows simply go over existing single-pane windows – it improves insulation and reduces noise, but for a much lower cost than a window replacement. For homeowners who want to experience some savings and improve comfort without a big initial expense, storm windows are a good option.
Doing the Math and Making the Call
Think about your priorities when you get quotes and compare options. You can also do only a few windows if a whole-house revamp isn’t necessary.
When figuring out your project costs, remember that a federal tax credit of $600 for ENERGY STAR windows is available, as well as a Mass Save $75 rebate for every single-pane window you replace with ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified models*. For other financing options, check out HEAT loans of up to $25,000 for qualifying efficiency projects in your house, or financing from Neeeco’s partner Enhancify for any project.
Schedule a no-cost home energy assessment to qualify for window-replacement rebates and target areas of improvement in your home!
*Some restrictions apply and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.
Call (781) 303-4789 or contact us to learn more about out window replacement services!