Window replacement: 7 things to consider before purchase

A general contractor performs window replacement on a home

If your home needs window replacement, here’s everything you should consider before picking your installation options.

Window replacement 101

Windows have various styles and types. Unless you’re doing some extensive work to the wall (or it needs it) in which you’re placing your new windows, the sizes and shapes have been decided for you.

What you’ll be deciding is the glaze, construction, whether it will be insert or full-frame window replacement, and the energy rating.

Window replacement construction

What material your window frame is built with will greatly affect its energy efficiency. Insulation-filled vinyl frames and fiberglass frames perform best. Aluminum and steel are the worst in terms of energy efficiency.

Procedures of window replacement

There are two, basic types of window replacement:

  1. Full-frame replacement: this typically requires the removal of the entire window including the casings, frame, sash, and exterior trim. This is the costliest of the three types of replacement but allows for better insulation.
  2. Insert (retrofit/pocket) replacement: insert installation allows for the replacement windows to fit inside the existing frames. This can only be done if the frame is in good shape with no rotting and still square.

Types of window glazing

What glaze you choose plays a large part in energy savings. The most efficient windows will have at least two layers of glass and are commonly known has double-pane windows. These are made with a small gap between the two glass layers, creating a barrier to heat flow. Sometimes, you will have an option for an additional layer of glass. These are called triple-glazed windows. Sometimes the gaps are filled with a gas, such as argon or krypton, to further add energy efficiency.

Your glass can be installed with reflective films, tint, or low-e coatings.

Reflective films block radiant energy but they also block a lot of visible light. Tinted glass also reflects radiant energy without as much reduction of visible light entering the home. Low-e coatings are virtually invisible and can be fine-tuned, making it more versatile than the other two coatings.

How much do replacement windows cost?

The total cost of your window replacement depends on the number of windows you’re replacing and the procedure of replacement. However, simply to help you ballpark your cost, the average national price for a single-hung vinyl window (one of the cheapest window types) to be installed by a professional is around $550.

Are energy-efficient windows worth the cost?

If you have old, single pane windows you are going to notice the savings of having window replacement. If energy efficiency is your main objective with this renovation, make sure your window is an Energy Star certified window.

The Energy Star Program (administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that by installing Energy Star certified windows you could save around 12 to 13% on your home energy bill.

How much you actually save depends on where you live, what type of window you’re replacing, and the exact type of window you end up choosing. Further, through 2032, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit on the cost to replace your windows – up to $600.

Include the warranty in your decision

When choosing which windows to have installed, keep the warranties in mind. A typical warranty lasts around 10 years. However, some are 20 years and some even have lifetime warranties. Your installer may even have their own warranty on the work they do.

Choose an experienced installer

Finally, make sure to choose an experienced general contractor to do your window replacement. This is especially key if you live in an older home and the frame in which your windows sit is no longer square. This will require the contractor to do some work to the frame and the quality of their work will play a big part in energy efficiency.

Get multiple bids for your project, make sure the contractor is licensed, and get some testimonials from prior clients.