How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Windows?

Replacing drafty windows in your home may not be the most noticeable home improvement project, but it will save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills. Vinyl is popular because it's inexpensive, easy to maintain, and comes in many styles, sizes, and colors. According to Today’s Homeower’s 2023 ROI Remodel report, a vinyl window replacement brings a 90 percent return on investment.

The national average cost for replacing ten existing 3x5-foot windows with new vinyl double-hung, double-pane windows is $5,930 to $10,789, with most homeowners spending around $8,360 for double-pane prefabricated vinyl windows. In this article, we’ll look at what it costs to install replacement vinyl windows, the factors determining that cost, and how to tell it’s the right time for this home improvement project.

Costs to install vinyl windows

Factors that influence vinyl window replacement cost

The cost of a window replacement project depends on several factors. The most prominent include size, style, and type of glass. In addition, you may find differences in cost between brands, colors, grid patterns, and energy-efficiency ratings. Finally, labor costs figure into the total cost of window replacement.

Size

Windows come in standard sizes, depending on their shape and style. Larger ones require more material, whereas custom windows require added labor. Here are the average prices for a few standard window sizes.

Cost of vinyl windows by size

Style of window

Whether you purchase pre-fabricated windows or custom ones, vinyl windows come in various styles and shapes to complement your home's architecture. This list of the most popular types of windows will help you choose those most suitable for your home. Of course, any decorative trim and installation are extra.

Cost of vinyl windows by style

Type of glass

The type of window glass you choose for your window could increase the cost. Typically, you’ll find the following options.

• Low-E coating – Low-E glass reduces damaging ultraviolet light rays in the home, protecting your furnishes from deterioration and minimizing energy loss. The average cost to upgrade to Low-E glass is $4 per square foot.
• Single-pane – A single pane of glass is your least expensive option. However, this cost-cutting option is discouraged because it’s not energy-efficient.
• Laminated glass – In storm-prone areas, homeowners choose laminated glass because of its impact resistance. The average cost to upgrade to laminated glass is $10 per square foot.
• Multi-pane – Most homeowners choose a double-pane or triple-pane glass window. Multiple layers of glass provide insulation and sound-blocking properties.
• Krypton gas-filled panes – Triple-paned windows have less spacing between panes and cannot accommodate the density of argon gas. Therefore, manufacturers will fill the gaps between the three pains with krypton gas for added insulation. These windows are the most expensive option but provide the greatest level of insulation.

Additional factors

Besides size and style, a few other items can affect the cost of installing replacement vinyl windows. You can find these factors below.

Brand

Most window brands offer a wide selection of windows, so you won’t have trouble finding what you need. However, you’ll notice that some brands offer better quality products, spot-on customer service, or extended warranty periods – and their costs reflect these points. Brands like Jeld-Wen, Simonton, and Pella offer budget-friendly and mid-range options. But you can rely on Marvin and Renewal by Andersen for a high-end budget. 

Labor

Window replacement requires professional expertise. When you hire someone specializing in window installation, the job goes smoother, takes less time, and is done right. However, labor costs vary by region. So always consult a local professional to learn the cost of installing new windows in your home.

ENERGY STAR rating

When you replace your existing windows with ENERGY STAR-certified, energy-efficient ones, you can expect to lower energy costs by about 12 percent. But to meet strict ENERGY STAR standards, the windows include upgraded glass that’s more expensive.

Vinyl window pricing tiers

When replacing your home windows, you want the most for your money. We’ve divided vinyl window costs into three price ranges to assist you with your budget. In each tier, we include what you can expect to get for your money when you install windows with vinyl frames.

The budget-friendly option

The cost to replace two to three damaged, average-size windows with regular glass ranges from $652 to $1,779 for materials only, depending on your location.

You can save roughly $130 per window on labor costs when you install them yourself. However, DIY-ing a window installation carries a high level of risk unless you’re skilled in the trade. So, we don’t recommend it. Instead, save money by replacing only damaged windows. You won’t incur the savings on volume, but you’ll have less out-of-pocket. Other ways to save include choosing the least expensive glass type or going with aluminum windows instead of vinyl.

The mid-range option

Replacing ten average-size windows with new vinyl double-hung, double-pane windows costs $5,930 to $10,789.

With more money in your pocket, you can hire a professional to replace all your windows with new vinyl windows. This ability lands you in the mid-range pricing tier. Depending on the number of windows you need, you may also afford to upgrade the number of panes or glass types.

The high-end option

The cost to replace ten average-size windows with new vinyl double-hung, double-pane windows with insulated, low-E glass in a custom color is $10,632 to $19,345, depending on your location.

A high-end budget provides you with the greatest options. In this pricing tier, you can replace the windows in a larger home with larger windows, upgrade the vinyl frame color, and include other options like Low-E glass and gas-filled panes.

Pros and cons of vinyl windows

How to know if your windows need replacing

Under normal conditions, vinyl windows last 15 to 20 years, while wood windows last as long as 30 years. If your windows aren’t that old, how would you decide if they need to be replaced? Here are a few things to check.

• They’re damaged – Damaged windows do not operate as they should and need to be replaced to ensure maximum security.
• You have high energy bills – If your energy bills are higher than your neighbors, your windows could be the reason. Most power companies offer free energy audits for their customers. Contact them to help you find the cause of your high energy bills.
• You can hear outside noise – If you can hear the highway half a mile away, your windows aren’t providing the insulation they should.
• They leak air or water – Curtains blowing in the breeze when the windows are closed are a sure sign it’s time for an upgrade.
• They have broken seals – Broken seals allow leaks and must be repaired.
• The home has single-pane windows – Older homes often have single-pane windows with storm windows installed. For optimal efficiency, replace them with new ones. 

DIY vs. hiring a pro

The average cost to repair a window is from $217 to $394, depending on the nature of the repair and your location.

A skilled homeowner may tackle a window replacement job on their own. But we don’t recommend it. First, DIY installation could void some manufacturers’ warranties on the windows. Also, the slightest error could cause a window to leak, crack, or perform poorly. And when you have to hire a professional to fix your mistake, you lose the savings you incurred by DIYing the job.

Paying for your new vinyl windows 

You may be looking for ways to afford this project without cash in the bank to replace your windows. Many homeowners use funds from a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan. If you’ve lived in the house for a few years and the market is agreeable, you may choose a cash-out refinance option. This type of loan allows you to refinance for more than what you owe, working more money into the deal to use for the project.

Though we don’t recommend doing the job yourself, a few homeowners possess the skill to do it properly. If this is you, consider using a retailer credit card. Credit cards from major retailers like The Home Depot typically offer payment options like five percent off the charged amount or two years with no interest. And if you don’t already have an account with the store, they may offer money off the entire purchase for opening one. So take advantage of one of these offers to save money on materials.

Vinyl window money-saving tips

If you still need help paying for your vinyl window installation, here are a few ideas that may help you save.

• Shop around. Get quotes from a few window installation companies and compare notes.
• Do the whole house. The greater the number of windows you replace, the better deal you can get.
• Choose less expensive materials. Your estimate may include Low-E glass, but do you really need it? 
• Wait. If most of the windows are okay. Repair those that aren’t and buy yourself some time to save more money before replacing all of them in the house.

Other considerations

A few other items to consider when installing vinyl windows include

• Geographic location –  The cost of any home improvement project varies by region of the country. Typically, urban dwellers pay more than homeowners in smaller cities and rural areas. Always check with a professional in your area for local costs.
• Hidden damage – Sometimes, you’ll remove the old window to find damage to the framing or wall caused by interior leakage. The repair cost will add to your total budget.
• Permitting and fees – Depending on the scope of work, you may need a building permit for your window installation. Most contractors add permit costs to their charges. But when doing it yourself, always check with the local building official before beginning. 
• Warranties – When researching products, savvy window shoppers compare the window manufacturers’ and installation warranties. 

Let’s live the easy-breezy life

You’ll have a happier life when you have operable windows that protect you from the elements as they’re supposed to and function well to let the breezes blow. In fact, the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report gives vinyl window replacement a Joy Score of 9.6 out of 10.