How Much Do Double Pane Windows Cost?
A quality double pane window costs between $250 – $465 plus the cost of installation (around $90/hour). Full installed replacements can cost between $340 and $775 each. This guide explains what you can expect to pay.
Double pane windows are great for your home, but how much can you expect to pay to install them? Exactly how much you will pay will depend on several important factors.
Use our guide to the cost of double pane windows to avoid hidden costs and stay within your budget.
What Are Double Pane Windows?
Double pane windows are made of two panes of glass separated by a spacer. The spacer holds trapped air or gas that keeps the glass in place, even if it is subjected to pressure. Double pane windows offer an additional layer of protection and insulation for your home.
Upgrading to double pane windows is a significant improvement to your home. The insulation benefits will keep your home comfortable all year round and will save you money on your energy bill. In most circumstances, the energy efficiency of your new double pane windows will offset the installation costs.
if you currently have single-pane windows and high energy bills, installing double-pane windows will be well worth the cost. You will want to replace all the windows at once. Keeping some single pane windows can limit the energy savings. Having all your windows as double-pane will create an effective barrier for your home, and this is what generates your savings.
Calculate The Price of Double Pane Windows
Whilst the average cost for double pane windows is $250 per window, you can expect to pay between $150 and $800 per window. What you will eventually pay will depend on the materials you use, the specifics of the job, and the labor and equipment costs.
What materials you choose will determine the cost of double pane windows. Vinyl windows are cheaper than wood windows. A 3’x5′ vinyl window will cost approximately $250, whilst the same wooden window will cost between $350 and $800 depending on the quality of the wood and the craftsmanship.
Obviously, as the windows increase in size, you will expect to pay more per window. Other job specifics such as window shape and access will influence the final cost. Odd-shaped windows that require custom-made glass and frames will cost more. Windows in hard to access places or windows that require specialized equipment will also cost more.
It should not be forgotten that the major benefit of double-pane windows is greater energy efficiency. To get the most energy efficiency benefits you will need to replace all of your windows. If you are not planning on replacing all your windows keep in mind that you may not see the energy-saving returns you might expect.
Double Pane Window Buying Checklist
When planning to upgrade your windows to double pane windows observe the following rules to ensure you get the best windows and price for your home:
- Get at least three to five quotes before hiring a contractor
- Be mindful that each company will offer varied prices
- Remodel in winter as it is a slow season for contractors and you can expect to get discounted rates
- Budget for a 10-15% overflow on your project
- Visit as many supply houses that sell your brand of double pane windows as you can and negotiate on price
- You can save up to 20% on materials if you are willing to negotiate.
- Check out our guide on the best replacement windows first!
Are Double Pane Windows Worth It?
If you have regularly high energy bills or the temperature of your home fluctuates greatly you will love the benefits of double pane windows.
Double pane windows keep the cold out in winter and protect you from the heat in summer. This gives you a more consistent and comfortable temperature in your home all year round. This will lead to energy savings as you won’t need as much heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Double pane windows will generally last around 20 years. Making the installation cost a long term investment in your home and giving you energy savings for the long term future.
Get The Right Double Pane Windows
To make installing double pane windows worthwhile you will need to ensure the thermal performance of your windows. The savings come from the insulation of double pane windows. This insulation comes from both the second pane of glass and the gas trapped between the two layers.
If the primary reason you are installing double pane windows is for the energy benefits you will want to ensure you install windows that use a dense gas like argon or krypton. Whilst air will also provide protection gas will offer much greater insulation and help you keep energy costs down. These gasses are also colorless, odorless, and non-toxic, so even if you have a leak you will not be at risk.
You will also want to consider the window frame material you use. The material will influence thermal performance. Look for warm edge spacers which function as insulators and prevent heat from moving from one pane of glass to the other.
Other Benefits Of Double Pane Windows
Double pane windows will help mitigate condensation issues in your home. If you live in a cold climate you will frequently deal with condensation issues as water accumulates on your windows due to the difference in temperature between the home’s interior and exterior.
- Double-paned Windows Save Money
- Adding Other Technologies Offers Deeper Savings
- Insulates Your Home from Loud Noise
As cold air transfers into your home, all the water vapor in the air turns to liquid causing condensation and fog on your windows. Double pane windows prevent this by separating the warm interior pane from the cold exterior pane. This helps to reduce a range of issues, especially mold.
Double pane windows will also give you more sound protection. If you live in a loud area, double pane windows barely let any sound into your home, keeping your home peaceful and giving you a little more privacy.
The Cons Of Double Pane Windows
We know there are near endless benefits to installing double pane windows in your home. But there are a few downsides you should consider. As we mentioned, to get the benefits of double pane windows you need to take an all or nothing approach. Double pane windows are also more difficult and costly to repair. And if you have an issue with one window you will lose the benefits. Usually damaged windows need to be replaced entirely.
Another issue is that double-pane windows may not suit every home, especially traditional or historic homes. Double pane windows will look out of place and impact the character of the home, looking completely out of place. You do have options to have custom windows built for your home, however, this will be much more costly.
Your New Home Windows
There are virtually no downsides to installing new double pane windows.
This upgrade will keep your house at a much more comfortable temperature year-round. The best part is the double pane windows cost is easily offset by the savings you will make on your energy bills.
If you follow our simple guide you will ensure you upgrade your home at the right price and see all the savings that you deserve. Browse all of our contractors now to get started on your home upgrade.
Good article on replacement costs. It is amazing the difference double pane windows make to any home. I live in a mid-century home and while we wanted to keep all the original windows and doors it seemed impossible to heat in the winter without tons of cardboard and styrofoam wedged into the windows to help keep the cold out!