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Replacing windows in a home seems like a daunting task. It is important to consider the type, material, and location of the window to better understand the estimated cost. The average price of replacing a mid-range double-hung window is about US$600, but this number may range from US$200 to US$1,200.

Read on to learn more about which factors are most likely to affect the cost of your window replacement project.

*These fees are calculated by window and assume a mid-range double-hung window.

If you are considering a window replacement project in your home, you may want to calculate a few numbers before you start asking for a quote. There are many factors to consider, and these factors will affect your material and labor costs.

The average cost of replacing double-hung vinyl windows is approximately US$600 to US$950, and it is reasonable to estimate that the labor cost per window is US$100 to US$300. The typical hourly rate for a window installer or contractor is approximately $40 per hour. On average, it takes about an hour for a professional installation team to install a double-hung window on the ground floor.

If installed and maintained properly, windows can last 15 to 25 years on average. Window replacement projects are also one of the projects with the highest cost and value return of any refurbishment project you can undertake, with an average of 71% to 78% of the resale return.

The main cost factors to consider when choosing a window are the type of window to be replaced and the frame material. Other factors, such as whether you choose an energy-saving upgrade, the brand you choose to buy, and where the windows are located in your home will also affect the price. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of the various cost factors when replacing windows.

The material you choose for window replacement will have the greatest impact on cost and aesthetics. Materials will not only determine the brand choices available to you, but also affect long-term maintenance costs. The ongoing recommendation is to always replace the windows with real or higher-quality materials so that you do not lose the value of the house.

In our analysis below, we will briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages and average cost of the most common materials for standard-size double-hung windows. It should be noted that the size and type of the window will also have an impact on this number, and we will introduce this in the next section.

Aluminum windows are by far the cheapest, but due to their poor versatility, they are not particularly common in residential applications. Compared with other materials such as vinyl or wood, their efficiency and insulation are lower, which also makes them difficult to sell. Having said that, since the upfront cost of each window unit averages US$100 to US$400, the aluminum frame is perfect for modern homeowners who are budget-conscious.

Vinyl is the most popular window material because it is economical and low-maintenance. These windows provide excellent energy efficiency while also providing classic wood trim and contours for the exterior and interior of your home. Although there are many differences between manufacturers, you can expect to pay $200 to $500 for a mid-range double-hung window replacement.

As the most traditional material so far, wood is very suitable for traditional projects, and sometimes may even need to be used in historic districts. It is also one of the most expensive options, ranging from US$300 to US$600 per window unit, although the type of wood will affect the cost. Wooden windows require the most maintenance on the list and require regular repairs and finishes to protect their integrity.

Composite windows are made from a combination of PVC polymers, similar to vinyl windows and wood fibers. They offer many of the same aesthetic options as wood, but have the energy efficiency and durability of vinyl, making them the best of both worlds. Although their upfront costs tend to be higher, averaging about US$500 to US$800 per unit, they require little maintenance after installation.

The last one on the list is fiberglass windows. Fiberglass windows have many of the same advantages as vinyl windows, with durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic flexibility, but are more robust. Nonetheless, they are not particularly common, as their price tags average between US$800 and US$1,200 per item.

The larger the window, the higher the price. This is easy to understand, but the type of window you choose may also have an unexpected effect on your initial cost. Below are some of the most common window types.

Most of the cost estimates below are based on standard mid-range vinyl or wooden windows, including labor costs, which is an important factor when considering window types, as some windows require much more labor than others.

The picture window is your standard fixed window. Picture windows can come in various shapes and sizes, so they are often customized, which makes them more expensive than you might expect. For a relatively standard replacement picture window, it is estimated to cost 300 to 800 US dollars, including labor.

Considered to be the most "old-fashioned" window type, single-hung windows have a fixed top window frame and an operable bottom window frame that can be slid vertically up and down for ventilation. It is recommended that you only install single-hung windows on the bottom floor, as they can be difficult or even dangerous to clean on the upper floor with their inoperable top window frames. On average, you will spend approximately US$100 to US$400 to purchase a single-link replacement unit including labor.

Similar to single-hung windows, double-hung windows are standard windows in most homes today, with operable upper and lower sashes. These windows are great for maximizing air circulation in your home and are easier to clean than single-hung siblings. The cost varies by material, but the average cost per unit is about US$300 to US$600, including labor.

The casement window is opened with a hand crank. It can also be used as a stopper to help resist wind when it is opened and locked to ensure safety. A casement window is usually opened outwards by a hinge on the left or right side, but in other directions, it can be called an awning (hinge at the top) or funnel (hinge at the bottom).

These windows provide maximum ventilation and are reasonably priced, with an average labor cost of US$300 to US$600 per piece, although larger windows increase costs due to glass expansion.

The sliding window is composed of two sashes, one is a fixed panel, the other is a horizontal sliding. Sometimes called gliders, these windows are usually used for large applications on the ground, where they can be cleaned more easily. The installation cost of a typical sliding window ranges from US$200 to US$2,000, depending on the manufacturer, as there are many high-end options available.

Although they are not deployed on both sides of your home, skylights are still a common window type for replacement. Since installing skylights is more laborious than typical windows, the cost of replacing skylights can be quite high, ranging from US$900 to US$2,400 per unit, depending on operability, location, and size.

A windshield is an extra glass panel installed on the outside of the window to provide additional insulation and prevent damage. They can be installed as a permanent addition or as a temporary removable layer. In terms of cost, they range from US$150 to US$450 per window. On average, homeowners spend about US$5,000 to apply them to all windows in their home.

There are many other window types to choose from, but these cover common problems you may encounter and hopefully help you better understand up-front costs.

If you want to maximize savings on utility bills or quiet down particularly noisy streets, you should choose some energy-saving upgrades. Now most windows are equipped with double glazing, which has good insulation value and noise reduction effect.

If you want to work harder, you can also choose argon-filled glass, which helps increase frost resistance and eliminate noise. Other options include triple-layer glass, laminated glass, and Low-E coating, which minimize ultraviolet rays without affecting the field of view.

On average, homes that upgrade windows will save 12% of their energy bills, but adding these additional energy-saving upgrades can increase the savings and the overall comfort of your home.

Although the frame material and window type are the biggest factors to consider in window replacement costs, many other smaller factors can also affect the cost results.

For example, if you have an old house whose windows are no longer considered standard sizes, you may end up placing a large order for custom windows. Depending on the material and window type, this may increase your costs by 25% to 50%.

Another factor is the location of the windows, because the installation on the first floor tends to take less time and less equipment than replacing the windows on the fourth floor of brownstone or the skylights on the roof. The location of your home is also an important factor, as labor costs will vary and tend to be higher in larger urban communities.

Although DIY window replacement is tempting, we strongly recommend that you hire a licensed contractor. Contractors can buy windows at wholesale prices instead of retail prices, which can save a lot of money. If you encounter any accidents at work, they will also be better prepared and can help ensure that you have considered all relevant local laws and regulations.

When soliciting bids from contractors or licensed installers, it is best to get a few, at least three, for comparison. All bids should include material cost information and installation labor cost estimates.

If any findings are found on site (such as mold or wood rot), they may also include information about their prices. Other information about building permit fees, site protection and cleanup should also be included in their warranty policy for completed work.

Be sure to check for potential rebates directly from the window manufacturer or even your utility company. In some cases, you can also take advantage of government incentives that vary from state to state.

Generally speaking, placing a larger order and choosing to replace all windows at once can save material and labor, because some of the contractor’s overhead costs will remain the same, regardless of whether they replace one or ten of your windows.

In most cases, yes. New windows will increase the resale value of your house and provide high return value (approximately 71% to 78%). In addition, energy-saving windows can also reduce your energy bills, and most people save about 12% in a year.

If properly installed and maintained, windows can usually last 15 to 25 years. That being said, you only need to replace the windows when they are broken or show signs of severe wear (such as rotting wooden windows). In many cases, the window can be simply repaired instead of completely replacing it.

Although the exact number depends on your project, you can expect that the cost of each window will increase by 30% to 100% to solve the problem of repositioning window frames and replacing interior and exterior trims, insulation materials, plasterboard, siding, etc. .

Although we do not recommend that you install replacement windows yourself, it is possible, if a little tricky. However, there are many factors to consider when measuring and installing replacement windows, which is why we think it is best to do it by professionals.

Lauren is a writer and architect who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to being a writer for Forbes, she is also a freelance architect specializing in residential design. She hopes that through her work, people will better understand the ins and outs of design and construction, and let others have confidence in their home renovation projects.

Lexie is an assistant editor responsible for writing and editing articles on various family-related topics. She has nearly four years of experience in the home improvement field and has used her expertise while working for companies such as HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie's List).