If you are considering replacing the windows in your windows it’s important to know how much to budget for your project. There are a number of factors that will determine the cost of replacing windows, but on average you can expect to pay $800 for each new window. The cost, however, can climb to $4000. To replace windows in an entire house, you can expect a window replacement cost of about $8000-$11,000 for 10 windows, with the average in Ontario being about $8,000 for 10 windows with vinyl frames.
Window prices in Canada vary, however, the estimates above include the cost of labour, installing new casings and removing and disposing of your current windows and window frames.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Windows?
There are many types of replacement windows on the market that consist of various materials. The type of window you choose plays a significant role in how much you can expect to pay to replace your windows. Overall, the price range per window installation is between $800 and $4000. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of replacement windows based on window type:
- Double-Hung Tilt – ranges between $800 and $1,000 per window.
- Double Slider Tilt – cost will be similar to the double hung tilt at $800-$1,000 per window.
- Awning – the cost ranges between $900 and $1,200 per window.
- Bay – these cost anywhere from $2,500-$4,000 per window.
- Bow – will cost between $2,500-$4,000.
How to Choose Between Types of Windows
Choosing the type of window that is best for your home is important to get the best benefits. We recommend that you take the time to assess your options and determine the best choice for your interior design and the unique needs of the specific rooms in your home. You should also take time to look at the various features possessed by the different window types to assess what your window costs will be.
One thing you should do early on is to separate your needs from your wants. Think about what properties are essential based on the room. For example, the type of window you choose for your basement or bathroom will be different from a choice you make for your living room. Think about your priorities. Do you want more lighting, what would you like privacy? Is energy efficiency a priority to you? Answering these types of questions can help you determine what the best choice is for you.
In the table below, we are going to go over the types of windows available on the market, the pros and cons and what the average cost is associated with each window
| Window type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | CoCost |
| Casement Windows | · popular choice · a mechanical crank is used to open and close the window which is hinged on the side | · windows can be locked and therefore offer a good security · great choice for energy efficiency · good for ventilation | · cannot be opened fully due to design | $900-$1,200 |
| Single Hung Windows | · The top sash of the window is stationary however the bottom sash opens and closes | · affordable and easy to operate | · Do not provide as much security because they open fully | $750-$900 |
| Double Hung Windows | · Both the top and the bottom sashes open | · affordable and easy to operate | · do not have an airtight seal compared to some other options on the market | $800-$1000 |
| Bay Windows | · come in three windows that form a bay and protrudes out of the wall | · visually appealing and offers a panoramic view | · Installation is complex and results in higher installment cost · a large glass can reduce your energy efficiency efforts | $2500-$4000 |
| Bow Windows | · narrow windows that are stacked in a bow shape and extend out of the wall · Look like bay windows but are slightly smaller | · allow a lot of light to come in · visually appealing | · like bay windows the framework requires additional materials making the cost higher · Due to the large glass the energy efficiency can be affected | $2500-$4000 |
| Awning Windows | · similar to casement windows and are hinged at the top and open from the bottom | · let in a lot of light into the home and are good for ventilation · since they open from the bottom, they can be left open during rain | · you may experience difficulty trying to open and close them | $900-$1100. |
| Picture Windows | · are fixed and do not open | · very picturesque and available in a variety of shapes and sizes | · offer good energy efficiency. · do not provide any ventilation since they cannot be opened | $700-$900 |
| Sliding Windows | · made up of two sashes next to each other where one sash can be slid open to allow ventilation | · energy efficient and easy to use · affordable and durable | · do not come in a wide variety of styles · require more maintenance than other types of windows | $800-$1000 |
Factors that Affect Your Replacement Window Installation Cost
The reason why there is often a cost range when it comes to replacement window installation costs is because there are several factors that determine how much you will need to pay to have new windows installed.
1. Number of Windows – the number of windows you would like replaced in your home makes all the difference. Contractors need to know this upfront because it will help them estimate how much time it will take to replace your windows based on how many windows you need.
2. Types of Windows – anytime you install new windows into your home, there are a variety of options to choose from. Whether you decide to go with casement windows, sliding windows, picture windows or awning windows, some options cost significantly more than others. Your choice in the type of windows will have an impact on the cost of new windows.
3. Type of Frames – you can choose to go with wood window frames or vinyl window frames. Both offer a variety of features like enhanced insulation, which will make the cost of windows go up.
4. Additional Components – if your contractor determines that installing your new windows calls for extra work, for example, installing new seals and casings for the new window frames, the additional work will mean that your window replacement cost will be higher.
5. Your Location – where you live plays a factor. If you live in a remote area, it will cost more to transport the windows, materials and labour to your location. The additional expense will be reflected in the cost.
6. Size of Windows – it’s safe to say that larger replacement windows tend to cost more than smaller windows on average. Not only is this due to more glass and materials, but installing larger windows may require more manpower. If you are installing larger windows, expect to pay more.
7. Type of Glass – whether you decide to go with double or triple-paned glass, laminated glass, tinted glass or any other enhancement of the glass will impact your window replacement costs.
8. Insulation – many of the high-value replacement windows are designed to provide good insulation for your home. These enhanced features are great to have and will lower your energy costs but come at a higher cost then replacement windows and frames that provide poor insulation.
9. Labour – the amount of skill and expertise required to replace the windows in your home will be reflected in your installation cost. Window replacement projects that have a higher level of difficulty require more time to complete the project and therefore come at a higher cost.
10. Warranty – replacement window installation projects come with various warranty options. Some offer a standard one-year warranty on parts and labour while others may offer less. Having an extended warranty is a great benefit in case something goes wrong years down the line. Always be sure to ask your contractor about the warranty options available to you.
11. the Need to Alter an Existing Frame (retrofits Installation or Full Frame Installation) – when installing a replacement window, you can either choose full frame installation or retrofit installation.
- Full frame installation means that your existing windows will be removed entirely, including the studs around it. Doing this gives windows installers the opportunity to correct any problems with moisture or deteriorating wood. Keep in mind that a full frame replacement will cost about 10 to 15% more than a retrofit installation on average.
- In a retrofit installation, the old frames and jambs remain on the window and only the new window is fixed on the frames. In many cases, aluminum capping is placed on the outside to cover up the brick mould that already exists. This is not an option if the old window frames are too damaged to remain in place. It’s important to look at your window installation as more than just a facelift. You want to make sure that you are addressing underlying issues in order to get the full benefit of your replacement windows.
12. Unforeseen Structural Deficiency – you will not know the condition of the frames of the existing windows until you remove the windows and inspect them. Covering up issues and not addressing them can lead to even bigger problems. If your window installer runs into unexpected issues when replacing your windows, you may see your costs go up to compensate the contractors for the additional time to address these unforeseen issues.
Vinyl or Wood Window Frames?
Two of the popular materials for window frames are vinyl and wood. The best option for you will depend on your budget, your priorities and your personal preferences. It’s also important to note that within these two choices are a variety of options.
- Vinyl Wood Frames
When you compare vinyl wood frames to wood window frames, vinyl window prices are lower, and the installation of windows with vinyl frames is more straightforward than their counterpart. While vinyl window frames can save you money, they provide poorer insulation than wood window frames. This is especially true if you buy basic vinyl window frames with a hollow core. You will lose some of your inside air as it permeates through the hollow frame. However, this shouldn’t deter you from purchasing a vinyl window frame because you can buy vinyl frames with insulation.
Another advantage of vinyl window frames is that they are easier to maintain and are not susceptible to cracking, warping or rotting like wood frames are. On average, window replacement cost for windows with vinyl frames is about $800 per window. - Wood Window Frames
Wood window frames create a very luxurious look and come in many options. You can have wood frames made out of cedar, oak, mahogany, spruce and more. Wood frames are durable, and with adequate maintenance and care, typically outlast vinyl wood frames. However, wood frames are more expensive to purchase and the installation costs are also higher. Wood frames are a great option because they provide good insulation around your windows and are versatile – you can customize them by painting them any colour. The cost on average to install windows with wood frames is $1,600 per window.
How Much Do Energy-Efficient Window Options Cost?
Standard replacement windows on the market are double-paned to minimize heat loss, but additional upgrades are available to maximize energy efficiency. You can choose a triple-paned glass which will cost you approximately $200 more per window, or you can select a wood window frame with additional insulation which will be an additional $50 per window.
Regardless of the type of window you get, there will be some heat and cooling loss through the glass of your window because glass provides poor insulation. But the type of glass you choose can minimize this. Purchasing replacement windows that are designed to reduce drafts and are weather resistant are the best choice.
What Are My Options for Energy-Efficient Windows and Frames?
Upgrading your installation options is a good way to ensure that your replacement windows and frames provide the most energy efficiency for your home, which can save you money on your monthly energy bills. The various energy efficient options for your windows and frames are:
- Double vs Triple-Paned Glass Options – replacement windows that are made from either double-paned or triple-paned glass are recommended. This is because the more layers of glass you have in your window, the more insulation it provides. In fact, this feature has become so common that double-paned windows are considered standard. Adding a third layer of glass to create a triple-paned glass will make a big difference in, with some experts estimating that difference to be about 20 percent in additional efficiency. The space between each pane is filled with inert gas, usually argon or krypton. Upgrading your double-paned windows to triple-paned windows will cost an average of about $200 per window.
- Insulated Frame Options – as mentioned earlier, wood frames provide the best insulation for your windows. Since vinyl frames are hollow, you they are less efficient. If you have vinyl window frames you can improve energy efficiency by upgrading your vinyl frames with additional insulation options. This will cost an average of $500 per window.
- Coated and Tinted Glass Options – windows have glass manufactured with Low-E glass coating that reflect infrared light are a good option because this property keeps heat from the outside from being reflected into your home during the summer months. This feature also bars ultraviolet light from beaming into your home and potentially ruining your furniture. This feature also works well in the winter by keeping the heat inside your home.
- Adding Insulation Around Your Windows – this is the least expensive way to improve the efficiency of your replacement windows. This can be accomplished by adding a layer of caulking or weatherstripping around your window frames. This is usually included as an option with your installation and does not have an additional cost.
The Value of A Window Replacement
Replacing your windows has many benefits. Doing so can have a drastic impact on the value of your home and the savings you see on your monthly bills.
- Window Replacement ROI – Installing replacement windows in your home is considered an upgrade, and any home improvement project will increase your home’s value. Some replacement windows provide greater benefits than others, however, overall, a window replacement project will boost the value of your home. While it may cost you several thousand dollars to replace your windows, new windows offer money saving benefits and an ROI of up to 85%, making this investment worth your while.
- Energy Savings with A Window Replacement – on average, replacing your windows can result in energy savings of about $120 to $470 per year, and this by just replacing single pane windows in your home to multi-paned windows.
What this shows this is that the windows you choose for your home have far reaching benefits beyond simply looking great. We recommend that you take the time to research the various options to determine the best window choice for your home.
At Winmax Corporation, we offer a variety of replacement windows that can help you save big on your energy costs and boost the value of your home. Contact us to learn more about our window replacement products and installation services.