How much do insulated & thermal windows cost?
How much do insulated & thermal windows cost?
$400 – $3,000 cost per window installed
$6,000 – $60,000 average cost for whole house (15 – 20 windows)
Average insulated & thermal windows cost
Insulated or thermal windows cost $400 to $3,000 per window or $6,000 to $60,000 for an entire home, depending on the glass type. Double-pane glass is the most common thermal window costing $400 to $2,000 per window installed. For extreme climates, a triple-pane thermal window costs $450 to $3,000 per window installed.
| Number of windows | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $400 – $3,000 |
| 2 | $800 – $6,000 |
| 5 | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| 10 | $4,000 – $30,000 |
| 15 | $6,000 – $45,000 |
| 20 | $8,000 – $60,000 |
| 25 | $10,000 – $75,000 |
| 30 | $12,000 – $90,000 |
| 35 | $14,000 – $105,000 |
Insulated or thermal windows are designed for energy efficiency using double or triple layers of glass with air space in between the layers. The extra glass and spacer help hold in heat during the winter and block heat in the summer. Insulated windows go by several names including:
Thermal windows
Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
Double-pane or double-glazed windows
Dual-pane or dual-glazed windows
Triple-pane or triple-glazed windows
Double-pane vs. triple-pane windows cost
Double-pane windows cost $400 to $2,000 per window installed and are the industry standard for window replacement and new home construction. Triple-pane windows cost $450 to $3,000 per window installed and offer greater energy efficiency for extreme climates.
| Factor | Double-pane | Triple-pane |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per window installed) | $400 – $2,000 | $450 – $3,000 |
| Energy efficiency | 30% savings over single-pane | 50% energy savings over single-pane |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years | 20 – 30+ years |
| Insulation R-value | 7 – 8 | 3 – 3.8 |
| Safety | Strong | Stronger |
| Noise reduction | 30% noise reduction over single-pane | 50% noise reduction over single-pane |
Some alternative options to double-pane or triple-pane thermal windows include:
Storm windows cost $150 to $400 per window to install a separate, single-glazed pane over the existing windows
Low-E storm windows are coated with a thin layer of metal that reflects infrared heat for better thermal protection.
Insulated glass units (IGUs) or Thermopane glass costs $10 to $14 per square foot for replacement glass panels inserted into your existing window frames.
Weatherstripping costs $5 to 10 per window installed to prevent air leaks and heat loss around the windows.
Thermal window cost by style
Thermal double-paned windows are available in every window style. Most manufacturers offer triple-paned windows as an upgrade but style options may be more limited.
| Window type | Average installed cost per window* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bay window cost | $2,000 – $6,000 | Group of 3 angled windows extending outside the house wall |
| Bow | $2,000 – $6,000 | Arc shape grouping of 4 to 6+ windows that extend outside the house wall |
| Casement window cost | $300 – $1,100 | Side-hinged window that cranks to open outward |
| Double-hung | $400 – $2,000 | Two operational sashes that slide up or down |
| Single-hung | $300 – $1,500 | One operational sash that can be raised and lowered |
| Fixed picture window cost | $450 – $1,500 | Stationary picture window that does not open |
| Slider | $400 – $2,000 | Window on a top and bottom track that opens horizontally, usually with one fixed and one operational side |
| Hurricane window cost | $400 – $1,200 | Heavy-duty window frame with impact-resistant glass to withstand Category 5 storms |
*Prices are for double-pane window installation
Cost factors for insulated windows installation
Insulated windows prices average $300 to $2,200 for the window alone, depending on the material, number of glass panes, and gas spacer used.
| Factor | Average cost per window |
|---|---|
| Materials | $300 – $2,200 |
| Labor | $100 – $800 |
| Total cost installed | $400 – $3,000 |
Other cost factors include:
Glass type – Triple-pane glass is more expensive and costs more to install than double-pane glass.
Insulated filler – Air-filled glass spacers are cheaper than gas-filled spacers. Krypton gas is the most expensive fill, while argon gas fill is the least expensive.
U-value – Windows with a low U-Factor are better insulated and more expensive than windows with a higher U-value.
Window location – Second-story installations and high windows requiring scaffolding take longer and cost more to install.
Window material – Wooden window frames are more costly than fiberglass or vinyl windows. choices.
Window size & type – Large bay and bow windows cost the most since they have multiple panels of glass. Smaller windows are easier and cheaper to install.
Labor cost to install insulated windows
Labor costs to install insulated windows average $100 to $500 per window for double-pane glass and up to $800 per window for heavier triple-pane windows. Labor costs $50 per hour per installer, with more installers needed to install the heavier glass.
Unexpected repair costs may arise during the installation, adding to the total project cost:
Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
Siding repair costs $200 to $1,100, depending on the extent of the damage.
Painting window trim and frames cost $25 to $150 per window.
Permits cost $50 to $300 for small jobs including window replacement.
Insulated windows price by material
Insulated windows come in many different materials, and your material choice affects the cost, lifespan, and efficiency of your new windows. High-quality materials cost more up front but save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and replacements.
| Window material | Average installed cost per window | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $250 – $850 |
|
| Fiberglass | $550 – $2,100 |
|
| Steel | $500 – $5,500 |
|
| Vinyl | $250 – $1,500 |
|
| Wood | $350 – $3,000 |
|
Insulated window brands
Most window brands offer insulated windows, but each manufacturer offers different window styles and materials to choose from. It's important to look at windows of the same material and style when comparing prices and features for different brands and collections.
Pella windows cost $300 to $3,500 for their all-vinyl windows.
Andersen Windows cost $400 to $4,000. Andersen sells mostly Fibrex wood composite windows.
Marvin windows cost $800 to $2,000 for their proprietary Ultrex fiberglass windows.
Window World windows cost $300 to $1,300 for their budget-friendly vinyl windows.
Milgard windows are vinyl and fiberglass and range in price from $200 to $2,000.
Simonton windows cost around $200 for their affordable vinyl collections and $1,000 or more for their fiberglass windows.
Ply Gem windows cost around $450 to $2,000, depending on whether installing vinyl, aluminum-clad wood, aluminum, or wood composite windows.
Insulated windows upgrades and add-ons
There are several upgrades and add-ons available to improve the energy efficiency, safety, and privacy of your insulated windows. Some of the most common options include:
Window coatings:
Low-emissivity (low-E) glass costs 10% to 25% more but has a thin coating of metal that reflects infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window tinting costs $6 to $15 per square foot for a thin film added to reduce heat and glare, block UV rays, and provide some privacy.
Solar window screens cost $50 to $150 per window for exterior screens.
Insulation:
Weatherstripping costs $5 to 10 per window with professional installation to prevent air leaks around the windows.
Privacy & protection:
Hurricane shutters cost $35 to $350 per window installed.
Plantation shutters cost $150 to $800 per pair of shutters installed.
Soundproof windows cost $550 to $2,000 per window installed.
Repairs & maintenance:
Window frame repairs cost $150 to $600, depending on the size and extent of the damage.
Window screen replacement costs $100 to $350 per window screen installed.
Window cleaning costs $10 to $15 per window.
Insulated windows FAQs
What are insulated windows?
Insulated windows have two or more panes of glass separated by an air space. The air space acts as an insulator, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. The two main types of insulated windows are double-pane and triple-pane.
Are insulated windows worth the cost?
Double-pane insulated windows are the standard nowadays and are worth the cost, reducing electric bills by 30% over single-paned windows. Costly triple-pane insulated windows are the most energy efficient and worth the price if you live in a cold climate with high heating bills.
How long do insulated windows last?
Insulated windows last 15 to 20 for double-paned windows and up to 30 years for triple-paned windows. The windows may lose their insulation over time due to air or gas leakage, especially in cold climates. Resealing the edges and replacing the gas can prolong their lifespan.
Does window insulation film work?
Window insulation film is a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. The thin insulating barrier keeps the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Getting estimates from insulated windows installers
Consider these suggestions to help you choose the best window installer near you:
Limit your search to only licensed, bonded, and insured window installers.
Get several estimates with the same product material and glass type for a more accurate comparison.
Avoid the lowest estimates which often result in substandard work.
Check online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get everything in writing before paying the deposit, including the estimate, contract, and warranty details.
Avoid large upfront deposits and don't make the final payment until you are satisfied with the installation.
Questions to ask
Be sure you are getting the best installer for your new insulated windows by asking these important questions:
How long have you been installing windows in my area?
Do you recommend double-pane or triple-pane windows for my home?
How much will the installation cost?
What brand of insulated windows will fit my budget?
What does the estimate include?
How long will the installation take?
What does the warranty cover, and how long does it last?
Is there a better time of year for me to schedule the installation?
What happens if my siding or window frames are damaged during the installation?
Do you offer extended financing? What are the payment terms?