Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Replacement Windows

Check if your house would actually benefit from replacement windows or if you need a full-frame installation.

Consider all frame material options and their longevity in both construction and style.

Get estimates and calculate the total cost along with the advertised energy savings.

Read warranties carefully, as they can change due to materials and even from model to model.

Our Approach

How we analyzed the best Replacement Window Companies

Types of replacement windows
We checked which online retailers carry the widest array of brands and models, and which manufacturers have the most options when it comes to styles and materials.
Consumer Experience
We evaluate how easy a company makes it for customers to check prices, availability and to have access to fast and efficient customer service.
Replacement Window Pricing
Because custom windows can vary in price greatly due to materials used, we focused on comparing fees related to installation, consultations and other extras.
Warranties
Our top rated providers offered lifetime warranties for their products. Limited warranties—for leaks and broken seals—are fairly common.

Our list of the best Replacement Window Companies

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Partner Disclaimers:

Renewal by Andersen Disclaimers:

¹ DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2024. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Get $400 off each window and $850 off each door, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or doors between 9/25/2024 and 12/31/2024. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Subject to credit approval. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See limited warranty for details. “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. © 2024 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

Lowe's Disclaimers:

^Offers subject to credit approval and cannot be combined. See Lowes.com/Credit for details.

**Installation services are guaranteed by Lowe’s labor limited warranty & available through independent contractors, licensed, & registered where applicable. License numbers & certifications held by or on behalf of Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC: AK: #CONE39289; AL: #56683; AL-RRP-2022048-903187; #22317; #8187; 2022/2023-002157 AZ: ROC340281; AR: #37290723; 7171; 7189; 10931; CA #991832; CO #EC.0103937 #CT #HIC.0639387 #MCO.0903044; #HIC.0566468; ELC.0197157-E1; ELC.0205785-E1; DE #DE-2021-000001841; #1993102010; DC: #410522000535; EM2021136 FL #CGC1531687 #CCC1326824 #CGC1508417; CAC1818831; GA #GCLT-CO000422 #GCLT-CO000421; #GA-EPD-RRP FIRM-10162; CN208589; EN216765; HI: CT-33489; ID: RCE-36837; IL: 104.016796; 058-169244; IN: CO52100003; BD-33203; KS: 21-012652; KY: LFUCG #11562; LA: LMP15296; CL.69642; RL.866245; MD: #143468; #147619; #14396; MA: HIC.148688; CSL-081810; MI: #2102144445; MN: #BC692087; MS: #24721-MC; #R18898; NBF-00000192; MT: 161006; NE: #23319-21; NV: 079079; 89904; NH: #69; #2022405; NJ: 13VH12410900; NM: GB-98 #408449; MH3 #I02354; NY: 2106326-DCA; NC: L.70220; RRP1326; 34277; U.37515; ND: #000042957; OK: #204908; #80005863; OK-RRPFIRM-000891; HVAC#210399; #200358; OR: #202237; LBPR202237; PA: PA174402; RI: GC-20575; SC: CLG.118696.GC; CLM115764; RBB.51013; TN: #3070; #64743; TX: #44529; TACLA00116836E; #605085; EC29349; TACLB14980; #25329; #630658; #294818; TACLA00014980C; UT: 9002087-5501; PBR-295; VT: EM-07217; RRPM-FIRM-100032; VA: 2701036596; 2710079363; WA: CC-LOWESHC863DH; LOWESHC765CM; R1829; WV: WV014656; WI: DC-031000124; DHS-1566580. See Lowes.com/licensing for current license numbers.

***Lowe’s Double Lifetime Warranty – See full details here.

By using or purchasing products or services from Lowe’s or visiting a Lowe’s website, you agree to comply with Lowe’s Terms and Conditions.

Champion Window's Disclaimers:

*Buy 2 Comfort 365 Windows® at regular price and get 2 additional windows of equal or lesser value free with participation in the Yes! Program. Offer applies to all window styles in white except nonrectangular shaped window styles, standard installation included. Window discount without participation in Yes! Program equals 40% off. Minimum purchase of 4 windows required. 20% national sunroom, siding, and door discount requires minimum purchase of 120 sq. ft. complete sunroom, 1,200 sq. ft. of siding, or 1 entry door with decorative glass. Earn up to an additional 10% off with participation in the Yes! Program (up to $2,000), making your sunroom, siding, and entry door discount a total of up to 30% off. All discounts apply to the MSRP cost. No adjustments can be made on prior sales. YES! Program valid only at the time of your initial demonstration and once per residence per term. Offer subject to change. †The Champion Limited Lifetime Warranty applies to Comfort 365 Windows® and qualifying Champion products as long as the original purchaser owns the home. See website or a Champion representative for details. Offer expires 11/30/24. ©Champion Opco LLC, 2024⁴ FINANCING. Subject to credit approval and offer eligibility. Limited time offer is available from 8/1/2024 to 8/31/2024. Loan amount will vary based on creditworthiness. 18 Months Same as Cash (also known as No Interest if Paid in Full promotion): Pay the entire Amount Financed before the end of the promotional period and all billed and paid Interest will be applied to principal. Payments are due during the promotional period. Your promotional period ends on the due date of your 18th payment (or 16th payment if you have a deferred payment offer). You will need to pay more than your regularly scheduled payment amount to pay off the balance during the promotional period. Example #1: When you accept a loan for $40,000 at 15.99% APR with a loan term of 10 years and you make 10 payments totaling $40,000 before the end of the promotional period, all billed and paid interest will be applied to principal and no interest will be due. Example #2: When you accept a loan for $40,000 at 15.99% APR with a loan term of 10 years and make the regularly scheduled payment of $669.80 for each of your first 18 scheduled payments, you will have an outstanding balance which includes accrued interest since your loan started. You are responsible to make your required schedule payments for the remainder of your loan term including the accrued interest. If you open a loan with a deferred payment offer, you will still be required to pay the entire Financed Amount within the promotional period to receive the promotion. For deferred payments, note that although your payment will not be due for 90 days after the first loan funds are disbursed, you will begin accruing interest when the initial funds are sent to the merchant. Examples are for illustrative purposes. Financing provided by First National Bank of Omaha. 

**Plan 2736. Subject to credit approval. Loan term is 120 months at fixed rate of 6.99% APR. For example, assuming the full credit limit is used on loan approval date, for every $1,000 financed at 6.99% APR, 120 monthly payments of $11.61. This example is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts based on amount and timing of purchases. Call 866-936-0602 for financing costs and terms. Loans for the GreenSky® consumer loan program are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, NMLS #408043, without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or familial status. GreenSky Servicing, LLC services the loans on behalf of your lender, NMLS #1416362. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC and is licensed to banks and other financial institutions for their use in connection with that consumer loan program. GreenSky Servicing, LLC is a financial technology company that manages the GreenSky® consumer loan program by providing origination and servicing support to banks and other financial institutions that make or hold program loans. GreenSky, LLC and GreenSky Servicing, LLC are not lenders. All credit decisions and loan terms are determined by program lenders. 

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We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.

Our Top Picks: Replacement Windows Reviews

When it comes to buying replacement windows, there are three main components: manufacture, retail, and installation. 

Some of our picks can fulfill all three steps. Big stores like The Home Depot® will sell and install, but leave manufacturing to brands who create the windows themselves but sell their product through certified sellers and contractors. 

In turn, contractors provide installation services for windows you may have bought separately. Some can sell, but who you choose will depend on the product you want, since different contractors are certified by different brands. This is where services like the aggregator Modernize come in, to help you find local contractors that match your preferences and requirements.
 

Sears review

Best replacement windows for noise reduction

Screenshot searshomeservices.com, June 2023

Sears windows are available in a variety of styles, including double-hung windows, sliding windows, bay windows and more. One feature that improves their functionality is the double panes with argon insulation that reduces noise and decreases temperature transfers. You can customize your Sears windows with different interior and exterior colors, glass types, blinds and shapes.

Sears Home Improvement services are available in many cities throughout the U.S., but you should check the website beforehand if you plan to use Sears’ installation services. To begin, you can request a phone call to discuss your project. Then, a specialist will visit your home within a day or two to estimate the cost of your windows. Finally, you can make your purchase and have your new windows installed.

Sears window replacement services include guaranteed protection on its products and services. You'll receive manufacturer warranties, a limited product and labor warranty, public liability protection, worker’s compensation protection and property damage insurance. Check out our full Sears replacement windows review.

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Modernize review

Best replacement windows for cold climates

Screenshot Modernize.com, August 2020

Modernize is an online marketplace, or aggregator, in the field of home improvement. It connects you with manufacturers or contractors that fit your needs, allowing you to find smaller or more regional businesses that have a more comprehensive knowledge of the area you live in, the challenges of the climate and regional construction codes. This is especially helpful for homeowners in cold climates that need contractors who know which kinds of windows are best for keeping their homes warm.

Modernize stands out for its easy-to-use website packed with information. Front and center, you can choose from different categories of work you might be looking for, including windows. After clicking, you get two options: fill out a detailed survey so that the algorithm can match you with a nearby company, or read up on your project. There’s information about different styles, costs, top brands, buying guides, and even scientific terminology to better understand how energy-efficient glass works. 

The downside, as with any service of this type, is that you’ll have to choose between the different companies you’re shown, and will eventually need to research the contracting company you’re matched with. Also, their leads service might work a bit too well, netting you a higher number of calls and emails than you thought. However, if you like having plenty of options, that can be a good thing.

Read our full Modernize replacement windows review.
 

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Sunrise Windows review

Best vinyl replacement windows

Screenshot SunriseWindows.com, August 2020

As of 2023, Sunrise Windows & Doors is now part of MI Windows and Doors, but you can still browse Sunrise-specific styles by viewing the V4000 Sunrise Series. MI Windows and Doors services the eastern half of the country, and the Sunrise Series includes a variety of energy-efficient vinyl windows with different grid and color options, such as picture windows, double-hung windows and single-hung windows.

And if you’re looking for protection beyond sunlight, the non-prorated lifetime warranty is more than solid—unlike with many other companies, there are no additional repair and installation costs when replacing a product. It covers the entire window, so the terms and length are the same for both glass and frame. It’s also transferable, so when you sell the house, the windows will remain under warranty. 

The MI Windows and Doors website is easy to navigate and provides comprehensive educational literature to help you understand frame and glass materials, installation processes, and more. 

What makes Sunrise stand out, though, is just how beautiful you can make your windows look. You can begin browsing by exterior colors, interior colors and window styles. When you select a style, you can customize colors, glass options (such as standard, obscure or rain), grid styles and patterns, and hardware.

Overall, Sunrise window reviews show satisfaction from most customers, although your experience may vary based on the contractor installing the windows.

Read our full Sunrise Windows & Doors review to learn more.

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Jeld-Wen review

Best Style and Variety

Screenshot Jeld-wen.com, August 2020

With a 70-year history in the business, Jeld-Wen is another respected name in the replacement window world, well-known for their doors and high-end style. Jeld-Wen has, arguably, the widest selections of colors, finishes, glass design and materials of any of the stores we reviewed. They  have a virtual showroom feature and are widely available through certified dealers and The Home Depot, which gives you a better chance to see the product before buying. 

Jeld-Wen stands out for using a variety of fiberglass products and for offering different woods to choose from, including their own AuraLast treated pine. This is a proprietary process that they claim injects almost 100% of the wood with protective agents to extend its lifetime. With too many options can come confusion, though, and Jeld-Wen’s warranty can be a bit daunting since it changes depending on materials or the selection of glass, so be sure to read up on the specific product you want. 

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Lowe's Replacement Windows review

 

About Lowe's Replacement Windows:

Lowe's offers a variety of window options, including their exclusive Reliabilt brand (by Atrium) and top-tier Pella windows. Their window replacement services include professional installation, consultations, and customizable options to fit energy efficiency and design preferences.

Window Styles & Materials:

  • Single-Hung & Double-Hung Windows: Available in vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, with vertical sliding sashes.
  • Casement Windows: Offered in vinyl, wood-clad, aluminum, and fiberglass.
  • Accent & Picture Windows: Available in vinyl, fiberglass, wood-clad, and aluminum, with customizable shapes and energy-efficient glass options.
  • Sliding Windows: Offered in vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood-clad materials, providing durability, energy efficiency, and customizable options.
  • Awning Windows: Available in vinyl, wood-clad, fiberglass, and aluminum, providing energy-efficient and weather-resistant options.
  • Bay & Bow Windows: Crafted in vinyl, wood-clad, fiberglass, and aluminum, with customizable designs for enhanced aesthetics and energy efficiency.
  • Energy-Efficient Glass: Offers advanced glass options like Low-E, double or triple panes, and argon gas fills for enhanced insulation.

Installation Services:

Lowe's window replacement installation services include professional measurement, ordering, and full-service installation by licensed, insured experts, with a satisfaction guarantee. Schedule a free in-home appointment online.

Financing Options:

Offers flexible payment plans, including installment options and special financing via Lowe's credit card.

Warranty:

One year of protection is included with every installation, and the windows are also covered by Lowe's Double Lifetime Window Warranty.

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Champion Replacement Windows review

 

About Champion Replacement Windows:

Champion Windows is a leading provider of custom replacement window and doors with over 65 years of experience, offering a full-service approach from manufacturing to installation.

Window Styles & Materials:

  • Double-Hung Windows: Offered in vinyl, with dual-operating sashes for easy ventilation and energy efficiency.
  • Sliding Windows: Made from vinyl, featuring horizontal gliding sashes for smooth operation.
  • Casement & Awning Windows: Available in durable vinyl, open outward with a crank handle for great ventilation and clear views.
  • Bay & Bow Windows: Offered in vinyl; windows extend outward, creating a larger viewing area and additional interior space.
  • Garden Windows: Made from vinyl, windows project outward to create a sunlit shelf space ideal for plants and décor.
  • Picture Windows: Crafted from energy-efficient vinyl, with a fixed pane design for maximum natural light.
  • Shaped Windows: Available in custom geometric designs, made from vinyl.
  • Glass Block Windows: Offered in vinyl, wood, and fiberglass materials, designed to provide natural light.
  • Basement Hopper Windows: Made from vinyl, designed to open inward from the top, with energy-efficient glass for improved insulation.
  • Energy-Efficient Windows: Offers Energy Star® certified windows built using their specialized Comfort 365 Window® Glass, using low emissivity (Low-E) glass technology.

Installation Services:

Champion products are installed by expert installation technicians who clean up completely before leaving.

Financing Options:

Champion offers financing options that include flexible payment plans, 0% interest financing for qualifying customers, and low monthly payment options.

Warranty:

Every Champion Comfort 365 Window® includes a lifetime warranty covering the entire window frame, glass and installation.

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WIndow Nation review

 

About Window Nation Replacement Windows:

Window Nation replacement windows are high quality, durable, and affordable. With over 1,500 custom window styles and color combinations, Homeowners are sure to find the perfect replacement windows and doors for their homes and budget. Every project is staffed with a Master Installer with over 15 years of experience.

Window Styles & Materials:

  • Double-Hung Windows: Customize with various colors and materials, including wood and vinyl; built with full fusion-welded frames and sashes.
  • Vent Windows: Made in customizable materials like vinyl, wood, and fiberglass, designed for energy efficiency and enhanced ventilation.
  • Sliding Windows: Offered in vinyl, wood or fiberglass.
  • Casement Windows: Crafted in vinyl, wood, and fiberglass; customizeable design options available.
  • Bay & Bow Windows: Offered in vinyl, wood, and fiberglass materials, customizable for energy efficiency.
  • Garden Windows: Offered in vinyl, wood, and fiberglass materials, designed to provide natural light.
  • Specialty Windows: Custom window shapes developed for your home, from half-circle to triangle and more.
  • Energy-Efficient Windows: Offers energy-efficient glass options such as Low-E glass, double or triple-pane glass, and argon gas-filled panes.

Installation Services:

Provides full-service window installation, including professional measurement, custom manufacturing, and expert installation by licensed and insured installers, with a warranty on both products and labor.

Financing Options:

Window Nation offers financing options including flexible monthly payment plans, low-interest financing, and 0% interest offers for qualifying customers.

Warranty:

Offers a lifetime limited warranty on the windows, covering materials and craftsmanship, along with a separate labor warranty.

See Details
Our Research

More insight into our methodology

Windows are a crucial part of your home, enhancing decor, providing protection from the elements, and even helping you save on energy costs. They are also not easy to shop for, especially online, as the measuring can be tricky and websites do not necessarily show all the facets of the product.

This is why we focused on dependable retailers that are able to provide the help you need throughout the entire process. Whether you need a quick fix because winter is fast approaching, or you’re setting up a new home and have very specific needs, we looked for retailers that provide quality brands, comprehensive warranties, flexible return policies, and installation help should you need it. 

Types of replacement windows

A disadvantage of replacement windows sold in retail stores is that they are pre-made and come in limited styles. A retailer’s selection is one of the most important aspects of buying windows online since waiting for them to be made to your specifications—although convenient in some cases—can defeat the purpose. We looked at the available brands, and how many styles, colors, and variables they tend to keep in stock.

Brands or contractors, in contrast , have products made to your specifications. We looked for the different styles they offered, from single and double hung, to French, arched, and awning windows. We also considered the diversity of materials they use to make them, which include wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum, and what colors and finishes can they provide for each material. 

For retailers, we checked how many brands they work with, how much inventory they keep in stock, and how varied that inventory is. There’s a vast amount of combinations of materials, designs, and measurements they have to keep up with. Even though buying directly from a store will never have the advantages of full customization, having enough options for less money can come close.

Consumer Experience

It was important to us that the websites for the companies in our selection were clean and easy to navigate so that all the necessary information could be quickly accessed, and we took into account that all the necessary information was actually there. On some websites, it’s hard to find what materials they use; others don’t provide educational materials for people who are new to this type of product, or house maintenance in general. Now more than ever, the online buying experience should also be educational to make up for the absence of face-to-face contact and help consumers make informed decisions. 
 

Replacement Window Pricing

Pricing for replacement windows can be a bit tricky. First, they tend to be more expensive than new construction windows up front, but replacement windows require far less labor. 

Secondly, you’ll find yourself having to measure your window spaces, decide on materials, and pay shipping costs depending on where you are. 

Considering these complexities, some of the details we valued were retailer’s and manufacturer’s shipping offers, free consultations, transparency and the variety of local contractors they work with, which gives you options when paying for labor.

Warranties

Warranties get complicated really fast, and you’ll have to read the specifics yourself no matter what company or window models you choose. However, we took a first look for you, and we made sure that these companies can back their windows for a long time. We started with the obvious: length of coverage. It can vary from 10 years to a double lifetime, which means that the product remains covered if you sell your house. 

Warranties also change with different materials and styles, with some companies only covering certain materials for as little as three years. One constant is separate coverage for the frame and the glass, with the glass getting, for example, 20 years as opposed to the frame’s 10. 

While some companies will cover any product for a lifetime, others will offer varying coverage throughout their catalog, limiting specific aspects like transfers or changing period length. Given all this, we favored those that provide the most coverage across the board. Even so, we strongly suggest that you read the warranty documents yourself and never forget the fine print.

Helpful information about Replacement Windows

What Are Replacement Windows?

There  are two main types of windows, categorized mainly according to how they’re installed. Although their names are misleading, they are new construction windows (similar to full-frame replacement windows) and insert replacement windows. 

New construction windows are thus named because they are installed during the construction (or heavy remodeling) of a home. They are installed directly into the frame of the building itself. When replacing windows through this method, material is removed down to the studs, and a completely new frame is installed. Insert replacement windows, on the other hand, are installed in a pre-existing opening where there is already a frame, and they are either custom-made or bought to fit that opening as precisely as possible. Essentially, new-construction windows require the wall to fit the new window and its frame; replacement windows require the window to fit the wall and its frame. 

Why replace windows? Who are replacement windows for?

Due to their ease of installment, replacement windows are pretty much the first choice for anyone looking for a quick and low-cost upgrade to their windows. Since putting up a full new frame costs more because you have to open up walls, this is the best option if you’re not planning a full remodel. It’s a good alternative when you have an older, non-historical home and want to spruce up the look, as well as when an old window breaks and there’s no warranty coverage. 

Similarly, if you’re a landlord and need your properties to look their best after some time, replacement windows are a good, inexpensive way to increase both the value of the place and the chances of finding new tenants. Whether it’s making sure that the windows are in tip top shape, keeping up with modern aesthetics, or guaranteeing better protection from the cold, inserting new windows into your frames is a good way to go.

How to measure for replacement windows

Before installing replacement windows, you must ensure the frame is in good shape. Make sure that there is no rot or physical damage that would affect the frame’s ability to hold the replacement window. You should also make sure that the frame is square. You can do this by measuring the window diagonally in both directions and making sure that the measurements are within 1⁄4 inch of one another.

To measure for replacement windows, you need to measure the width of the window at the top, bottom and middle by measuring between both side window jambs (the board that the window slides against) on both sides. Similarly, measure the height of the window by measuring at the left, right and middle of the window from the head jamb (top board of the window) to the sill (the bottom board where the window rests when closed). Finally, ensure that your window depth is at least 3 ¼ inches by measuring the sill from front to back when the window is open.

Use your smallest measurements for your width and height, then round those down to the nearest ⅛ inch. Order your replacement windows using these measurements.

How to install replacement windows

Use the following steps to install and insert replacement windows:

  • Remove the old window: Remove the sash (the part of the window that slides). Remove fixed portions by peeling away the glazing bead and heating adhesives to remove the glass carefully. Remove the rest of the window structure either by knocking it loose or using a reciprocating saw. Use a pry bar to remove the window frames.
  • Clean the opening: Remove nails, mortar, dust, etc. You may need to cut back the sheetrock to accommodate the new frame. Use flashing tape to prevent moisture damage by overlapping it in each corner all the way around the sheetrock. 
  • Install the window: Use a level and shims to make sure that the window is square and level. Test that the sashes slide properly. Use 2- to 2 ½-inch screws to connect one side of the window to the frame of the house. If it's still level, connect the other side. Two to three screws on each side should be sufficient.
  • Seal gaps: Use a low-expansion foam to seal gaps between the window and frame. Also, add a bead of caulk along the outside edge of the window frame after installation.

What to look for in replacement windows

First, you should consider frame materials. Wood and fiberglass frames are good for insulation, but vinyl can also be functional in this matter and is more widely available for replacement windows. If you schedule a consultation with a replacement window company, you can ask about windows for your situation, such as the best replacement windows for brick homes or the best replacement windows for mobile homes.

You should also decide how many panes of glass you want. Double-pane windows can improve insulation and reduce noise. Triple-pane windows are even better, but they may not be worth the price unless you're located close to a noisy area, such as an airport.

Each option will change the price of your windows. Vinyl windows are more affordable than other frame materials, and installation can add quite a bit to your overall costs. While energy efficiency can cut back on your ongoing energy costs, it will take time to see a return on your windows.

Also, consider warranties. Manufacturers typically include warranties for years to come that protect the window product. However, labor and installation may only be protected for a couple of years. Understand the maintenance requirements necessary to keep your warranty valid. Vinyl windows are a good low-maintenance option.
 

 

What to Watch Out for When Buying Replacement Windows

Can energy-efficient replacement windows save me money?

Energy efficiency is one of the most hyped perks of replacement windows. New technology and certain materials can help keep the cold out and the heat in—or vice versa—better than older windows, but the economic benefits can vary greatly by the size of the home, geographical location, the specific product chosen and what type of windows are being upgraded in the first place.

According to Energy Star, replacing uncertified windows with Energy Star products can save you between $27 and $583 per year. Climate and location, though, probably have a stronger impact.

Customers in cold climates benefit more from upgrading to double-pane windows from single-pane and have a higher chance of recovering their initial investment. When changing from double-pane to triple-pane windows, the savings are notably less, especially considering that triple-pane windows are more expensive. If a home already has double-pane windows in good condition, replacing them entirely might not show returns.

Although some claims are exaggerated—and some companies have even gotten in trouble because of it—better insulation and resulting lower energy costs are possible. It will depend on the specific situation and the balance between the aforementioned factors. Homeowners need to do personalized research to see if an entire revamp of their windows will actually be profitable or if it will simply result in cozier holiday mornings. 

Replacing Windows on Historical Homes

If you live in a historical house like many do in New England, finding the best replacement windows can be an even bigger challenge. Very few houses are legally protected, but historical preservation is still valuable and can actually be beneficial to homeowners. 

A 2010 study comparing a restored window to an added storm window and a replacement window in a 1940 home revealed that the difference in energy costs is small enough to make restoring historical windows and adding protection more cost effective than replacing them entirely.

Moreover, maintaining the authenticity of the house is important, it keeps its market value high and its design coherent. There is also consensus that original wood windows can last longer than newer windows, considering that modern materials are not made to be either long-lasting or restored. The thought that maintaining old windows is expensive has also been debunked. So watch out for eye-catching publicity and consider potential of what you already possess.

FAQs about Replacement Windows

How much does it cost to replace windows?

Window replacement costs can vary widely. Vinyl is generally more affordable than other frame materials, averaging around $500 per window. However, installation and specialty windows can increase these prices drastically. You might estimate paying anywhere up to $1,000 per window for standard window designs.
 

How often should windows be replaced?

Windows have a lifespan of anywhere between 15 and 30 years. You can check your windows for any structural wear and tear, such as difficulty opening, drafts, fading or warping. You may also choose to replace them if your home has just faced a severe storm, to improve your energy bills, or to improve your home's curb appeal before selling.
 

Does window glazing or laminate lower visibility?

It’s possible, but recent technology has allowed for windows to reject heat without darkening the window. The NFRC has measurements of Visible Transmittance you can check if daylight is one of your priorities.
 

Are replacement windows smaller than original windows?

Just a little bit, but yes. Given the fact that insert replacement windows are placed inside an existing frame while having a smaller frame of their own, there will be some downsizing from the original window, although not that noticeable. Full-frame replacement windows don’t have this problem because a brand-new frame is installed into the studs.
 

Our Replacement Windows Review Summed Up

Company NameWhy We Picked Them
Modernize Replacement WindowsLets you browse to find companies that understand your window needs, which is especially helpful for people in cold climates who may need specialized knowledge of the area
Sunrise Windows and DoorsIncludes a variety of vinyl windows that can be customized by color, glass types, hardware and more
THE HOME DEPOT® Replacement WindowsOffers affordable windows great for DIY projects, as well as financing to reduce upfront costs
Expert Windows Replacement WindowsAllows you to compare energy-efficient windows and save up to 20% off
Sears Replacement WindowsSells a variety of double-pane windows filled with argon insulation to reduce noise and temperature transfers
We receive compensation from these partners