How Much Do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?

Energy Efficient Windows Cost

An energy efficient window with an ENERGY STAR rating will cost between $473 to $3,109 per window. That’s a wide price range! The type of window you choose, its size, whether you need double- or triple-paned glass with efficiency upgrades like a low-E coating or gas fill, and the frame material will all impact where your project falls within that range.

Before we break down these cost factors, let’s briefly cover what an energy efficient window is and why you might want to choose one.

What Are Energy Efficient Windows?

Energy efficient windows are designed to keep heat and air conditioning inside while blocking outside temperatures. Most homeowners choose energy efficient windows because they help maintain a comfortable home temperature and reduce utility bills. When windows prevent outside temperatures from affecting indoor conditions, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Factors That Affect Energy-Efficient Window Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing a window with an energy-efficient unit depends on several factors:

• Size. Larger windows with multiple moving parts or extensive glass will cost more than smaller ones.
• Type. A double-hung window costs more than a single-hung window, but both are typically more affordable than a bay window.
• Frame material. Vinyl frames are the least expensive, while high-end materials like clad wood or fiberglass come at a higher price.
• Double-pane vs. triple-pane. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures—especially harsh winters—you may need triple-pane windows, which cost more than double-pane options.
• Glass efficiency upgrades. Adding a low-E coating, gas fill, or other enhancements to improve energy efficiency will increase the price.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each factor so you can better estimate your project cost.

Cost by Size

If you’re replacing your window with a new one that is the same size, then measuring your existing window is the best way to find out what size you need. You can check out our guide on how to measure windows for more information.

However, if you aren’t sure what size window you want or just want to estimate without getting out the tape measure, then be aware that different window types come in different standard sizes.

For the purposes of estimating cost, we chose small, medium, and large measurements that exist across multiple window types.

To learn more about standard window sizes, you can read our guide.

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Cost by Type

There are more than 20 window types, but we’ve chosen six of the most popular windows in the U.S. for the table below.

Aren’t sure which window type you have? Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Single-hung: Only the bottom sash moves vertically.
• Double-hung: Both the upper and lower sashes can move.
• Awning: Hinged at the top and open outward.
• Sliding: One or more panels move horizontally.
• Casement: Hinged at the side to swing outward.
• Picture: Fixed, does not open.

If you still aren’t sure or don’t know what type you want to replace it with, you can take our quiz or read about all 20 types over at our page about types of windows.

Cost by Frame

There are five main frame materials to choose from, and each has a different energy efficiency capacity. Here’s how energy efficient window frame costs break down:

If you’re not familiar with frame materials, here’s what to know in brief:

• Vinyl: Popular due to its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance. Comes in a range of energy efficient options, including an insulated version.
• Aluminum: Durable, light, and modern, but less energy efficient. It conducts heat well, making it the least desirable option for a home where energy efficiency is needed.
• Clad wood: Wood interior with an exterior aluminum or vinyl shell. This is one way to get the look of aluminum with the efficiency of wood.
• Wood: Offers a classic appearance but requires more maintenance. Wood is an excellent insulator, making this a good choice for energy-efficiency.
• Fiberglass: Durable and extremely energy efficient, but more expensive than the other options.

However, we do not recommend choosing a frame material based on energy efficiency alone. A wood window frame, for example, has excellent insulating qualities, but it requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep, especially in wetter climates.

To find the frame material that will meet your energy efficiency needs and will also work best for your home’s look and your desired maintenance requirements, you can visit our guide to window frame types.

Double- vs Triple-Pane Cost

As a general rule, triple-pane windows are more energy efficient than double-pane windows. But that doesn’t mean triple-pane is worth the cost in every area or for every home.

We recommend you choose double-pane windows if you live in a more moderate climate and/or are looking for improved energy efficiency.

You should choose triple-pane windows if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions and/or want the maximum energy savings possible.

You can read more about double-pane window costs or triple-pane window costs by visiting our cost guides.

Glass Upgrades

In addition to window type, number of panes, and frame type, you can also upgrade the glass for additional energy efficiency. Here are two popular options:

1. Low-E coating. This gets applied to the glass and helps to keep heat in your home during the winter while reflecting it back out during the summer. It blocks UV rays. Low-E glass can add $150 to $300 per window. You can learn more about low-E glass over at our guide.
2. Gas fillings. The space between panes of glass can be filled with argon, krypton, or xenon gas. Our blog post on the best gas insulated windows can tell you more. Gas-filled glass can add $200 to $350 per window.

Check out our guide to glass types for more information.

What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Windows?

If you want the most energy efficient windows, choose triple-pane glass with a gas fill and low-E coating, a highly insulated frame material like composite wood or high-quality vinyl, and a window type such as casement (which forms a firm seal when closed) or picture (which doesn’t open, reducing air leaks).

However, that combination isn’t in everyone’s budget—and it’s not right for every climate or home! Triple-pane windows work best in extremely cold climates, but homes in milder regions may not benefit as much. Double-pane glass might be a better option in those cases.

Talk to a window professional to determine the best glass, frame, and window type for your home and climate.

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Additional Energy-Efficient Features to Consider

As you’ve likely noticed, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all energy efficient window. Many factors influence the right choice for your home. We also recommend exploring the following:

1. Energy Star windows. To learn more about which windows are given this title (and thus are eligible for several rebates and incentives), you can read our guide to Energy Star windows. You’ll find that Energy Star windows prices are very close to the costs found on this page.
2. Insulated glass. Though we discussed (and recommended) gas-filled glass and low-E glass above, there are other glass qualities you could consider. Instead of gas, for example, you could fill air into the panes between your windows. You could also choose a tinted glass or even reflective glass. Read our guide to insulated glass to explore all your options.
3. Thermal windows. Thermal windows are better at keeping heat out during the summer and in during the winter. They’re a good choice for homeowners who see both temperature extremes, and many energy efficient windows also qualify as thermal windows. Read our guide to thermal windows to learn more about them.
4. Window brands. In addition to impacting your project cost, the window brand you choose can also play a role in how energy efficient your window ultimately is. Explore our guide to the best window brands to read our recommendations.

Tips for Saving Money on Window Upgrades

You can save money on your energy-efficient windows by taking advantage of rebates, incentives, and tax credits. Here are some ways to get started:

• Visit the ENERGY STAR windows and skylights page to use their climate zone finder and determine which windows qualify for tax credits.
• Explore DSIRE’s database to check for state-specific incentives for renewables and efficiency.
• Review ENERGY STAR’s page on federal tax credits if you’re upgrading multiple home systems. This can help you maximize savings on your window project and any additional upgrades.
• Shop strategically. Buying three or more windows at once and scheduling installation during the off-season (winter in most areas) can lower costs.

Are They Worth It?

Over time, you will earn back what you spend on energy efficient windows — and more. How quickly you earn back your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on what windows you currently have.

Energy Star notes that you can expect to save $125 to $340 per year if you are replacing single-pane windows. If you are replacing double-pane windows with clear glass, you can save $20 to $70 per year with energy efficient windows. How much you’ll save depends on where you live. You can explore their guide to window costs and energy savings to learn more.

The Final Word on Energy-Efficient Windows

Nearly every homeowner can benefit from energy-efficient windows. However, the choice between double-pane and triple-pane glass, along with frame material and other upgrades, depends on your climate and budget.

You can explore everything related to home window replacement on our project page, or if you’re ready for quotes, check out our contractor directory to find professionals in your area.

We recommend getting three to four quotes to find the best price for your project. If you’d like Modernize to handle the legwork, click below, answer a few quick questions, and we’ll match you with up to four window pros.

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