One of the very first questions a homeowner will ask is the average cost to replace windows. Price plays a big factor in any home improvement project.

There are many factors that can affect the price of a home replacement window project. This includes the material of your windows, the number of windows you are replacing, the style of window and the type of glass pack you choose.

According to REMODELING Magazine’s 2012-13 Cost vs. Value Report, mid-range vinyl replacement windows cost, on average, about $9,720.

Now that you have a ballpark figure in your head let’s take a closer look at other choices that can impact the average price to replace windows.

A Choice Between Vinyl Windows over Wood Windows

Choosing vinyl windows over wood can help you save money. Wood windows can cost twice as much as vinyl. But there are  to select vinyl windows over wood: vinyl windows require much less maintenance and age better over time.

• Vinyl windows are cheaper than wood windows
• Vinyl windows require less maintenance than wood windows
• Excellent resistance to abrasion, corrosion, salt air, termites and air pollutants

REMODELING’s report also reveals you could recoup up to 71.2% of the project cost of replacement windows if you choose energy-efficient vinyl windows. That means a vinyl window replacement project could deliver a bigger return on investment than many other popular home improvement projects such as adding or remodeling a bathroom, kitchen or sunroom.

How the Choice of Glass Influences Price

There is a cost associated with your windows beyond the initial cost of purchase and installation. Windows have an ongoing cost associated with their efficiency. Windows with poor efficiency result in higher utility bills over the years. One of the factors that influence this efficiency is the glass package you choose.

The make-up of your insulated glass unit can impact the cost of your windows but ultimately the glass pack influences the energy efficiency of your windows so you don’t want to skimp on this extremely important part of your new window.

You have an abundance of choices when it comes to designing the glass pack that goes inside of your window. Low-E glass coatings block the sun’s damaging UV rays and provide superior insulating capability. Adding a gas like Argon or Krypton makes it harder for heat and cold to transfer between the panes of glass.

The different combinations of these things can provide you with an rating that could qualify you for a federal tax credit, which can provide you with a way to save money on your replacement window costs. For more potential cost savings when installing energy- efficient windows or ENERGY STAR® windows, visit irs.gov.

Choice of Window Style
The choice of window style has an influence on the total cost of the project. Consider the following:

• Casement windows can be the most expensive window style, but they’re the most energy efficient window style making them a worthwhile purchase
• Exterior architectural shapes and other aesthetic configurations give you the ability to customize the look of your home. While this makes the window more expensive, it can increase the curb appeal and resell value of your home
• Customizable options such as etched glass, hardware finishes, grids and exterior colors influence price, but also effect resale value

Window Warranty Coverage

It’s always wise to compare warranties as you consider the cost of vinyl windows. Typically, larger manufacturers offer a better warranty – meaning a greater chance that the manufacturer will stand behind its products and resolve disputes. This can reduce or eliminate cost down the line if the window breaks or is damaged.

Great Lakes Window offers a lifetime limited warranty that is good on all vinyl frames and sashes, glass seal failure, hardware, screens and more – for as long as you own it. And should you ever decide to move away, your warranty is completely transferable to the next homeowner. No questions asked.

The best way for you to find out what your replacement window costs would be, is to schedule a consultation with an Authorized Great Lakes Window Dealer.

For REMODELING’s full Cost vs. Value Report – including how you can recoup a significant amount of your vinyl replacement windows cost when you decide to sell your home – please visit costvsvalue.com.

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