Replacing windows is one of the most important home improvement projects that people undertake. And it’s not a purely aesthetic consideration: the truth is, windows let light and warmth in (and keep chilly drafts out), helping houses of all sizes feel bigger and more homelike. They also improve a home’s safety, with newer windows offering increased security from intruders.

Your home is quite possibly the largest investment you’ve ever made—and may ultimately be the largest investment you ever make. Making sure its windows are sound helps protect your investment. What happens when old, wooden windows start becoming a little (or a lot) draftier? Does it mean every window has to be ripped out and replaced? Not at all. 

The truth is, there are a number of solutions for upgrading your windows—from comprehensive (and expensive) wood window replacement cost to more budget-friendly window replacement alternatives. In this post, we’ll help you determine the best course of action depending on your specific needs, so you can proceed without breaking the bank.

Assessing Your Needs

How do you know when you need new windows? Here are a few signs that you should consider replacing your windows:

• They don’t open or close easily. Balance issues or the development of rotting or mold can cause older windows to jam and stick.
• They let cold drafts in, which also means they’re letting warmth escape your home and likely impacting your heating/cooling bills.
• You see condensation form on the window pane, indicative of the window’s glazing and seals wearing down over time, becoming less effective.
• They don’t dampen as much sound as they used to. Are you hearing more outside noise (traffic, dogs barking, etc.) than before? It’s probably not that the outside world is getting louder; it’s more likely that your windows’ sound-insulating properties are becoming less effective over time.
• You can see the effects of age when you examine the window frame: decay and damage, caused by harsh weather. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace All House Windows?

Because there are so many cost-impacting factors to consider—not the least of which is the vast difference between, say, a 3 bedroom home and an 8 bedroom home—it’s tough to predict the cost of whole-house window replacement. That being said, you can easily find a window replacement cost estimator online or collect bids from contractors in your area. 

What Affects Window Replacement Cost?

According to Bob Vila, the average cost of window replacement is $650 per window, placing the average cost to replace windows in a 3 bed house between $3,000 and $10,000. Like virtually any home improvement or renovation project, a number of factors impact the cost for window replacement. These include, of course, whether you’re replacing a single window or a whole house of windows, but also:

• The materials used (such as the wood or vinyl, glass type, glazing, etc.)
• The window’s (or windows’) type, size, and location
• Age of the house and existing windows
• Type of replacement (full-frame vs. retrofit)
• Geography and climate

…and then you’ve got to ask, “What is the labor cost to install a window?” with $100 to $300 setting a general range of what you can expect on a per-window basis.

Should I Replace All Windows at Once?

Is replacing all your windows at once the cheaper way to go? It depends. If you truly only have a single window (or two) that are exhibiting any signs of needing replacement or even repair, then it makes sense to just replace those. It will save an immense amount of both time and money.

If, on the other hand, a majority of your windows are old and drafty, or visibly damaged, then the smarter play is to consider a whole-house window replacement project. This makes sense logistically, and enables a single contractor or team to complete the entire job. This reduces your points of contact and ensures consistent materials and application. Over the long run, it’s stressful, and less disruptive to you and your family’s lives—and budget—to take care of all your windows at once. 

Window Replacement Alternatives

Did you know that there are cheaper and less-complicated alternatives to full-window replacement? If you’re a little taken aback by the full frame window replacement cost, there’s good news. If your window frame is in good shape, you only really need to replace the rest of the window. The frame can stay intact and both interior and exterior trim goes undisturbed—meaning a less intrusive installation process and great cost savings. Interior and exterior trim can be left intact, too.

At Fenster Components, we specialize in sash replacement and window components. Keep your existing frames, swap out the components. 

Assessing your needs and finding the right components is easy. First, read about the products we offer, as well as pricing and shipping options. Then, just submit an order request to us to get the conversation started. Learn more about how to order here.