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Resource Article
How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?
Window prices depend on a variety of factors, and no one can give you an accurate estimate without assessing your situation in person. Some of the most common pricing considerations include window type, size, hardware and other features, as well as installation technique.
However, there are numerous other items to consider as you evaluate the true replacement value of your project. In this guide, we will provide six factors to consider when you're asking yourself "am I getting my money's worth?"
Windows can play an integral role in your home’s overall utility costs, comfort level, and appeal. If your windows are damaged, old, inefficient, or otherwise compromised, you could be throwing money out the window. (And in case you can’t tell, read these six signs it’s time to replace your windows.) Here are six questions you should be asking yourself when thinking about replacing your windows.
1. What type of material is the window made of?
Material matters.
When you think of replacement windows, you may think of vinyl—and why not? It seems to be ubiquitous. But have you researched other options? The material your windows are made of will impact the energy efficiency, strength and durability, maintenance, and even your choice of colors and styles. So, how does each replacement window material make a difference?
At Renewal by Andersen, we believe the Better Way to a Better Window® is more than having a clever tune and some flashy ads. We believe it takes a start-to-finish process, exceptional engineering and innovation, and custom-crafted windows built from a material that can stand the test of time.
Enter the proprietary, Andersen-exclusive Fibrex® composite material.
Perfected in 1992, Fibrex material is a revolutionary window frame option that offers the strength and stability of wood and the low-maintenance features of vinyl, while also helping reduce the thermal transfer found in other popular materials, such as aluminum.
Pick a performance metric: energy efficiency, strength and durability, maintenance, beauty... whichever factor is most important to you (and we hope they all are!), Fibrex material can help make a difference in every instance.
Fibrex material is durable, beautiful, and ideally suited for made-to-order replacement windows—in fact, it was designed to help redefine the window replacement industry. Which is why the ONLY place you can get custom-made windows crafted from this revolutionary material is from Renewal by Andersen—the company that was also launched to help redefine the window replacement industry.
Why do we use Fibrex® composite material for our windows?
- Smart Materials. Fibrex material is twice as strong as vinyl, so weathertight seals stay weathertight. Its strength also means thinner frames and more glass area.
- Exceptional Comfort. Fibrex material blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum to help reduce heating and cooling bills.
- Commitment to Sustainability. Fibrex material is crafted from reclaimed wood and polymers, can help reduce heating and cooling costs, and has a long product lifecycle, meaning less waste in landfills.
- Color Choice. Our unique process fuses color to Fibrex material for long-lasting beauty. And it allows us to offer dark exterior colors not available on most other replacement windows.
- Outstanding Durability. Fibrex material is twice as strong as vinyl and retains its stability and rigidity in all climates. It is warranted to not rot, chip, corrode, flake, or peel, and it never needs painting.*
Have you heard about our 20-year durability test? It’s a must-see video if you’re considering replacing your windows.
2. Is installation included, and if so, how experienced are the installers?
A great window is only as good as the installation behind it.
When researching getting new windows, most people consider things like style, color choices, frame materials (see above), hardware options, and price… but often, one major piece of the project gets overlooked: installation. The quality of the installation, and the ownership of that piece of the process, is a huge value-add to your replacement windows.
And while installation may be one of the last things people think to ask about, we believe it's so important we include it in our warranty. We also offer a certification program for our installers. After all, as a company designed to reimagine the replacement industry, we’ve long understood that a quality experience is in the details. All the care, pride, professionalism, and craftsmanship we put into our products would mean little without the very best installation.
What are the "costs" of a poor job? Sloppy installation can lead to cracked joints, loss of heated or cooled air, exposure to the elements and pests, and many other things that can potentially lead to serious damage to the windows and structure of your home. Installers must be prepared for a number of situations that may occur, such as different types of building construction, variations in wall materials and thickness, and unforeseen structural damage.
That’s why we include professional installation as a key part of our window replacement process. Our Certified Master Installer program takes “professional” to the next level by placing your windows and patio doors in the hands of skilled installers.
Our Certified Master Installers are required to demonstrate their knowledge of construction materials, building codes, and installation methods to obtain their credentials, and are highly suited to handle the windows built just for you.
Are you curious to know more about our Certified Master Installers and their training and certification?
Here's what to expect on installation day, and what makes a Renewal by Andersen replacement window installation job so special.
3. What can you expect the window replacement process to look like?
A seamless process from start to finish.
For most homeowners, window replacement isn’t a project they’ve done before. And it can get confusing, especially when there are a number of parties involved.
Window replacement is often a large investment, and it can be daunting if the project is filled with conflicting information, numerous steps, and multiple points of contact throughout the job. That’s why it’s important to ask for a detailed explanation of the process, so you and your family know what to expect throughout the entire project. At Renewal by Andersen, we’re different from the other companies out there.
We got our start because replacement windows aren't a one-size-fits-all product—or, at least, they shouldn’t be. We only do replacement windows—no new construction—and you can only get our windows from an official Renewal by Andersen retailer. We were founded to re-imagine the window-replacement experience—at every point in the process.
Want to walk through the whole process, start to finish, with DIY network TV host Matt Muenster? Watch his “Get Inspired with Matt” web series, where he gives you a behind-the-scenes look at each part of the experience as he tackles the renovation of his own historic, mid-century modern home.
4. What happens if you need assistance with your windows down the road?
A 100-year tradition of quality and care, and a robust limited warranty.
The promises you hear when you replace your windows are only as good as the company that stands behind them.
When researching replacement windows, make sure the company you choose has a warranty included with their product—and that you understand the terms of that warranty.
It’s also important to ask about your access to the customer service team in case you find that your new patio door needs adjusting, you’ve forgotten how to operate a particular piece of hardware, or maybe, down the road, your casement window doesn’t crank as smoothly as it once did.
Renewal by Andersen is backed by a century’s worth of window-making knowledge and expertise, and it’s safe to say, we’re not going anywhere. When we say one-company accountability, we mean accountability at all stages of the process.
Our Nation's Best Warranty** covers the glass, the frame and hardware, and the installation. It’s one of the most robust warranties you’ll find on any window or door. A common warranty offered by other companies is a lifetime warranty. This “lifetime” label can be misleading, as it often covers the product only for the original owner of the product and is often non-transferable. Our Nation’s Best Warranty is non-prorated and fully transferable.
What do we mean by fully transferable? It means that should you sell your home, not only will you have the added value of the Andersen name, you will also have the value of a limited warranty that can carry to the next homeowner—an important feature for many buyers.
Every window we make is labeled with our toll-free number, should you have any issues with your windows. Highlights to the warranty include:
- NO maintenance requirement
- Automatic transferability
- Installation coverage
- NO restrictions for high altitude or coastal homes
- Labor included for valid warranty claims
- Clarity—easy for a homeowner to understand
- Additional benefits (color fade, insect screens, and hardware)
Learn more about the Renewal by Andersen warranty and do a side-by-side comparison with the competitions’ warranties here.
**It is the only warranty among top-selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy-to-understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement.
5. Will you need to replace your windows again soon because of the quality or lack of efficiency?
Long-term savings.
Let’s look down the road. Where do you see your windows in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? You want your replacement windows to be as energy efficient, maintenance-free, and high quality as possible, right? These are all significant factors to look for when researching replacement windows.
Every day we replace windows that are less than 10 years old. Unlike those products, our low-maintenance windows are designed, crafted, and warranted to stand the test of time (again, you need to see this 20-year durability study).
And poor-performing windows are an energy drain—and a money drain. Our replacement windows will help you save money on your energy bill. We, along with our parent company, Andersen Corporation, are proud to have earned our 10th ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award for 2024. Our High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass is the most energy-efficient glass option we have ever offered. It’s 70% more energy efficient in the summer and 49% more energy efficient in the winter as compared to ordinary dual pane glass.***
If you plan to sell your home, your prospective buyers will be as pleased as you are about your window’s warranty, beauty, durability, and energy efficiency!
The best window and patio door projects are the ones featuring design options that fit YOUR home, YOUR timeline, and YOUR bottom line. Schedule a free consultation with one of our design consultants to kick off your home improvement project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do windows cost?
Here are a few examples of recent projects and their costs to give you an idea of what to expect:
What is a good price to pay for windows?
Is Renewal by Andersen a more expensive option?
That depends on what you are comparing to. When you choose Renewal by Andersen, you're investing in a full-service experience and a superior product, not just a window. Our price reflects the total value we provide, which includes:
- Custom manufacturing: Every window is custom-built to the exact specifications of your home for a perfect fit.
- Proprietary Fibrex® material: You get a durable, low-maintenance material that's twice as strong as vinyl and offers exceptional energy efficiency.
- Certified Master Installers: Our projects are handled by highly trained professionals who ensure a flawless, weathertight installation.
- One-company accountability: We manage the entire process from consultation to manufacturing, installation, and warranty service. There's only one number to call.
- Robust limited warranty: We offer one of the strongest transferable warranties in the industry, covering the product, parts, and labor.
While the upfront cost may be higher than some alternatives, the long-term savings on energy, maintenance, and future replacements deliver a superior return on your investment. You get the peace of mind that comes with a beautiful, lasting home improvement.
The best window and patio door projects are the ones featuring design options that fit YOUR home, YOUR timeline, and YOUR bottom line. Schedule a free consultation with one of our design consultants to kick off your home improvement project.
*See limited warranty for details.
***Values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen® double-hung insert window SHGF to the SHGC for clear dual pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009, and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
Our Hassle-Free Process
Step 1
Design Consultation
Step 2
Measure and Manufacture
Step 3
Installation
Step 4