Whole-House Window Replacement - Is It Worth It?

A whole-house window replacement is an improvement investment with one of the most significant impacts on energy efficiency. Almost every exterior wall of your home has a window. Even if all exterior walls have proper insulation, an old single-pane window or poorly insulated frames will result in energy losses.

Window replacements are slightly more challenging to evaluate because it’s not a one-object switch. Variables like the condition of the frames, size of windows, and window style affect the new window cost. If the homeowner wants a specific type from the original, prices can be driven higher. Older homes could have non-standard window sizes and need to be special ordered.

One universal essential item to consider when evaluating your choices for window replacement is the quality of installation. No matter how new a window maybe, if installed incorrectly with little to no insulation or on a failed frame, there will be no energy savings.

How Much Can Window Replacements Save?

No doubt doing a whole-house window replacement will lead to energy savings despite the variables mentioned above. Replacing standard single-pane windows with Energy Star certified double-pane models will save you long-term. Each region of the U.S. will have additional savings when switching from single pane to double-pane windows. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the Northern parts of the U.S. will see 22% savings while the southern regions will average 31% savings.

Any home with single-pane windows is an ideal candidate for a whole-house window replacement project. The savings are universal no matter what country you live in.

How Much Will Window Replacement Cost?

The cost of a whole-house window replacement project depends on the number of windows in the home, style, framing, and even design. If your home’s windows aren’t based on complex structures, the upper window is roughly the same for any size project.

For example, the average standard-size, double-pane, double-hung vinyl new window cost ranges from $450 to $600. This includes both the window and installation. Wood frame windows are more expensive, with the price of a single installed window running from $800 to $1000. In addition, if the entire frame has to be replaced, for either vinyl or wood models, it will add $50 to $100 to each window.

It’s essential to consider the type of windows you want to replace your old ones with in terms of material, style, and design. Knowing this ahead of time will help you calculate a rough estimate of your house’s new window costs.

Does Window Replacement Help Sell A Home?

In a 2019 article by remodeling, homeowners who invest in window replacement will see an ROI of 73.4% for vinyl and 70.8% for wood. Window replacements projects are in the top 10 for most ROI, making them a highly efficient investment. This percentage is based on standard, energy-efficient windows. Investing in customized windows is seldom worth the extra expense, as it has little-to-no effect on the overall equity despite the more significant price tag. For homeowners who couple the equity gains with the energy savings, a whole-house window replacement can be a profitable improvement in the long run.

Increased Home Comfort

Upgrading your home with window replacements also improves your home's quality of life and comfort. New windows have many added benefits besides the energy savings advantage. Some technologies help reduce the ultraviolet light entering your home. You can leave your windows uncovered for more extended periods without succumbing to discomfort or sunburn. This is beneficial for climates like the south of the U.S. with hot summers. Some windows allow the sun’s warmth in colder climates without reducing their efficiency. Your home will have consistent temperatures, allowing you and your family to sit comfortably next to a window.

An additional advantage is a reduction of exterior sounds. If your home is located in a large metropolitan area or next to a busy highway, there are numerous noises you hear throughout the day. New double-pane windows have a distinct advantage over their older counterparts by reducing the noise filtered through from the outside. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite show, movie, or song without having to turn the volume up to mask the outside noise.

Consider the benefits mentioned above as you evaluate window replacement for your house. These benefits can’t be quantified in the new windows cost, but they offer comfort for you and your family.

Ongoing Maintenance

The material used for your windows is a critical item to consider. If you have wood, consider using alternative materials like vinyl and aluminum. Wood is one of the most sensitive materials to changes due to weather. As a result, wood needs constant repair or maintenance. Every call for repair will reduce the time it will take to recuperate your investment.

Using vinyl and aluminum instead of wood for your window will help reduce maintenance or repair costs. These materials are sturdier and more stable even during extreme weather conditions like deserts or freezing temperatures like in the North East of the U.S.

Calculating maintenance should be a variable taken into account when calculating the overall new window costs and ROI and help you make an informed decision.

Financing Your Whole-House Window Replacement Project

Homeowners have several options when it comes to financing the window replacement costs. Window dealers will often offer customers special financing. This is one of the more convenient options, similar to a one-stop-shopping option. However, these interest rates are usually less than ideal and can increase the overall cost of your investment.

Another option is PACE financing with Ygrene. PACE (property assessed clean energy) programs are designed to take advantage of the energy saved with efficiency upgrades, such as installing Energy Star certified windows. Qualifying homeowners can leverage the equity in their home to finance their whole-house window replacement project through PACE, and then they pay it back over time as a line item on their annual property taxes. Any energy savings derived from the new windows can be used to cover the project's cost over the long term.

Find out if PACE financing is available in your area – contact Ygrene to learn more: (855) 901-3999, info@ygreneworks.com.