How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Cost in 2024?

Standard windows allow you to enjoy beautiful scenic views while ensuring proper room lighting and ventilation. But they eat up about 27% of total residential energy use. Willing to cut your utility bills without compromising your home comfort? Equip your house with energy-efficient windows known for preventing heat loss and air leaks. Their thermal efficiency is ensured by construction peculiarities, from the spacer system to glass coating. You can come across hundreds of options with Energy Star labels.  

The cost of energy-efficient windows ranges from $127 to $1,235 per unit, depending on the brand, quality, and features. But most US homeowners spend about $800 per window for material only. If you are about to hire experienced installers, you should be ready to add from $100 to $700 per unit to the cost for energy-efficient windows. Some contractors may charge about $42 per hour, based on the job's complexity, including the number and size of windows. So, for a standard 3-bedroom house, you may fork out between $3,500 to $10,600. 

Even though the price may seem overwhelming, energy-saving windows can help you save about 12,5% on your electric bills yearly. This can be equal to about $560.  

The cost of new energy-efficient windows

Energy-Efficient Window Cost Calculator

Want your brand-new windows to be more than framed glasses? The modern market offers dozens of options that feature a lot of technology. Whether you are interested in improved aesthetics, durability, or energy performance, you can get them all with the right design. But the energy-efficient window cost will change with every new input. With the cost calculator, you can try numerous variants to identify those with the best quality-price ratio.

The number of windows

How many windows do you want to replace or get installed afresh right off? A specified number can throw light on the total cost of installing energy-efficient windows. It’s clear that the more units you need, the higher the expenditure. 

Window replacement expenses may seem backbreaking for homeowners of larger homes or buildings with numerous windows. But they can benefit from such an upgrade in the days to come. Plus, many window companies offer impressive discounts for bulk orders, so replacing 3+ units can be more cost-effective. 

While chasing the best price can take ages, MyHomeQuote can make it a breeze. We can help you get custom quotes from different local contractors so that you can compare energy-efficient windows prices and avail yourself of the best deal. For more accurate results, specify the exact number and size of your soon-to-be-installed windows and geographic location. 

Window size

While small and mid-sized energy-saving windows can cost a pretty penny, the price can be doubled for their larger counterparts. The thing is that manufacturers need more materials for both the frame and the glass to produce one gigantic unit. It may also require additional reinforcement of the elements to maintain structural integrity.

Furthermore, the installation process of larger windows is more labor-intensive and sophisticated so contractors can charge more. Thus, a 24x36-inch window can set you back $250, but you’ll fork out up to $900 for a 46x54-inch one.

Window type

Depending on whether you go for single-hung, double-hung, casement, or bay options, the average cost of energy-efficient windows can be worlds apart. For instance, you can expect to spend from $170 to $750 for a casement unit, while the price of a bow window can go as high as $6,700. 

However, you need to compare features of all types to decide what variant is worth your investment. Thus, double-hung windows offer improved ventilation control compared to cheaper options. And specialized types like tilt-and-turn windows are pricier than traditional alternatives due to their superior sealing technology. 

Window frame material 

The material your window frames are made of is one of the vital aspects you shouldn’t overlook. Costly wood and cheap PVC are no longer the only options to choose from. You can also opt for aluminum, fiberglass, or composite alternatives. They all have different prices and energy efficiency levels, so choosing a frame material, try to balance upfront costs, aesthetic peculiarities, and energy-saving potential. Let’s discuss each variant in detail:

• Vinyl. As it’s the most affordable material on the market, many homeowners choose just it. Such frames can offer good thermal insulation and low maintenance. Even though you can find them in all possible hues, they will never provide the same aesthetic appeal as top-rated materials. And they are not available in all sizes and shapes. Vinyl energy-efficient windows cost from $240 to $580.
• Wood. These window frames come with a high price tag because wood offers stunning durability, superior aesthetics, and excellent insulation properties. However, the cost of wooden frames extends beyond the initial investment as regular pricey maintenance like painting or staining is required. The energy-efficient windows price can reach $2,100. 
• Fiberglass. Although fiberglass frames are more expensive than other materials, their long-term benefits result in cost savings. They’ll neither warp nor corrode nor rot over time. You can choose this material for mid-sized and large windows as such frames are designed to hold nonstandard panes of glass. Such energy-saving windows cost from $560 to $900.
• Aluminum. If you are looking for something more durable than vinyl but cheaper than fiberglass, aluminum frames can be the best bet. However, they lack insulation properties, meaning you’ll hardly be able to decrease energy usage. Some manufacturers include a thermal break in the construction to reduce heat loss, but such frames are more expensive. In general, you can spend from $360 to $1,100.
• Composite. Manufactured from a blend of materials, these frames are meant to optimize durability, maintenance, and insulation qualities. They can mimic the visual appeal of natural wood but won’t deal a nasty blow to your budget. How much are energy-efficient windows? You can pay anywhere from $300 to $1,150.

As some contractors only work with a specific window frame material, finding the right specialist in your area may be tricky. Don’t rush to refuse the selected option, but come to MyHomeQuote instead. We’ll go the extra mile to locate sought-after experts near you. Leave your request below, and we’ll do the rest.  

Spacer system 

Multi-pane windows can achieve optimum insulation performance only if highly insulated spacers are used. Designed to maintain an ideal distance between panes, they help prevent condensation and heat loss by creating enough room for gas fillings. Even though aluminum spacers are cheaper than polymer, fiberglass, or wooden ones, they can’t help much in reducing heat transfer. You can go for silicone or composite alternatives for higher energy efficiency and less expenses. 

It’s worth also paying attention to spacers with airtight seals or those equipped with desiccants for moisture absorption. They have a higher price tag than basic units but can make a difference in indoor temperature control.  

Glass type

A standard, single-pane window offers minimal insulation, so it can’t be called energy-saving. To get such a label, it should consist of two or three panes of glasses filled with gas in between. 

While double-pane windows show great results, triple-pane ones beat the Dutch as they can filter out up to 96% of the UV rays. In other words, you can keep your home cool, utility bills lower, and your furniture bright with such windows. The only stumbling block here can be about energy-efficient windows pricing. A unit with two panes costs about $850 installed, and you’ll have to shell out $1,970 for a triple-glazed alternative. 

Glass coating 

Top-class energy-efficient windows often come with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating representing a thin metallic layer that is empowered to reflect heat. As a result, your home stays cool even during hot days. There are two types of Low-E coatings – passive and solar control. The first reflects solar heat indoors, while the latter limits the amount of solar heat entering your home. 

The Low-E windows cost can vary depending on your chosen type, accounting for 10-15% of the unit’s price. Even though the initial expense of coated windows is higher, you’ll enjoy energy savings and enhanced home comfort in the future. 

Gas fill

Both argon and krypton gasses – used in double- or triple-pane windows – can boost a window’s thermal efficiency. Argon gas is more affordable and, thus, more widespread. But krypton gas offers better insulation due to its higher density (12 times denser than air). It’s often used in top-class windows or those with narrow gaps between glasses. 

What are Energy-Efficient Windows Made Of? 

Not every window can be qualified as an energy-efficient one. So, once you get quotes from contractors, make sure the offered window options are composed of frames, double or triple layers of glass, Low-E coating, gas fills, and spacers of top quality. Each component plays a pivotal role in reducing the amount of heat transfer between the indoors and the outdoors.