Number of Windows
The number of windows you’re replacing directly impacts price — if you’re replacing all of your home’s windows, you will pay thousands more than a homeowner who is replacing only a few windows. Focusing on replacing only old windows or windows in the home’s most-used rooms can help homeowners see the benefits in their energy bills on a budget.
Type of Property
The type of property, whether residential or commercial, can significantly influence the cost you pay in total due to the number of windows in the building. While residential properties have fewer windows than commercial buildings, large windows or unique designs can increase the cost due to higher material and labor requirements. Commercial properties may also adhere to stricter energy efficiency standards, which might involve using specific window types and coatings that increase costs.
Location
Your location can impact the cost installation process, both of which influence price. For example, harsh climates, such as extreme cold or high humidity, might necessitate additional measures to ensure proper insulation and sealing. Labor costs will vary by area, with areas with higher costs of living having higher window installation costs.
In areas with numerous window installation companies competing for business, prices might be more competitive, leading to potentially lower homeowner costs. This is one reason why getting multiple quotes before locking in your rate is important.
Installation Complexity and Labor Costs
The complexity of your installation will directly influence labor costs. Simple windows that are easy to replace usually cost between $100 to $550 per window, depending on the type. More complicated windows that require anchoring (like bay and bow windows) may cost as much as $650 to $1,100 per window.
Glass Coatings and Features
Glass coatings enhance the performance, energy efficiency and comfort of your windows. Some common coating options you’ll see may include the following.
- Low-e (low-emissivity) coatings: Low-e coatings are thin, transparent layers of metallic material applied to the glass surface that control the amount of heat and light that passes through the glass.
- Solar control coatings: Solar control coatings block a portion of the sun’s heat and visible light, keeping the interior room cooler — improving efficiency and comfort of eastern-facing rooms.
- Triple silver coatings: Triple silver coatings consist of multiple layers of silver that offer superior solar control and low emissivity properties.
Window manufacturers may offer multiple window coatings based on your local climate. Each coating you select for your windows will contribute to an extra cost per window.
Another feature that will influence cost is the spacer, or the gas between the panes of glass. A spacer helps create more energy-efficient windows by reducing heat transfer, as well as helping improve noise reduction. Krypton gas provides the most efficiency and insulation but comes at a higher price than argon gas. The most cost-effective option is a triple-pane glass with air instead of a gas spacer.
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