Window replacement is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your home—not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for improved energy efficiency, noise reduction, and long-term cost savings. But the question homeowners ask most often is: How much does it really cost to replace your windows?
To help answer that, we spoke with Voytek Glab, a professional installer and owner of Perfect Windows, a trusted window and siding company serving the Chicagoland area. With decades of hands-on experience, Voytek shares what factors truly affect the cost of window replacement—and what homeowners should expect when budgeting for this important project.
Average Cost of Window Replacement
According to Voytek, the average cost per window ranges from $750 to $1,200. But this price range depends heavily on multiple variables, including window type, size, material, glass options, frame color, and energy efficiency features.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Window Type | Approximate Price Range (per window) |
| Double-Hung Window | $750 – $950 |
| Casement Window | $800 – $1,050 |
| Picture Window | $800 – $1,100 |
| Slider Window | $750 – $1,000 |
| Bay or Bow Window | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
Keep in mind: This pricing includes professional installation, not just the cost of materials.
What Affects the Cost of Window Replacement?
Voytek explains that there’s no one-size-fits-all pricing in the window industry. Every window project is different. Here are the top variables that influence final costs:
1. Type of Window
Different window styles come with different complexities and materials.
- Double-Hung Windows (which open from the top and bottom) are a classic and budget-friendly option.
- Casement Windows, which open outward with a crank, are slightly more expensive due to additional hardware.
- Picture Windows (large fixed-pane windows that don’t open) typically cost more due to size and custom fitting.
- Bay and Bow Windows are the most expensive because they consist of multiple windows joined at angles and often require structural support and finishing work.
2. Frame and Interior/Exterior Color Options
The color of your window frames—inside and outside—can significantly impact the cost. While standard white or beige vinyl is typically included in base pricing, upgrading to black, bronze, or custom wood-look finishes raises the price due to additional materials and factory processes.
3. Glass Specifications
Glass technology plays a huge role in the final window cost—and in your long-term energy savings.
Here are some of the glass options Perfect Windows offers:
- Argon Gas Fill: A layer of insulating gas between panes that improves energy efficiency.
- Low-E Glass Coating: Reduces UV rays and heat transfer, helping regulate indoor temperatures.
- Triple Pane Glass: Offers greater insulation and soundproofing, but comes at a premium.
- U-Factor: This is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow. Lower numbers mean better insulation.
Voytek notes: “The most common U-Factor for a high-performance window is between 0.28 and 0.22. The lower the U-Factor, the more energy-efficient the window—but also, the higher the cost.”
4. Installation Requirements
Not all installations are equal. There are two main methods of window installation:
- Insert/Retrofit Installation: Replaces only the sash and uses the existing frame. It’s faster and more affordable but only suitable when the original frame is in good condition.
- Full Frame Installation: Involves removing the entire window unit down to the studs. This allows for insulation upgrades and full-frame replacements—ideal for older homes but more labor-intensive and therefore more expensive.
Voytek and his team at Perfect Windows always evaluate the structure and condition of your current windows to recommend the most appropriate installation method.
Is Window Replacement Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. Here’s why:
- Energy Savings: Replacing outdated windows with ENERGY STAR® rated models can save you up to 15% on your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Increased Home Value: A window replacement project has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) of any home upgrade—averaging over 70%.
- Better Comfort: No more cold drafts, hot spots, or fogged-up glass.
- Noise Reduction: Modern windows, especially those with laminated or triple-pane glass, drastically reduce outside noise—great for urban or high-traffic areas.
Can I Replace All Windows at Once?
While some homeowners opt to replace all windows at once for consistency, others choose to phase the project over time.
Voytek recommends replacing all windows in a particular elevation or level of your home at once, especially if energy loss is a major concern or if you’re looking for a uniform exterior appearance.
Financing Options and Cost-Saving Tips
Perfect Windows understands that replacing multiple windows can be a significant expense. That’s why they offer:
- Flexible financing options
- Free in-home consultations
- Transparent, itemized estimates
- Access to energy rebates in Illinois for high-efficiency upgrades
Voytek advises: “Don’t choose the cheapest window. Choose the best long-term value. A low-cost window that fails in 5–7 years will cost you more in the long run.”
Why Choose Perfect Windows?
- Locally owned and operated
- Over 20 years of experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- Lifetime warranties on products and workmanship
- Expert guidance from start to finish
Voytek Glab personally oversees each installation to ensure flawless workmanship and honest customer service. That’s why Perfect Windows is one of the most trusted names in window replacement across Chicagoland.
Ready to Replace Your Windows?
If you’re considering a window replacement, let Perfect Windows help you get it done right. With quality products, expert installation, and fair pricing, you’ll see the difference from the very first consultation.
Schedule your free estimate today with Voytek Glab and the team at Perfect Windows—and take the first step toward a more comfortable, beautiful, and energy-efficient home.