How Much Do Double-Hung Windows Cost? A Complete Price Breakdown

Average Cost of Double-Hung Window Replacement

Before we consider the main factors, let's look at what you can expect to pay based on the quality of materials and types of panes:

Budget windows are a good option if you need an urgent replacement but have limited funds. However, expect to replace them sooner, and keep in mind they will have lower energy efficiency. Mid-range frames with double-pane Low-E glass are where most homeowners find the best balance of cost, efficiency, and longevity. Premium options such as fiberglass, wood-clad, or high-end brands make sense for historic homes, extreme climates, or when resale value is a priority.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Double-Hung Windows?

The difference between a $400 window and a $1,200 window is significant. What factors drive this difference?

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  Small, Medium, or Large? How Window Size Affects the Price

  Bigger windows mean more glass, more frame material, and more labor. Standard sizes are cheaper than custom orders; ordering custom sizes can add 20–30% to the unit price.

  Window Size (inches)	Approximate Sq. Ft.	Price Range (installed)
  24 × 36 (standard small)	6	$400-$700
  28 × 54 (standard medium)	∼10.5	$550-$900
  36 × 60 (large)	15	$700-$1,200
  Custom/oversized	20+	$1,200-$3,700+

  Stick to standard sizes whenever possible — it's one of the easiest ways to control costs without sacrificing quality.

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  Window Frame Material Costs

  The frame determines how long your window lasts, how much maintenance it needs, and a significant chunk of the price.

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    Vinyl: Extruded polyvinyl chloride remains the most popular choice due to its low cost and resistance to moisture. Modern vinyl frames feature multi-chambered interiors that trap air, providing excellent insulation without requiring painting or staining.

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    Wood: Highly valued for historical compliance and high-end aesthetics, natural wood offers superior thermal insulation. However, it demands regular painting or sealing every three to five years to prevent rot, warping, and insect damage, making it the most high-maintenance option.

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    Fiberglass: Composed of glass fibers and resin, fiberglass frames are incredibly strong and stable. They expand and contract at nearly the exact same rate as the glass panes they hold, which drastically reduces the risk of seal failure over a 30-year lifespan.

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    Composite: Made from a blend of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers (such as Andersen's proprietary Fibrex), composites offer the rich look of wood with the maintenance-free durability of vinyl.

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    Aluminum: Highly rigid and impact-resistant, aluminum frames are ideal for hurricane-prone coastal regions. However, because metal conducts heat rapidly, they require specialized thermal breaks to prevent high energy loss.

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  Double-Hung Window Cost by Brand

  Brand reputation is important in the window industry. Established manufacturers are more expensive, but they also provide better warranties, stricter quality control, and more reliable customer service. Brands like Pella and Andersen offer diverse product lines ranging from affordable vinyl to ultra-premium composites and wood. Marvin, on the other hand, focuses heavily on high-end fiberglass and wood-clad windows, which is reflected in their pricing.

  Here's how the major players compare:

  Brand	Unit Price (double-hung)	Best For
  Simonton	$195-$435	Budget full-house replacement
  Andersen 100/400 Series	$200-$400	Mid-range, wide availability
  Pella 250/Lifestyle	$300-$700	Design-focused buyers
  Marvin Essential/Signature	$500-$1,200	Premium/architectural projects

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  Glass Type: Where Energy Efficiency Gets Real

  The glass package you choose has a bigger impact on your energy bills than the frame. Here's how the options compare.

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    Single-Pane vs. Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane

    Single-pane glass is outdated for main living spaces — thin, zero insulation, and no thermal protection. Fine for a detached workshop, not for a bedroom.

    Double-pane is the standard — two glass layers with a gas-filled gap between them. It significantly reduces heat transfer and pays for itself in energy savings over time.

    Triple-pane adds another layer and is worth considering in climates with harsh winters (Minnesota, Maine, Montana). Expect to pay $100–$200 more per window for the upgrade.

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    Specialty Glass: Low-E, Argon, Krypton, and Laminated

    • Low-E (low-emissivity) coating: A microscopically thin metal oxide layer that reflects infrared heat while letting light through. This is the most cost-effective upgrade you can make — add roughly $30–$80 per window and reduce heat gain/loss significantly.
    • Argon gas fill: Replaces the air between panes with a denser gas that slows heat transfer. Standard on most mid-range and premium windows; adds $20–$50 per window.
    • Krypton gas fill: Denser and more effective than argon, but roughly double the cost. Best suited for triple-pane windows where the gas gap is narrower.
    • Laminated glass: A plastic interlayer bonded between glass layers for impact resistance and noise reduction. Essential in hurricane zones; adds $100–$200 per window.
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  Labor and Installation Costs

  Labor accounts for 30–50% of your total project cost. Most contractors charge $75–$300 per window for standard installations. What affects that number:

  • Retrofit/pocket installation (new window is installed into the existing frame): Less labor, less disruption, lower cost
  • Full-frame replacement (frame stripped to rough opening): Adds $150–$250 per window, but is necessary when frames are rotted or damaged
  • Upper floors: Second-story windows require scaffolding or ladders — add $50–$100+ per window
  • Removal and disposal: Budget $10–$20 per window for old window disposal
  • Urban markets: Expect 15–25% higher labor rates than rural or suburban areas
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  Window Configuration and Style Factors

  While a standard double-hung window is quite simple, if you decide to customize it—for example, by adding decorative grids between the glass panes or applying custom exterior colors—it will increase your total budget.

  Hardware upgrades, such as premium metallic finishes for the locks and lift handles, also affect the price. If you want a specialty shape, like a double-hung window with an arched top, you will have to order a custom window, which can double the price.

Additional Costs to Consider

Upgrades and Add-Ons Worth Knowing About

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  Window grilles/grids: $30–$75 per window (often a checkbox when ordering)

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  Interior window trim/casing: $50–$150 per window if your existing trim doesn't match the new frame profile

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  Window treatments: Blinds or shades for new windows cost $30–$200+ each

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  Smart glass (electrochromic): Still an emerging technology — expect to pay $50–$150 per sq. ft.

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  Storm windows: Add $75–$350 per window if you're keeping wood frames in cold climates

What Maintenance and Repairs Cost Over Time

Double-hung windows are lower maintenance than casement or awning styles, but they're not maintenance-free:

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  Weatherstripping replacement: $5–$20 in materials, and you can do it yourself

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  Broken glass seal (foggy glass): $75–$175 to replace the insulated glass unit — often worth doing on frames that are otherwise in good shape

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  Sash replacement: $150–$400 per sash if the frame is intact

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  Full window replacement: Back to square one at $400–$1,200+

The material you choose today impacts your expenses tomorrow. Vinyl and fiberglass require virtually no maintenance other than an occasional wash with soap and water. Wood windows, on the other hand, need periodic repainting or re-staining every few years to seal out moisture and prevent rot. Without proper maintenance, wood windows may require extensive repairs or replacement.

How Double-Hung Windows Compare to Other Window Types

Double-hung windows aren't the cheapest style, but they're close to the middle of the range:

Single-hung windows save $50–$150 per window because only the bottom sash moves. However, you can’t open the top for optimal ventilation, and cleaning the exterior of upper floors requires going outside.

DIY vs. Professional Double-Hung Window Installation

Handling the installation yourself can save $75–$300 per window in labor. It’s real money on a 10-window project. But this approach can be risky:

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  An improperly sealed window doesn’t protect against water intrusion, which can cause mold and structural damage that costs far more to fix than the labor savings. 

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  Most window warranties explicitly require professional installation — you void coverage when installing it yourself

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  Measuring errors are common and can mean an expensive reorder

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  Two-story windows require fall protection equipment that most homeowners simply ignore

DIY window replacement is a good idea only when:

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  You're replacing a ground-floor window in an existing, structurally sound frame

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  You have intermediate-level carpentry experience

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  The window is a standard size that fits without modification

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  You're comfortable with weatherstripping and caulking to code

For everything else, hire a licensed, insured contractor. The quality of the seal around a window directly determines its energy performance, and a poorly installed $1,000 window can be worse than a well-installed $500 one.

When you decide to hire a pro, HomeBuddy connects you with pre-screened, verified local window contractors, so you're not left guessing about the quality or reliability of who shows up.

Are Double-Hung Windows Worth the Investment?

Despite the upfront costs, replacing old windows with modern double-hung models offers meaningful long-term value. First and foremost, you will see an immediate improvement in your home's comfort and will noticeably reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. Energy Star-certified windows can save homeowners hundreds of dollars annually, depending on their local climate.

Beyond energy savings, double-hung windows significantly improve your property’s curb appeal and interior aesthetics. Because both sashes tilt inward, cleaning the exterior glass safely from inside your home is easier — a major benefit for second-story rooms. According to the Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda Media, window replacement typically recoups 50–77% of its cost at resale, depending on frame material, with vinyl often delivering the strongest return. 

Ways to Save Money on Double-Hung Window Replacement

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  Install many windows at once. Contractors commonly offer 10–15% discounts when replacing 10 or more windows at once. Even if you're only replacing a few now, ask whether bundling future work earns you better pricing.

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  Schedule in the off-season. Window installers are slower in late fall and winter. Scheduling in the off-season can save 10–20% in labor rates for homeowners willing to work around cooler weather.

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  Choose retrofit over full-frame replacement when the frame is solid. Pocket installations cost $150–$250 less per window. If your frames are structurally sound and square, there's no reason to tear them out.

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  Stick to standard sizes. Custom windows cost 20–30% more. Standard dimensions are almost always available off the shelf with a much shorter lead time.

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  Claim the federal tax credit. The Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30% of the cost of qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified windows, up to $600 per year. File IRS Form 5695 with your return.

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  Get three quotes and compare scope, not just price. A lower bid that includes a pocket install where a full-frame replacement is needed isn't actually cheaper — it's a deferred problem.

Conclusion

Replacing your windows is a great way to improve your home. By carefully selecting your frame materials, glass packages, and reliable brands, you can maximize both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Remember that even the highest-quality window will fail if installed improperly, making professional installation a necessity rather than a luxury.

When you are ready to start your project, trust HomeBuddy to connect you with top-rated, verified local contractors who will get the job done right, ensuring your home stays beautiful and comfortable for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions