Window replacement is the third-most-common home improvement project behind roofing and flooring. 2026 per-window pricing installed: vinyl $500-$900, fiberglass $800-$1,400, aluminum-clad wood $1,100-$2,200, solid wood $1,500-$2,800. Specialty shapes (bay, bow, arch) add 40-80% over standard double-hung. Federal 25C credit covers 30% of cost up to $600/year.
Full-frame vs insert installation
Insert replacement removes the sash but keeps the existing frame — cheaper (saves $150-$350 per window), faster, and good for homes with structurally sound frames and no water damage. Full-frame replacement tears out the entire window including frame, flashing, and trim — required when frames are rotted, when you're changing window size, or when existing flashing is failing. Full-frame costs 40-70% more but solves underlying moisture issues that insert installs just cover up.
Glass package decisions
Double-pane with low-E and argon fill is the 2026 baseline — required by most energy codes and qualifies for 25C tax credit at U-factor 0.30 or below. Triple-pane adds $150-$350 per window and makes sense in climates below Zone 5 (cold Minnesota, North Dakota, upper Maine) where the payback runs 10-15 years. Soft-coat low-E (on surface 2 and 3) outperforms hard-coat by 15-20% but costs $40-$80 more per window. Impact-resistant glass (required in Florida and coastal zones) runs $200-$400 extra per window.
Vinyl vs fiberglass vs wood — picking the frame
Vinyl (60% of replacement market): cheapest, no maintenance, limited color options, 20-30 year lifespan. Fiberglass: stronger than vinyl, better thermal performance, paintable, 40+ year lifespan — the emerging mid-range choice. Wood (usually aluminum-clad exterior): premium look, best for historic or high-end homes, needs exterior maintenance every 5-10 years. Composite (Andersen Fibrex, Marvin Ultimate): combines the best properties but costs 20-40% more than standard vinyl.