If your house is starting to feel drafty or you find yourself sneezing indoors when the seasons change, you may want to think about replacing your windows. New windows on your home can lead to lower energy bills and an increase in your home’s value, but sometimes a simple repair will do the trick.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the telltale signs that you need new windows and what window replacement may cost you. We also asked experts for tips on choosing the best windows for your home.
Key Takeaways
- You should replace your windows if you notice foggy windows, water leakage, or higher electric bills.
- The cost to replace your windows averages $554 per window.
- In many cases, it’s worth repairing your windows rather than replacing them, especially if they’re less than 10 years old. The majority of respondents in our 2025 window survey replaced their windows when their home was more than 20 years old.
- Energy efficiency was cited as the most important factor (40.8%) when searching for new windows, even over price (24.2%).
Signs You Need To Replace Your Windows
How do you know when to replace your windows? According to our 2025 windows survey, the top three reasons that homeowners decided to replace their windows were for energy efficiency cost savings (42.9%), racked, damaged, or broken window frames or sills (27.9%), and it being too hot or too cold in the house (12.3%). If you’re experiencing one or more of these common window issues, it may be time to budget for replacements.
- How long windows last depends on a few factors, including the materials used, how often they’re maintained, your local climate, and whether the windows were properly installed. Aluminum windows, for example, may only last 15 years before needing to be replaced, while fiberglass windows can last up to 50 years.
Difficult To Open, Close, or Lock
A well-functioning window should be easy to open and close, sliding up and down smoothly and easily locking. There are a few factors that affect window operability, including deteriorating frames, degraded window materials, or a shifting foundation.
All three may require replacing your windows to regain full functionality, but a foundation issue will quickly affect how your windows work. A local window company can asses the situation and provide replacement recommendations.
Poor Energy Efficiency
If your home starts feeling drafty and you notice higher energy bills, your windows may be the culprit. Whether due to poor installation or the materials wearing out over time, drafty windows can send your energy costs skyrocketing and significantly strain your heating and cooling systems. In some cases, fixing the seal will do the trick, but if you still notice drafts, you may need to consider replacement.
Water Leakage
You might not always see water coming in at the window itself, but if you notice signs like high humidity in the room, water stains on the interior frame, or warped flooring under your window, you may have a serious leak. Water damage can be expensive and dangerous, so it’s worth replacing your leaky windows as soon as you notice the issue.
Foggy Glass
Regular condensation on glass panes when it’s humid inside or outside your home isn’t anything to worry about. But if you have double- or triple-paned windows that seem foggy or cloudy, it could mean that the seal around the pane has broken and moisture has gotten in between the glass. Depending on how damaged the seal is, you may be able to remedy the issue with a simple repair. But the longer you let it linger, the more necessary a full replacement could become.
Worsening Allergies
If you notice an uptick in seasonal allergy symptoms when your windows are closed, the seals around your windows may have greatly deteriorated. This can let pollen enter your home, which means it will no longer be a respite from the effects of the changing seasons. In some cases, repairing the seals will be sufficient, but if they’re too far gone, you’ll want to replace the entire window.
Outdoor Noise
Are you having trouble sleeping at night due to traffic sounds, or can you clearly hear every time your neighbor runs over a stick with their lawnmower? If you find your stereo or TV drowned out by sounds outside your home, consider upgrading to more soundproof windows. Replacing your single-pane windows with double- or triple-paned ones can greatly reduce the amount of noise bleeding in, thus significantly improving your quality of life.
Outdated Style or Poor Curb Appeal
Just as fashion trends come and go, architectural styles can also fade from favor. If you’re selling your home or simply want to boost your property value, consider updating your windows to a more current look. Choosing the right replacement windows can modernize your home’s look and unify a design vision, making your house more attractive to potential buyers.
Repairing vs. Replacing Windows
If your windows are on the older side, leaky, or no longer operable, you should replace them. But in many situations, you can save money and stress by repairing certain components to restore them to full functionality.
It makes sense to repair your windows in the following cases:
- The glass is broken. Window companies can replace the glass in your windows through a process called window reglazing.
- Only one component is broken. If you need a new seal or window lock, it’s much cheaper to replace the part than the entire window.
- You live in a historic district. Many historic neighborhoods around the country have strict rules regarding the home’s original windows, so it will likely be more cost-effective (and less of a fight with the city) to make older windows more energy efficient. If you live in one of these districts, there’s likely at least one local company that specializes in antique window restoration.
- The frame materials are expensive. If, for instance, you’ve invested in expensive window frame materials, such as wood or fiberglass, it might make financial sense to keep the frames in place and replace individual components.
So, how often do windows need to be replaced? “Windows that are 15 to 20 years old are typically good candidates for replacement, regardless of how they look,” says Jeramy Sibley, president of Glass Doctor. “Homeowners may want to upgrade to insulated glass if [their] windows are not already double-pane; it is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.”
Many factors are at play, but here’s a general replacement timeline to consider based on the type of windows you have.
| Type of Window | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 15–30 years |
| Fiberglass | 30–50 years |
| Vinyl | 20–40 years |
| Wood | 15–30 years |
Cost of Replacing Windows
There are a few factors that determine the cost of window replacement, but our research shows it usually costs an average of $554 per window. The table below breaks down the cost range and average window replacement costs based on the number of windows.
| Number of Windows | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 window | – | $554 |
| 5–6 windows | $2,768–$3,322 | $3,045 |
| 8–10 windows | $4,429–$5,536 | $4,982 |
| 13–15 windows | $7,197–$8,404 | $7,750 |
| 18–20 windows | $9,965–$11,072 | $10,518 |
| 23–25 windows | $12,732–$13,840 | $13,286 |
This table shows the average cost for replacing a window by type.
| Window Type | Average Price Per Window |
|---|---|
| Awning | $429 |
| Bay | $516 |
| Bow | $418 |
| Casement | $611 |
| Double-hung | $555 |
| Egress | $473 |
| Glass block | $540 |
| Picture | $579 |
| Single-hung | $498 |
| Sliding | $624 |
| Specialty/custom | $575 |
| Transom | $547 |
Tips for Choosing New Windows
If you’ve decided to replace your windows, choosing the best replacement windows for your needs is the next important decision. “When choosing which type of windows to install, it’s important to strike the right balance between aesthetics, performance, and budget, ” says Kriss Swint, director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products.
We asked homeowners about the most important aspects they looked for when purchasing new windows in our 2025 survey, and they said the following:
- Energy efficiency: 40.8%
- Price: 24.2%
- Warranty coverage: 10.4%
- Brand: 9.9%
- Window style/appearance: 9.5%
- Window frame material: 4.7%
- Other: 0.5%
There are five main elements to consider when choosing new windows. To learn more, we reached out to Nicole Willits, strategic product initiatives and sustainability manager at Pella Corporation.
Lifestyle
It’s important to consider the role of the rooms in which your replacement windows will be installed and how they function in your home and family life. Willits suggests you ask a few questions to determine what kind of windows you want:
- Will you need to keep blinds and shades out of reach of little hands or paws? If so, you might want to consider product lines that offer between-the-glass blinds and shades options.
- Do you redecorate frequently?
- What about regional considerations—does your area see extreme temperatures? The climate you live in can help determine what type of glass will make your windows the most energy efficient for your home.
Budget
The second most important factor to consider is your budget. “Factors like window materials, the size of windows, and additional features and options all play a factor in determining the cost of a new or replacement window,” says Willits. “When you’re ready to start planning your budget, schedule a free in-home consultation [with a window company] to get a better idea of what a new window will cost.”
Window Materials
There are a few different kinds of materials to choose from, so learning the pros and cons of each will help you determine how to choose your replacement windows.
Window Types
“Choose the window type and material that best suits your style and home,” says Willits. “There are several different window types, including awning, casement, sliding, bay, and bow as well as single- and double-hung windows, all available in a range of standard sizes.” If none of these options fit your preferences, you can also go the custom route.
Window Features and Options
Many window companies offer virtual window design tools that allow you to look at different features, options, and styles before you commit to buying. Willits recommends these tools to learn about the options you find most aesthetically pleasing and functional. “You can automate your between-the-glass blinds or shades or remotely check on the security of your windows from the convenience of your smartphone,” she says. “Select grille patterns that complement the architecture of your home and glass options that enhance overall energy efficiency.”
Conclusion
Replacing your windows is a significant investment but one that can greatly enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value. Whether you’re dealing with drafty panes, persistent noise, or outdated styles, recognizing signs of failing windows early can save you from more costly repairs down the line. By carefully weighing the benefits of repair versus replacement and selecting windows that fit your lifestyle and budget, you can ensure a smart, lasting upgrade for your home.