We surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide to learn more about their replacement window purchases and installation experiences. We asked why homeowners replaced their windows, how they chose a company, what they paid, and whether they feel satisfied with the results. Our survey, which was conducted in 2026, also explores how homeowner preferences have changed over the last year by highlighting trends in buying behavior, project costs, and overall satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- The average cost of a window replacement project increased 13% compared to our 2025 survey, with homeowners spending $7,183 on average and replacing seven windows per project.
- Big-box home improvement stores were the most common place homeowners purchased replacement windows, while Andersen Windows was the most popular individual brand.
- Nearly 90% of homeowners reported lower monthly energy bills after replacing their windows, with $25–$49 per month being the most common savings range.
- More than 95% of homeowners said they were satisfied with their replacement windows, with many reporting quieter homes, fewer drafts, and improved comfort after installation.
Why Do Homeowners Replace Their Windows?
Most homeowners replaced their windows because their existing ones had reached the end of their useful life or were no longer performing as expected. In our 2026 survey, aging windows (22%), damaged window frames or sills (21%), and cracked or broken glass (18%) were the most common reasons for replacement. Energy savings (11%) and drafts or inconsistent indoor temperatures (7%) also motivated many homeowners.
The table below highlights the main reasons homeowners replaced their windows based on our survey.
| Replacement Factor | Percentage of Survey Respondents |
|---|---|
|
Aging windows |
22% |
|
Damaged window frames or sills |
21% |
|
Cracked or broken glass |
18% |
|
Energy savings |
11% |
|
Condensation between panes |
9% |
|
Drafts or inconsistent indoor temperatures |
7% |
A few other reasons for replacing windows were much less common. For example, some homeowners wanted to increase their home’s value or improve curb appeal. Other responses included hurricane protection, noise reduction, and homeowners association (HOA) requirements.
How Much Do New Windows Cost?
Project costs can vary based on the number of windows being replaced, the window style, frame material, glass package, and labor. In our 2026 survey, homeowners spent an average of $7,183 on their replacement project and $525 per window before installation.
Compared to last year, homeowners took on larger projects and paid more overall, with average project costs increasing by 13% and per-window costs rising by 10%. Homeowners also replaced an average of seven windows per project, up from six in our 2025 survey, making full- or partial-home window replacements more common than single-window projects.
Window Style and Glass Options
The type of window homeowners chose influenced what they paid. Hurricane windows had the highest average cost in our survey at $645 per window, followed by architectural specialty windows ($580) and double-hung windows ($551). Single-hung windows were among the most affordable at $474 per window, followed by bow windows ($492).
Glass package also affected pricing. Triple-pane windows averaged $609 per window, compared to $529 for double-pane windows and $400 for single-pane models. While triple-pane windows carried the highest upfront cost, they can provide greater insulation and energy efficiency in colder climates.
Window Frame Material
Window frame material was another important cost driver. Fiberglass frames averaged $564 per window, which ranked as the most expensive common material in our survey. Vinyl averaged $472 per window, making it one of the most affordable options. The chart below compares average costs by frame material.
Cost of Window Frame Materials
Financing and Final Project Costs
Most homeowners stayed close to their expected budget when buying new windows. More than 60% said their final project cost matched the original quote, while another 10% paid less than expected. About 27% reported paying more than quoted, reinforcing the value of comparing estimates and understanding exactly what is included in a contractor’s proposal.
Credit cards were the most common payment method, used by 46% of homeowners, followed by cash or checks (34%). Only 15% of respondents financed their project, and among that group, nearly half used financing offered directly by their window company. Based on these results, homeowners were more likely to pay upfront or use existing credit than finance their window replacement through a loan.
How Do Homeowners Choose a Window Company?
Our survey showed that homeowners take a thoughtful approach when choosing a replacement window company. Rather than hiring the first contractor they found, most homeowners spent time researching providers, comparing multiple quotes, and evaluating a few different factors before making a decision.
How Homeowners Researched Window Companies
Search engines were the most common way homeowners researched replacement window companies (49%), followed closely by recommendations from family, friends, or neighbors (44%), and using company websites (44%). Customer reviews also played an important role, with 35% of respondents using review sites to evaluate providers.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more common in the home improvement research process, we also asked homeowners whether they used AI tools to compare window companies or learn about replacement windows. More than one in four homeowners (27%) reported using AI during their research, making it a more popular resource than social media or speaking directly with a company representative.
What Influenced Window Buying Decisions?
Price was the most important factor for homeowners in our survey when choosing a window company, but installation quality ranked a close second. Energy efficiency, brand reputation, and warranty coverage also played an important role, suggesting that homeowners looked beyond upfront costs when comparing providers.
| Buying Factor | Percent of Survey Respondents |
|---|---|
|
Price |
32% |
|
Installation quality |
17% |
|
Energy efficiency |
15% |
|
Brand reputation |
12% |
|
Warranty coverage |
11% |
Homeowner Insights
Nearly 8 in 10 homeowners in our survey received two or three quotes before hiring a window company. We recommend getting at least three estimates so you can compare pricing, installation, warranties, and product options before signing a contract.
Where Do Homeowners Buy New Windows?
Buying windows from home improvement retailers, like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, remained the most popular shopping choice in our 2026 survey (19%), followed closely by Andersen Windows (18%). Renewal by Andersen and Champion Windows also ranked among other popular window replacement brands. Compared to our 2025 survey, brand preferences remained relatively stable, with no single company emerging as a clear market leader.
The table below highlights the window companies homeowners most frequently selected in our survey.
| Window Brand | Percent of Survey Respondents |
|---|---|
|
Big-box retailers |
19% |
|
Andersen |
18% |
|
Renewal by Andersen |
9% |
|
Champion |
9% |
|
Pella |
5% |
|
Window World |
5% |
Overall, homeowners reported feeling highly satisfied with the window company they chose. Nearly all respondents (95%) said they were either very satisfied (60%) or satisfied (35%) with their replacement windows.
Most Popular Window Types and Features
Choosing replacement windows involves more than selecting a company. Homeowners also need to consider window styles, frame materials, and performance features. Our survey found that these preferences remained largely consistent with last year, with practical, energy-efficient options continuing to dominate responses.
Most Popular Window Styles
Sliding windows were the most popular window style among homeowners in our survey (37%), followed by double-hung (17%) and picture windows (16%). Compared to our 2025 survey, overall style preferences changed very little, suggesting homeowners continue to favor versatile, low-maintenance designs. Fiberglass was the most popular frame material (29%), followed by wood (22%), vinyl (22%), and aluminum (19%).
Most Popular Window Features
Double-pane windows remained the standard choice, with 73% of homeowners selecting this option over single- or triple-pane windows. Among optional upgrades, noise-reducing glass ranked first (33%), followed by window tinting (27%), impact-resistant glass (24%), and ultraviolet (UV) light protection (23%). Fewer homeowners chose decorative upgrades or smart window features, suggesting that practical performance benefits remained the priority.
Homeowner Insights
Homeowner decisions to invest in low-emissivity (low-e) glass coatings shifted from our 2025 survey. After ranking as the most popular optional window feature last year (37%), only 14% of homeowners choose low-e coatings in 2026, while noise-reducing glass moved into the top spot.
What Is the Window Installation Experience Like?
Overall, homeowners reported a smooth window installation process. More than half (56%) said their final project cost matched the original quote, while another 14% paid less than expected. Most installations were also completed quickly, with 78% of homeowners saying their project took three days or less. When issues did occur, installation delays and unexpected costs were the most common. However, nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) said their project went smoothly without any major issues.
Do New Windows Improve Home Comfort?
Replacing old windows delivered noticeable benefits for most homeowners in our survey. The most commonly reported benefit was easier window operation (48%), followed by less outside noise (40%), improved overall comfort (39%), fewer drafts (33%), and more consistent indoor temperatures (32%).
Nearly 30% of homeowners also reported lower monthly energy bills after installing new windows. Among homeowners who saw energy savings, 45% said their monthly utility bills decreased by $25–$49, making it the most common price range reported.
How Do Window Replacements Vary by Region?
Window replacement priorities varied across the country based on factors like home age, regional housing styles, and local weather conditions. We’ll explain how homeowners in each region approached their window replacement projects below.
The Midwest had the oldest homes in our survey, with many homeowners replacing aging windows in properties more than 20 years old. Double-hung windows and vinyl frames were the most common choices, and the region led the country in triple-pane window installations. These preferences align with the colder winters many Midwestern homeowners experience, where added insulation can help improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Aging windows were the leading reason for replacement in the Northeast. Homeowners most often selected double-hung windows with fiberglass frames and frequently added UV protection and impact-resistant glass. These choices reflect the region’s older housing stock, where homeowners often balance preserving traditional home styles with improving performance.
Damaged window frames and broken glass were the most common reasons Southern homeowners replaced their windows. Sliding windows topped the list of replacement styles, while impact-resistant glass was the region’s most popular upgrade. Given the South’s frequent hurricanes and severe storms, it’s not surprising that many homeowners prioritized stronger, more durable glass.
Homeowners in the West most often replaced aging windows and favored sliding windows with vinyl frames. UV protection was the leading window upgrade, reflecting the region’s greater year-round sun exposure and homeowners’ focus on reducing heat gain and protecting interior furnishings.
What We Learned About Window Replacement
Every window replacement project is different, but our survey revealed a few clear patterns. From how homeowners choose a company to what they wish they had known beforehand, these insights highlight what matters most throughout the replacement process.
Homeowners Look Beyond Price
Although price was the most important factor for our survey respondents when choosing a window company, homeowners rarely focused on cost alone. Installation quality, energy efficiency, brand reputation, and warranty coverage also influenced many purchasing decisions. Many homeowners recommended comparing multiple quotes, thoroughly researching companies, and choosing an experienced installer over the lowest bid.
Planning Helps Avoid Surprises
Many homeowners spent one to four weeks researching window replacement companies, comparing quotes, and evaluating their options before choosing a contractor. Still, 25% of respondents said they were least prepared for the total project cost, while others underestimated the number of window options available or the installation process. Although most homeowners ultimately stayed within their original budget, taking time to understand costs, timelines, and product options can help set realistic expectations.
The Benefits Go Beyond Curb Appeal
For most respondents, replacing their windows delivered improvements that extend beyond appearance. Homeowners most often reported quieter interiors, greater comfort, and fewer drafts after installation. Other respondents also found their windows easier to operate and noticed lower energy bills, reinforcing the long-term value of investing in quality products and experienced installers.
Is Replacing Your Windows Worth It?
For most homeowners in our survey, the answer is yes. Nearly 95% of respondents were satisfied with their new windows, and 91% would recommend their replacement window company to others. Beyond replacing damaged or aging windows, many homeowners reported improvements in comfort, quieter interiors, easier window operation, and lower energy bills.
While replacement windows require a significant upfront investment, our survey suggests that homeowners who take the time to research companies, compare multiple quotes, and choose the right products will more likely feel satisfied with the results. Whether your goal is to improve energy efficiency, reduce outside noise, or update aging windows, planning ahead can help you get the most value from your investment.
Our Survey Methodology
In 2026, we surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners to better understand the window replacement process. Respondents replaced one or more windows within the past five years and represented a range of ages, genders, home types, and geographic regions. The survey explored why homeowners replaced their windows, how they researched and selected window companies, and their experiences during installation. We also gathered data on replacement costs, window styles and features, warranties, overall satisfaction, and the improvements homeowners noticed after installing new windows.
