Why Homeowners Buy New Windows: Our November 2025 Survey Results

To learn more about why homeowners like you buy new windows, our team surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide in November 2025 and asked about their most recent window replacement project. Most homeowners said they replaced their windows to fix damaged frames or sills (37%), achieve more energy savings (20%), or help correct indoor temperature issues (12%).

When selecting specific window features, energy efficiency again topped the list of important factors, suggesting that many homeowners view window replacement as a practical investment rather than a cosmetic upgrade. In this efficiency-focused market, Andersen Windows and its premium offering, Renewal by Andersen, ranks among the top providers, selected by a combined 27% of our survey respondents.

We take a deeper look at the results of our survey below.

Why Do People Buy New Windows?

Our survey data showed that people primarily buy new windows to address specific issues with their existing windows and for energy efficiency. While 37% of respondents needed to replace cracked, damaged, or broken window frames or sills, another 20% invested in replacement windows for energy efficiency cost savings.

“Replacing old single-pane windows with newer, more modern energy-efficient ones can lead to a very noticeable drop in electricity bills,” said Graham Lumley, a representative of BKV Energy in Fort Worth, Texas. “While savings will vary depending on the individual house, the climate, window type, home insulation, and heating and cooling system, homeowners can expect to reduce their energy bills by between 12% and 25%.”

Real estate experts recommend looking past the marketing materials and salesmanship when buying new windows.

“Don’t be swayed by sales talk. Focus instead on the actual features of the windows,” said Justin Azarias, founder and CEO of Property Homebuyers CA in San Jose, California. “A tight seal, double or triple-pane glass, and a low-emissivity (low-e) coating will effectively block heat while keeping your home comfortable. Vinyl frames offer good protection, but they must be installed correctly. Otherwise, you risk wasting your money.”

Temperature regulation was another significant factor, with 12% of homeowners purchasing new windows because their homes were too hot or too cold. The results showed that practical concerns typically outweigh aesthetic considerations (10%) or home value increases (4%).

The chart below shows the reasons homeowners bought new windows according to our survey results.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Our survey revealed that the cost of new windows varies based on the specific windows, the manufacturer and installer, the number of windows purchased, and installation requirements.

Most respondents reported paying between $100 and $500 per window, with common price points being $100, $200, $250, and $500. While some premium options reached $1,000 or more per window, these higher-end purchases were much less frequent.

Looking at total project costs, most homeowners said they spent between $500 and $10,000 on their window replacement projects, with $500, $2,000, $3,000, and $5,000 being the most frequently reported totals. The wide range reflects varying numbers of windows installed, with most homeowners replacing between two and 12 windows rather than doing a complete home replacement all at once.

It’s worth noting that most homeowners (33%) paid using a credit card, while 29% opted for financing through their chosen window company, and 27% paid with cash.

Top Replacement Window Providers

According to our survey data, Andersen Windows and its premium offering, Renewal by Andersen, rank highest among customers in the replacement window market with a combined 27% market share.

Champion Windows is also a major player in replacement windows, with 8% of the market. Big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s account for 15% of window purchases. This indicates that many homeowners trust familiar retail options for window replacement. Other notable brands include Pella (7%) and Window World (6%).

Installation Experience and Satisfaction

According to our survey, homeowners who invested in replacement windows reported overwhelming satisfaction with both the products and installation services.

A remarkable 95% of respondents said they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their replacement windows overall, while 95% expressed similar levels of satisfaction with the workmanship and installation. Also, nearly 93% of respondents were satisfied with their window company’s customer service.

Signs of satisfaction:

• 63% of respondents were “very satisfied” with their replacement windows overall.
• 89% reported decreases in their monthly energy bills after installation.
• 92% of respondents would “likely” or “very likely” recommend their window brand to others.

Regional Insights on Windows

The survey reveals several patterns related to regional differences among homeowners who purchase new windows. In colder regions like New England and the Upper Midwest, survey respondents reported that fixing damaged windows and managing indoor temperatures were a top priority. Based on these results, homeowners who live in these areas seek to eliminate drafts and improve heat retention during harsh winters.

Meanwhile, Southern homeowners placed a greater emphasis on cooling cost reductions, highlighting how climate directly influences window replacement priorities. For example, homeowners in Gulf states such as Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama might focus on new windows that prevent heat transfer and offer protection against hurricane-force winds.

Here are a few key regional insights:

• Homeowners in colder Northeast and Midwest regions predominantly replaced windows in homes ranging from 5–20 years old, focusing on heating efficiency improvements.
• Southern homeowners emphasized cooling cost reductions as their primary post-installation benefit.
• Homeowners in most regions had their windows installed during summer (40%) or spring (32%) because of the weather conditions and promotional deals offered during those months.

Common Trends in the Windows Industry

While energy efficiency dominated decision-making for customers buying new windows, diving deeper into our survey data uncovered some patterns that challenge conventional thinking about window replacement projects.

• Despite the significant investment, only 11% of homeowners opted for top-tier triple-pane windows, with the vast majority (80%) choosing mid-range double-pane options instead. This suggests most consumers choose to strike a balance between performance and cost.
• Most homeowners replaced relatively few windows at once, with two, four, six, and eight windows being the most common quantities, indicating a preference for phased replacement rather than whole-house upgrades.
• While online research dominated information gathering (73%), around 43% of homeowners still relied on old-fashioned word-of-mouth advice from family, friends, or neighbors when researching window companies, ranking a bit lower than online customer reviews (47%).

Are Replacement Windows Worth It?

Based on sentiment shared by our survey respondents, replacement windows deliver solid financial returns despite the upfront investment of $500–$10,000. Many homeowners reported noticeable energy bill decreases after installation, typically saving $25–$50 per month.

The value extends beyond just financial benefits, with an impressive 95% of homeowners reporting satisfaction with their replacement windows. Most chose energy-efficient, double-pane options with durable materials like fiberglass (38%) or vinyl (29%), and 82% received some form of warranty coverage.

This combination of energy savings, improved comfort, and long-term protection explains why most homeowners in our survey would recommend their window brand to others. That said, a set of new windows is only as satisfactory as the skill of the installers.

“Something that no one talks about? The installation is more important than the window itself,” said Jacob Hale, a lead acquisitions specialist with OKC Property Buyers in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “A fancy window that isn’t put in right is worse than a simple one that is. It doesn’t matter how much you paid if the caulk gun guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

Our Survey Methodology

We conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners nationwide in November 2025 to gauge the reasons why they bought new windows, how much they paid, their level of satisfaction with their windows, and other significant information related to replacement windows. The survey was run through Pollfish.

We made sure to include voices from across the country, with participants representing every U.S. region and a diverse mix of homeowner profiles. Participant ages ranged from 18–64 years old. Men accounted for 54% of the respondents, and women accounted for 46% of the respondents. The survey also captured perspectives from retirees, homemakers, part-time workers, and those between jobs. This broad representation helped ensure our results provide an honest, well-rounded view of today’s residential windows market.