How Much Do Double-Pane Windows Cost?

Average Cost to Install Double-Pane Windows

What Are Double-Pane Windows?

As the name suggests, double-pane windows contain two sheets of glass separated by a spacer. Inside the gap caused by the spacer is trapped inert gas, which creates an energy-efficient barrier or a thermal break, regulating the internal temperature of your home and minimizing heat or cooling loss.

Double-Pane Window Installation Cost Breakdown

How much are double-pane windows? While materials make up the bulk of the cost to replace windows, you shouldn’t overlook the price of labor. Additionally, unless you have a guaranteed price quote from your contractor, you'll need to leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected problems that could crop up during installation.

Materials

For a small storm window, the materials may cost as little as $50. But you can pay as much as $6,500 for a full bow window with many small panes. The prices of materials for custom and highly ornate windows can reach over $10,000. 

Labor

The labor cost generally ranges from $100 to $300 per window, equating to about $40 per hour. Note that complex or substantial installations, like replacing a bow window, may accrue significantly higher labor costs, but your window installer should include that information in their quote. 

Double-Pane Window Installation Costs by Size

One of the key factors in determining the cost of your double-pane windows is the size. You determine the pane size by multiplying the width by the height. You may also be asked what pane thickness you want, ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 inch. 

If you only want to replace the glass, then you need to choose the same glass thickness as your current glass because if you change the glass thickness, you'll have to change the frames to accommodate the difference and maintain efficiency. 

The double-pane window prices below are based on the standard window thickness of 1/2 inch per pane and the costs of double-glazed windows.

Double-Pane Window Replacement Cost by Window Type

The type of window you're replacing makes a huge difference to the price you can expect to pay. Storm window installation costs start at $150 for materials and labor, but a bow, ornate, or oversized window can cost as much as $6,900.

Double-Pane Window Replacement by Glass and Fill Type

Dual-pane windows are generally filled with either argon or krypton gas because they're inert and provide an efficient thermal protection barrier. You can also choose to have high-efficiency and safety coatings applied. These choices all impact the cost to replace double-pane windows.

Double-Pane Window Cost by Frame Material

How much does a double-pane window cost? If you're planning to replace the whole window and not just the glass, the frame material you choose is a significant cost factor. Aluminum is the most affordable option, while composite and fiberglass frames are the most costly. The frame choice impacts longevity, durability, efficiency, and ongoing maintenance needs.

It's important to note that some locations are legally required to have vinyl impact windows or at least hurricane windows. Vinyl impact windows and hurricane windows cost more than standard double-pane windows because they use more robust materials and provide better protection against storms. Other states have minimum energy-efficiency requirements. Therefore, you must check with your local building code office and contractor before you start replacing windows. 

Take a look at the cost of double-pane windows by the frame type: 

Other Double-Pane Window Cost Factors

Various factors impact the cost of installing windows, ranging from which brand you choose to seasonality and whether you're able to keep the existing frame or need new ones. 

Brand

Because double-paned windows offer the best combination of value, price, and energy efficiency, they're widely available, with all the top brands making and installing them. You'll find some brands only offer vinyl frames, some that provide a range of materials, or others that specialize in wood- or metal-framed windows. If you have an older home or one with odd-shaped windows, you'll need to choose a company specializing in custom-fit windows.

Permits

Most localities require you to obtain permits before installing or replacing windows. If unsure, check with your local authority before starting work. Most contractors include the permitting fees in the price of the window installation quote. However, not all contractors take care of this for you, so be sure to double-check.

Seasonality

Window installers are busiest during the spring and fall. Because demand during these periods is higher, so too are the costs. However, if you can wait until the summer or winter, you may get a better deal. During the off-season, many companies offer discounts and special offers, so it's worth waiting and shopping around.

New vs. Existing Frame

If you've already got double-pane frames in good condition and just need the glass replaced, you'll save around 50%. However, the window panes have to be the same thickness, and the frame has to be in a good enough condition to reseal. If, for example, you're upgrading from single-pane windows to double-pane or switching to a different type or thickness of glass, you'll also need to replace the frame.

Extras and Upgrades

Many upgrades, extras, and additions can increase the price of your window replacement project but also create a higher-quality finish that meets your design needs. As well as necessary upgrades, you need to consider the nice-to-haves, like the cost of window treatments, and ongoing maintenance fees, like the cost of window cleaning. 

Take a look at the costs of some of the most common extras and upgrades:

• Exterior window trim: $1–$10 per lin. ft.

• Window treatment: $600–$1,000

• Window screen: $70–$200 each

• Window cleaning: $40–$75 per hour

• Window tinting: $330–$570

• Hurricane shutters: $2,300–$7,900

• UV film coating: $5–$12 per sq. ft.

• Creating a window wall: $700–$1,600 per lin. ft.

• Installing a new window in an existing wall: $1,000–$5,000 per window

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing windows is a job for the pros. Instead of trying to save money on the installation, call a local window installer to get the job done right. Aside from the fact that replacing windows—even if you keep the frames—is difficult and requires a high degree of skill, the savings are likely to be minimal, if any. Retail-priced windows and the expensive tools and equipment needed to install double-pane windows offset your labor savings. 

Using a pro to install your windows means they have their own specialist equipment. Plus, they can access trade-only pricing for a much better price on the windows and frames. If you want to try and save money on the window installation, shop around or wait until the off-season (summer or winter) when you'll likely get access to better deals.