How Much Do Double-Hung Windows Cost in 2024?

Do you lack exterior space to accommodate window units that open outward? Are you in the market for a practical window choice with a classic design and improved ventilation? Double-hung windows have it all! Being incredibly versatile and functional, the units featuring two sashes sliding vertically provide the advantage of opening both the top and bottom parts. This hands-on construction allows air circulation while preserving safety for homes with children or pets.

But what are the up-to-date double-hung window prices? How long does the installation take, and what is the average labor rates contractors charge per installed unit? You will find the answer to these and other questions in this in-depth cost guide. 

The National Average Double-Hung Windows Cost

When it comes to home renovations, getting a clear idea of costs is crucial for budgeting. Replacing or installing new windows is often high on the list among the many potential upgrades. Read on to discover the national average expenses associated with double-hung windows. The given pricing info will help you make a more informed buying decision. 

If you are about to install standard double-hung units in your home, you should expect to spend from $250 to $1,000 on average. The price may vary by the size and frame material as well as glass coating and quality of spare parts. The least expensive units made of vinyl may cost as low as $185 per unit, while premium wooden ones with low-E glass or custom design usually cost as much as $2,700 per unit. The cost and complexity of the project are often determined by the additional services required within the installation process. Request a personalized quote from MyHomeQuote to ensure all pricing aspects of your project are covered. 

The national average double-hung window prices.

Variables That Impact the Average Cost of Double-Hung Windows

Let us delve into the factors affecting the average price of double-hung units, exploring everything from material and size to brand reputation and energy efficiency. These aspects will give you a general picture of the budget needed to install new home windows of a double-hung construction. 

Double-Hung Window Prices by Size

One of the factors affecting the overall budget needed to install double-hung windows is their size. Standard double-hung units of 36 inches wide and 60 inches tall cost around $400 to install. On the contrary, the price of larger or custom-sized units that require more material to manufacture and special procedures to install goes up to $650 per unit. Furthermore, large windows often feature more expansive glass areas and might require specific types of glass for increased stability and energy efficiency, contributing to the overall expense. Therefore, understanding the correlation between size and cost is crucial when budgeting for double-hung window installation.

Here is how the unit size may affect the installation cost for double-hung windows.

Double-Hung Window Prices by Frame Material

When it comes to home renovation or construction, one important feature to consider is the window frame material. It's worth noting that the prices for vinyl and aluminum frames can deviate significantly from those made of wood and fiberglass, with the last two being much costlier yet more durable. Nevertheless, a window frame is not recommended to select by price but instead by weather resistance, insulation properties, longevity, and maintenance requirements. That is why consulting a professional window contractor before a double-hung window replacement is totally worth your while. Locate top-rated pros in your area with MyHomeQuote and get the professional scoop on your window project in a matter of minutes. 

Here is a detailed overview of double-hung replacement windows prices by frame material.

Vinyl Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows with vinyl frames are an affordable and common choice for homes across the country. PVC is quite durable, weather and fade-resistant. Plus, it is easy to maintain and offers impressive thermal insulation. With a wide range of styles and designs available, vinyl double-hung windows offer a versatile solution for any property. Nevertheless, these frames don't suit windows in traditional or classic homes as they typically come in limited colors and cannot be painted over. The average cost of a double-hung window with a PVC frame falls into the range of $210 - $1,820 per unit. 

Aluminum Double-Hung Windows

Aluminum double-hung windows are another option commonly chosen by American homeowners. Renowned for their strength and durability, aluminum frames are light yet sturdy. They are immune to dents, scratches, and swelling, holding up well against the elements and requiring little maintenance. The downside of aluminum for window frames is poor insulating properties, making them vulnerable to extreme colds. Plus, they easily conduct heat, which may add to your home's heating and cooling costs. Aluminum frames are also susceptible to condensation and are prone to corrosion in humid or coastal regions. The average cost of double-hung windows with vinyl frames goes from $280 to $1,800.

Composite Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows with composite frames are an innovative choice combining several materials' best aspects. Typically made of a combination of wood particles and plastic resin, they offer the beauty and insulation of wood with the low maintenance and durability of vinyl or aluminum. Composite windows resist warping and decay, not conducting as much heat or cold as all-metal frames. The cost to replace double-hung windows with composite frames varies from $300 to $1,800 per unit.

Fiberglass Double-Hung Windows

Fiberglass frames are made from finely-woven glass fibers that make them solid, durable, and resistant to warping, rotting, and temperature drops. Their low thermal expansion means they are excellent at maintaining their shape under fluctuating weather conditions, improving energy efficiency. They also offer superior insulation because their hollow frames can be filled with additional insulation. Fiberglass frames can be painted. Nevertheless, their surface doesn't hold paint as well as other materials, so they may require more frequent repainting jobs to maintain their appearance. The average cost homeowners pay for double-hung units with fiberglass panes ranges from $350 to $2,350.

Wood Double-Hung Windows

Frames made of natural wood offer a timeless aesthetic and perfect;y fit classic exteriors. Appreciated for their natural beauty and versatility, they can be stained or painted in any color to match a home's decor. Wood windows also offer excellent insulation properties, enhancing a home's energy efficiency. Nevertheless, they are prone to warping and decay and should be regularly maintained to preserve their initial look. In terms of cost, wooden double-hung windows are generally more expensive than their vinyl or aluminum counterparts, with most homeowners paying from $400 to $3,200 per installed unit. 

The average double-hung windows prices by frame material.

Double-Hung Window Prices by Type of Glass

Opting for specific glass types and treatments in your double-hung windows can greatly enhance their performance while also impacting the overall cost. Selecting from regular, double-glazed, tinted, or low-E coated glass, you should consider your budget and energy-efficient requirements. Premium pane options will cost you extra upfront but save a couple of hundred bucks annually on utility bills. 

Let us dive into glass options you may consider using for your new double-hung windows. 

Double-Glazed Glass

This form of glass consists of two glass panes with an insulating space between them. Generally, windows with this type of glass will cost more initially, but they enhance energy efficiency, which could reduce your utility bills over time. 

Tempered Glass

Being extra durable and safe due to its break-resistant nature, tempered glass windows are slightly more expensive than traditional windows, but they offer superior strength and safety advantages. 

Low-E-Coated Glass

These have a special coating that reflects infrared light, thus helping to keep your rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Although low-e-coated windows are more expensive initially, they can significantly save your heating and cooling costs in the long run. 

Tinted Glass

Tinted glass windows are initially more costly to reduce heat gain and glare, but they can reduce your cooling expenses during hotter months.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is known for its excellence in noise reduction and security. It is pricier than standard glazing, but its benefits can justify the initial upfront cost.

Double-hung replacement window prices by pane type.

Double-Hung Window Prices by Brand

When you are in the market for double-hung windows, you should also consider that their cost varies from brand to brand and even may slightly differ depending on the product line within the assortment of a single manufacturer. The pricing of companies that offer double-hung units with extra features or those meeting Energy Star requirements will more likely surpass the national average cost.

Here are popular US window brands that sell double-hung windows, along with their prices.

Labor Cost to Install Double-Hung Windows

Installing double-hung windows is a relatively straightforward process, making them a popular choice among homeowners. Labor costs for this installation typically range from approximately $75 to $300 per unit. Although this might be slightly higher than the cost of installing single-hung windows, the difference often isn't substantial enough to be prohibitive.

Factors affecting the cost of installing double-hung windows

The labor costs depend on many factors. The size, location, and condition of your existing window frames can all affect the final quote. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider all these aspects when budgeting for your double-hung window installation project. As most of the cost-formation factors have already been discussed in this article, we will also explain the additional services that add to the estimated double-hung windows installation price below.

Window Repair

If your double-hung windows are in a satisfactory condition requiring only minor fixes, opting for professional repair could be a more budget-friendly option than a complete replacement. The average double-hung window repair cost is around $360. The range usually falls between $170 to $565, depending on the extent of the needed repairs

Window Insulation

Whenever a window is installed, there's a potential risk of small spaces or gaps between the window and the wall. These gaps can compromise the home's insulation and cause uncomfortable temperature shifts by letting in cold drafts or heat. However, this can be effectively prevented by having a professional insulate these areas. Window insulation, performed by an adept professional, not only ensures a secure fit of the windows but also contributes to the thermal efficiency of your home, resulting in potential energy savings. The cost of this service is quite reasonable, usually ranging from around $3 to $20 per square foot, varying based on the scope and complexity of the work.

Labor Cost to Replace Double-Hung Windows

As is the case with most window types, the cost of replacing double-hung windows tends to be cheaper than installing brand-new ones. This is particularly true when the replacement window is similar in size to the one being removed, resulting in fewer adjustments to the existing space and reducing labor costs. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $195 to $635 per unit for replacement double-hung windows.