Most homeowners pay $400–$1,200 per window to replace an old window with a new double-pane unit, or about $900 on average. A typical 7–8 window project runs roughly $6,300–$7,200 (This Old House, HomeGuide and Angi data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: This Old House + 2 more. National US estimates.
Swapping single-pane windows for double-pane units is one of the most common window upgrades. Two layers of glass with a sealed, often gas-filled space between them cut drafts, condensation and outside noise, and ENERGY STAR estimates certified windows lower household energy bills by about 12% on average.
This guide covers per-window prices, the cost of a typical project, the line items on a bill and the glass options worth paying for. If your existing double-pane glass has simply fogged and the frame is fine, our window glass replacement cost guide shows a cheaper fix.
Average cost
Installed prices for new double-pane replacement windows, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small or standard vinyl window, insert install | $300–$700 | Single-hung or slider in a sound frame |
| Mid-size double-hung, vinyl or composite, low-E | $400–$1,200 | Most common; averages run about $900 |
| Large, wood/fiberglass or specialty shape | $1,200–$2,000+ | Full-frame, custom sizes; large units can exceed $6,000 |
Double-pane window cost by number of windows
Project totals at roughly $900 per window (This Old House, 2026):
| Number of windows | Typical range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 | $2,700–$3,600 | $3,150 |
| 7–8 | $6,300–$7,200 | $6,750 |
| 12–15 | $10,800–$13,500 | $12,150 |
| 18–20 | $16,200–$18,000 | $17,100 |
Double-pane window cost by frame material
| Frame material | Installed cost per window |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $200–$700 |
| Vinyl | $225–$1,200 |
| Wood | $300–$2,500 |
| Fiberglass | $500–$1,800 |
| Steel | $450–$5,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing one mid-size single-pane window with a double-pane low-E vinyl insert window. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Window unit (materials) | $300–$800 | Double-pane vinyl unit, low-E, argon fill where offered |
| Labor | $100–$300 | Removing old sashes, setting, insulating and sealing the insert |
| Trim and exterior capping | $20–$80 | Interior stops, aluminum capping, sealant |
| Permits & disposal | $0–$60 | Share of permit and haul-away; often included |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $30–$100 | Rotted sill or out-of-square opening |
| Estimated total | $450–$1,350 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Materials make up roughly 75% of the price, so frame material and glass options matter more than labor.
What affects the price
- Size. Small double-pane windows run about $300–$700 installed and medium units $400–$800, while large or picture windows range from $650 to more than $6,000.
- Frame material. Aluminum and vinyl are cheapest (about $200–$1,200 per window); wood runs $300–$2,500 and fiberglass $500–$1,800. Vinyl offers the best value for most homes.
- Gas fill and low-E coating. Argon gas is the standard fill and low-E coatings are now common on mid-range units. This Old House lists add-on costs starting around $107–$115 per window for low-E or argon, and krypton-filled glass costs more. Triple-pane adds about $700–$1,050.
- Installation type. An insert (retrofit) installation keeps the existing frame and is the cheapest option. Full-frame replacement costs about $180–$1,500 more per window but lets the installer fix rot and air-seal the rough opening.
- Labor. Labor typically runs $100–$500 per window (around $50 per hour per installer), and is about 25% of the total. Upper-floor windows and full-frame jobs sit at the top of the range.
Ways to save
- Pick insert installation when frames are square and rot-free; it avoids the $180–$1,500 per-window premium for full-frame work.
- Choose double-pane low-E with argon rather than triple-pane unless you live in a very cold climate; triple-pane adds roughly $700–$1,050 per window.
- Replace windows in batches: crews usually charge less per unit when they do a whole side of the house or the whole home at once.
- Compare at least three quotes on the same brand, series and glass package so you're not comparing a builder-grade unit with a premium one.
- Check utility and state energy-office rebates for ENERGY STAR windows. The federal 25C tax credit ended for windows installed after December 31, 2025, so don't count on it for a 2026 project. For whole-house planning, see our window replacement cost guide.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured window installers for itemized quotes. Give each the same information:
- The number of windows, their rough sizes and which floor each is on.
- The frame material and style you want, plus the glass package: low-E coating, argon or krypton fill, tempered glass where required.
- Whether you want insert or full-frame installation and any rot or water damage you've noticed.
- Ask what's included: removal and disposal, interior trim, exterior capping, permits, and the product and labor warranties.
FAQ
Are double-pane windows worth the cost?
For homes with single-pane windows, usually yes. ENERGY STAR certified windows cut energy bills by about 12% on average, and they also reduce drafts, condensation and noise.
How long do double-pane windows last?
Most double-pane windows last about 10–25 years before the seal fails or the unit needs replacing. A fogged sealed unit can often be replaced on its own for $300–$650.
How much does it cost to replace all windows with double-pane in a house?
At roughly $900 per window, 12–15 windows cost about $10,800–$13,500 and 18–20 windows about $16,200–$18,000. Premium frames or full-frame installs push totals higher.
For the big picture, start with our complete window replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- This Old House — How Much Do Double-Pane Windows Cost? (2026 Guide) (updated Jun 23, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Do Double-Pane Windows Cost? (2026) (Feb 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? (updated Aug 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.