While a broken window leaves you with no choice but to replace it, there are plenty of other reasons to consider undertaking a major renovation and installing all new windows.
“Typically, homeowners make the decision to invest in new windows after considering rising energy costs, aging materials and their desire to protect their home’s value,” says Julie Monroy, product manager for windows and vinyl patio doors for ProVia, a manufacturer of windows, doors, siding and other home exterior solutions. “If the windows are over 20 years old and you’re noticing issues, it’s worth getting an evaluation to compare the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacement.”
According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Rising utility bills are often a trigger for homeowners to invest in upgrades. Electricity bills rose an average of 30% from 2014 to 2024, and rose 5% between September 2024 and September 2025, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. For homeowners who rely on fossil fuel to heat their home, gas bills rose 60% faster than electric bills in 2025 and four times faster than inflation, according to the Building Decarbonization Coalition.
When to Consider Window Replacements
While volatile and rising energy prices are a compelling reason to consider replacing windows, it’s not the only factor driving homeowners to evaluate their windows. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, windows are the second most common exterior remodeling project, with 20% of respondents replacing their windows, just behind roof replacements at 22%.
“I recommend window replacement when the customer would like to increase the value and aesthetic of their home, or when they’re looking for energy savings due to high utility bills,” Monroy says.
More importantly, when multiple windows are failing, such as with broken seals, broken glass, cracked frames, rotting wood, locks that won’t engage, warped frames or that are just hard to open, window replacements become more of a necessity, she says. Other indicators that it’s time to investigate replacement are when you have single panes instead of double pane windows, cold spots in winter, hot spots in summer or moving curtains when windows are closed that indicate a leaky window.
The Houzz study found that the median amount spent on window replacements was $7,000, but, depending on the number of windows in the house, their size and the type of windows, the bill can be much higher. Many homeowners may be thinking that they want to replace their windows one at a time to space out their spending. However, Monroy recommends doing the whole house at once if possible.
“Unless the homeowner is on a very tight budget, having them all done at once does make the process easier,” Monroy says. “One install, one cleanup, one warranty package and done. The homeowner will see maximum energy savings if all windows are done together – the home’s thermal balance is only as strong as its weakest area. Additionally, you’ll have a consistent look across the home with matching hardware, colors, options and sight lines.”
According to the Zonda Cost vs. Value Report 2025, the return on investment for window replacements ranges from 70% to 76% of the cost. Based on national averages, the report says that replacing vinyl windows costs $22,073, with a resale value of $16,657, which is a 76% return on investment. For wood windows, the cost is higher, at an average of $26,781, with an ROI of 70%.
However, that ROI is based on resale value, which doesn’t account for priorities of today’s homeowners and buyers for a comfortable, healthy living environment with natural light and steady, controllable temperatures, outcomes that offer more than a financial ROI. In addition, the energy savings contribute to reduced operating costs and long-term affordability. The amount of savings depends on the condition of the previous windows and the overall energy efficiency of the house.
Still, whether you’re replacing one window or multiple windows, financial considerations are important. The 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study found that most homeowners (84%) used savings to fund their renovation projects, including all types of projects, not just window replacements. More than a third (34%) used credit cards.
Other options include a secured home loan, which 13% of homeowners used, such as a home equity line of credit, cash-out refinancing or a home equity loan. One-tenth of homeowners used proceeds from a home sale, while gifts or inheritances, insurance payouts and tax refunds were each cited by 5%. Even smaller shares of homeowners used unsecured loans (3%) and retirement plan loans (2%).
Your window replacement budget will depend on the number of windows you need to replace and whether you keep windows the same size. Some homeowners choose to increase the size or number of windows as part of their replacement project, which becomes a larger renovation project that may increase the home value and the enjoyment of living there.
When choosing windows, Monroy recommends, “Think long term about the ease of cleaning, function, operation and overall appearance when choosing a window style for an opening. For example, you may want a double hung for easy cleaning, casements for improved ventilation or sliders for wide openings.”
To compare various window manufacturers and options, Monroy recommends reviewing their energy ratings and warranties.
The Department of Energy recommends evaluating window options in the context of your climate:
Look for the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels (National Fenestration Rating Council).
In colder climates, consider selecting gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with coatings to reduce heat gain.
Choose a low U-factor for better thermal resistance in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow.
Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass U-factors and SHGCs. Whole unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
“Make sure you choose an experienced contractor,” Monroy says. “You can have great windows, but a proper install is crucial to get the full benefits of your investment.”
Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsor: ProVia.
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