How Much Do Double-Pane Windows Cost?

Thinking about replacing your old windows? Double pane windows can help homes have a fighting chance against the elements and can even increase your home’s overall value. But how much do double pane windows actually cost?

Like with most home improvement projects, the bottom line gets complicated. How much you end up paying depends on the frame material you want, down to how complicated the job is.

Let’s dive into why double-pane windows are a great choice and other factors you need to know when you’re budgeting for your new windows.

What Exactly Are Double-Pane Windows?

Double-pane windows are made of two panes of glass with a space between them, sometimes with sealed air or gas in the middle. These two panes of glass act like an insulator, keeping the warm or cool air right where it belongs. This little barrier gives you a lot more control of the temperature inside your home, and it can even lead to savings on your energy bills.

It’s simple but effective. Still, you can get more hands-on with hardware that makes the windows more energy-efficient—to say nothing of how you can customize the designs themselves.

Now that we have a better idea of what double pane windows are, let’s dive into the cost.

What Affects the Cost of Double-Pane Windows?

Totaling the price of new windows can be a lot like ordering pizza: once you start adding extras (larger window size, special glass coatings, premium frame materials), the total gets bigger and bigger. Here’s what you need to know about pricing and double-pane windows.

1. Window Size and Shape

The bigger the window, the more they cost—it’s the same reason why adding panes of glass to your window increases the price. You’ll pay less for a standard double-pane double-hung window than you would for a huge bay window—and specialty shapes like round, triangular, or arch-top windows also come with a premium price.

If you’re replacing a small, standard window (around 3 feet by 5 feet), you might spend about $300 to $600 on each window. But if you’ve got a large picture window in your living room, you could be looking at costs in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 for that one window.

2. Frame Material

What kind of frame material you want for your double-pane windows is another deciding factor.

Vinyl is considered one of the most affordable frames for windows. On top of their lower price, vinyl is pretty durable, relatively low-maintenance, and decent in terms of energy efficiency. Vinyl double-pane windows usually cost between $250 and $700, depending on the type.

On the other hand, fiberglass frames are more of a premium choice at roughly $650 to $1,000 for each window. But the material stands the test of time and holds strong against Nebraska’s temperature swings—all without any warping or cracking. Fiberglass is also excellent at insulation and low-maintenance, so there’s no need to worry about fading or repainting. And even though fiberglass is more expensive, the long-term benefits speak for themselves.

If you’re after a classic vibe, wood frames might be the way to go—but it, too, comes with a higher price tag, with the added task of needing a lot more upkeep. Wood double-pane windows can cost anywhere from $600 to $900 per window—and while wood looks charming, you’ll probably need to repaint or reseal the windows every few years.

3. Energy Efficiency and Glass Options

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are one of those awesome tech-savvy options that can make your window more efficient. These coatings go directly onto the window panes and reflect the heat away, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Depending on which kind of Low-E glass you want to add to your double-pane windows, it might bump up the price by $100 to $200 per window.

When it comes to window glass options, air and gas fills are another great way to build up your window’s defenses against the elements. The space between the glass panes on a window is usually filled with air or an insulating gas like argon, which is non-toxic and gives your window more insulation power. These choices come standard with Pella double-pane windows.

But let’s say you want a vinyl double-pane window with SunDefense™ + Low-E Insulating glass. Depending on the type of window itself, you’re looking at $400 to $750 per window before installation. But if you want to take your upgrades even further, going with triple-pane windows will generally add another $200 to the final price.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace All Your Windows?

For a mid-sized home with 10 windows, the cost to replace all the windows can range from around $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the size, material, and upgrades you decide to go with. Installation alone can run you an added $150 to $300 per window. If you pick premium upgrades, you could be looking at a total cost that’s upwards of $15,000 to $20,000.

But if you’re dealing with drafts and single-pane windows that are driving up your energy bills, then making the switch to quality double pane windows—no matter what kind—can probably save you anywhere from 10% to 25% on heating and cooling costs each month. And after a while, those savings start to stack up.

It’s all about balancing your budget with your needs. Maybe a double-pane window with vinyl frames with argon will hit the sweet spot for you, or maybe you want to splurge on fiberglass frames with all the energy-saving upgrades you can find.

Find the Best Double-Pane Windows with Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln

As you can see, there’s no easy answer when it comes to how much your new double pane windows will cost. It depends on whether you go with the basics or get your window loaded up with features.

The good news is that no matter what you choose, when you buy a great window that will stand the test of time and is installed correctly, you’re investing in the long-term value of your home, your own comfort, and even some potential savings down the line.

At Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, we have the state-of-the-art windows, cutting-edge hardware, and design team to help you make the switch. And since we have some of the best warranties in the industry—through our Pella Care Guarantee—we make sure that your new windows are covered for years to come.

Schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how we can help you make the most out of your new installation with our premium selection of double-pane windows.