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When considering home improvements that can make a real impact and deliver a handsome payoff in the long run, energy-efficient windows are a priority for many homeowners. Not only can they make your home noticeably more comfortable, but they can also help reduce your energy bills.

But how much do energy-efficient windows cost? Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the latest breakthroughs in modern windows, including what factors affect the final price and other ways to help you make the best decision for your home and your budget.

What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?  

Dining room showcasing large black-framed Pella Lifestyle Series windows.

Dining room showcasing large black-framed Pella Lifestyle Series windows.

Energy-efficient windows are designed to make your windows as effective as possible, especially when it comes to how much hot and cold air enters and escapes your home. Whether you’re cranking the heat in the winter or blasting the A/C in the summer, energy efficient windows help keep the outside temperature from getting in, and the temperature you’re paying for from getting out.

There are three key elements to creating the most energy efficient window, and homeowners can pick and choose which to incorporate into their purchase. Each one makes a big difference in cutting down on how much energy you’re wasting on a regular basis, saving you money on utility bills, and creating a cozier home.

Let’s take a look at the main features of energy efficient windows and how they can work together.

1. Double-Pane and Triple-Pane Glass for Better Insulation

Traditional single-pane windows offer little resistance to Midwestern weather. On the other hand, windows with two or three panes are much better suited to stand up to the elements.

The air gap between the panes serves as a buffer, stopping the heat from passing through the glass panes, which work together to provide a surprisingly strong source of insulation.

2. Low-E Coatings for Extra Energy Efficiency  

Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings offer an advantage toward creating an energy efficient home. This invisible, ultra-thin metallic oxide layer applied to window glass acts as a filter, allowing natural light in while blocking out ultraviolet rays.

In the summer, you can throw your curtains open to enjoy a sunny day while the Low-E coating refracts the heat back and away from your home’s interior. This doesn’t just keep your home cooler, but protects your furniture, paint, and even skin from harmful UV rays. In the winter, Low-E coating also reflects heat from your furnace back into your home.

No matter the season, Low-E coatings help take the load off your heating and cooling systems so your home feels cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

3. Gas Fills for More Temperature Control  

Your next energy efficient window will probably have more than just air between the window panes. We don’t notice them, but in many energy-efficient windows, the space between the glass panes is filled with “inert” (non-reactive) gasses like argon or krypton gasses that make a difference in how well your window holds up to weather.

Gases like argon and krypton are more dense than air, which makes them better at insulating your home because they put a stop to what’s known as “heat transfer.” Heat likes to travel through things like windows, and energy-efficient add-ons like gas fills are great at putting a wedge in mother nature’s system.

Argon gas is commonly used in windows because it’s affordable and effective. Krypton gas is pricier, but it can offer better insulation, especially when utilized with triple-pane windows.

These gas fills, combined with layers of glass and Low-E coatings, work together well to reduce how much energy your home loses, no matter how extreme the weather is.

Cost Breakdown of Energy-Efficient Windows  

Vinyl window

Bright dining room showcasing large 250 Series vinyl windows with sleek white frames.

There’s no simple answer to how much a high-efficiency window will cost, as there are customizations in size, shape, materials, and coatings to consider, but prices range from $250 to $1,000 per window depending on the options you choose. Add-ons like different coatings and more panes of glass can increase the price by $200-$400. Professional installation also comes at a price, but the peace of mind you’ll gain from expert work is priceless.

We’ll dive deeper into those aspects and more to paint a clearer picture of the factors that go into the final cost of energy-efficient windows.

Pick the Right Window Frame

In most cases, choosing a window frame depends on your budget, personal style, and home design. One thing’s for sure: the frame material has a major impact on cost and energy efficiency.

Vinyl is the most affordable, usually ranging from $200 to $500 per window. It’s durable, insulates well, and requires little in the form of maintenance.

Fiberglass comes with a higher price tag, but a more elegant esthetic. Expect a cost between $800 and $1000 per window. They’re fantastic at insulating your home, with the added bonus of having a more polished look—and come in a variety of colors from Pella’s custom paint selection.

Fiberglass windows strike a good balance between quality and cost compared to an equally expensive option like wood frames, which can commonly run you between $600 and $900.

Different Glass Types for More Protection

The type of glass in your window will also affect how energy-efficient or costly your window will be.

Double-pane glass is the most common option on the market, and serves as a good first line of defense against the elements.

For extreme temperatures, triple-pane windows might be a better choice when it comes to insulation. Triple pane windows tend to cost around $200 more per window on average.

As we mentioned above, low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings reflect heat back without sacrificing natural light. These coatings typically add around $100 to $200 per window. And even though they increase the overall cost, Low-E coating can actually reduce your energy bills, especially in hot temperatures – which can save you money in the long run.

At Pella of Omaha and Lincoln, we offer six different Low-E options to choose from, giving you the custom protection that you want. Invest in High-Quality Vinyl Windows with Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha & Lincoln

How Window Style Impacts Energy Efficiency and Cost  

When considering cost, the type of window you install in your home will make all the difference. Two options to think about when you’re looking for energy efficiency are casement windows and picture windows. Both of these windows can be combined with dual- or triple-pane options and Low-E coatings.

Casement windows are highly efficient, featuring a crank that opens outward and seals tightly when closed, cutting down on air leaks and lowering energy bills over time. Single-wide fiberglass casement windows cost about $930.00 compared to single-wide wood casement windows at $720.00—but the long-term savings of fiberglass can easily justify the upfront cost.

Picture windows are fixed and do not open, which eliminates air leaks. These are usually priced between $250 and $650 depending on what kind of frame you want. Vinyl is the least expensive frame material in this case, while wood and fiberglass picture windows are similarly priced.

If you prefer to stick with double-hung, double-pane windows, expect to budget around $450 to $900 per window.

Professional Installation  

Proper installation is a big factor when it comes to making your windows as energy-efficient as possible. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $100 to $400 per window for the replacement and installation process.

Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?  

Impervia fiberglass windows

Cozy modern room featuring expansive Impervia fiberglass windows with slim, durable frames.

When it comes down to it, the cost of an energy-efficient window will depend on the style, materials, glass type, and number of panes that you choose. It also depends on how involved the installation process will be.

The good news is, the possible energy savings you can rack up with energy-efficient windows in your home can range from $125 to $465 a year (depending on things like climate and window type)—and that adds up over time.

Additionally, high efficiency windows are an excellent return on your investment, not only in the improvement of your home’s curb appeal but in its value if the time comes to sell.

Make Your Home Energy Efficient with Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln  

White 250 series vinyl sliding window in outdoor bar area

White 250 Series vinyl sliding window in outdoor bar area.

One thing’s for sure— energy-efficient windows are well worth the investment if you’re looking for the long-term payoff. These windows can lead to savings on your energy bills, make your home feel more comfortable, and even increase your home’s overall value.

No matter how much you customize your window project, when it comes to energy-efficient windows, there are plenty of options that can get the job done and fit within your budget.

At Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, we have state-of-the-art windows and cutting edge energy efficient options available—from frames that can withstand extreme weather to specialized glass coating that repels it.

We also offer some of the best warranties in the industry with 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 energy efficient windows.

 

*All prices are accurate at the time of article publication. Prices may vary due to market fluctuations and material availability.

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