Pricing Guide: The Cost to Replace Your Windows in Texas

Every 20 years or so, you’ll need to think about replacing the windows in your Texas home. A new set of windows can benefit your home in numerous ways, potentially lowering your energy bills, allowing more natural light in, and even sprucing up the style of your house.

As much as you and your home will benefit from installing new windows, the cost factor can be intimidating at first. Reading up on the cost of replacing your windows before you call someone to do the job can help you be prepared for whatever comes your way.

For additional information on Texas window replacement, visit our website at dentonhomewindowreplacement.com.

Table of Contents

Types of Windows

The cost of whole-home window replacement will depend largely on the type of windows you decide to install, with larger windows naturally being more expensive. Let’s take a look at a few popular window styles.

Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows feature a single pane of glass which opens by leaning or tilting out on a hinge. This is one of the most cost-effective window styles on the market, which contributes to its popularity.

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are one of the most popular choices for homes across the country. They consist of two panes of glass, one of which moves up and down to open the window. Since they open all the way, most feature a screen for safety purposes and to keep bugs, leaves, and other random debris out of your house.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are an excellent choice for homes with panoramic views, as they provide a clear view out. They are relatively simple in construction: just a large pane of glass built into the wall (usually in a front room or living room). However, due to their large size and the effort it takes to install them, prices for picture windows tend to run on the high side.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are common in older homes. They extend outwards from the home, usually with three panes of glass, and have a large windowsill commonly used as a seat- perhaps a bench for the dinner table or a cozy reading space. Since the panes of glass are large, these feature windows also let in a good amount of natural light.

Window Replacement Costs

Let’s get down to it: how much does it really cost to replace your windows? When you’re trying to estimate the cost of Texas window replacements, there are several factors you’ll need to take into consideration.

Factors affecting the cost of window replacement include labor, materials, and the window itself. Accounting for all of those factors, Bob Vila estimates the national average replacement cost per window to be around $650. However, the cost per window can go up to $1,800 depending on size, style, and material.

In Texas, the cost of living is roughly 8% below the national average, so you may find that your window replacement project is slightly less expensive than it would be elsewhere.

What to Know About Labor Costs

One of the biggest factors into the final cost of your window replacements is the cost of labor. The national average is around $38 per hour, but it’s important to keep in mind that labor costs can vary greatly from company to company. The company decides on the hourly labor cost with a few important factors:

State minimum wage. At the time of writing (2022), the state minimum wage in Texas is $7.25, equivalent to the national minimum wage. In states where the minimum wage is above the national average, labor costs will likely be higher as well.
The windows themselves. Labor costs may vary depending on what size and type of window is being installed. For example, a large picture window may come at a higher cost to install than a regular single-hung window.
The local economy and workers. Some places are easier than others to find employees in. If worker availability is low in your city, the price of labor will go up due to supply and demand. Local unions affect labor costs as well.

Window Materials

When you’re looking to replace your windows, you have several options when it comes to material, with some fairly common ones being vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Which one is the best choice?

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for modern windows. Not only is it energy-efficient, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while lowering energy costs, it’s also one of the least expensive materials for windows out there. A common complaint among homeowners with vinyl windows, however, is that they warp when the weather is too warm, which is certainly a concern here in Texas.

You’ll often find wooden windows in older houses, but that doesn’t mean they’re outdated. Modern wood windows can add a rustic touch to your home. They also last a long time, which is why you’ll still find them in older homes even today! The main disadvantage with wood is that it’s more vulnerable to the elements than some other materials. Rain, cold, and heat may affect wood windows worse than others.

Aluminum windows are another good choice. While aluminum is durable and strong, it’s also very lightweight, making it easier (and therefore possibly cheaper) to install. They’re slightly more expensive than vinyl windows, but they last longer. However, they aren’t quite as good at insulating as vinyl windows are. You may struggle more with the temperature inside your home and/or your energy bills with aluminum windows.

Choosing the Right Windows

There are so many different parts of your window replacement project, from the labor to the windows themselves, that will affect the final cost- but even aside from cost, how do you choose your favorite windows? Unlike choosing a wall color with paint samples, you can’t exactly bring a window sample home.

Fortunately, there are online tools and apps, some developed by window manufacturers or hardware stores, that use augmented reality (AR) to see what things would look like in your home. This technology allows you to place virtual objects such as furniture or windows anywhere you like while you look at a room in real time through your smartphone camera. Even if you can’t find the specific window you like on a website or app, this may help you get a general idea of what shape, size, and general style fits your house best.