Whether your home’s windows have become worn over the years, you’ve moved into a new home with old windows, or you just want an upgrade, replacing your windows can be a large investment.
In 2023, the average cost of replacement windows in San Antonio can range anywhere from $700 to $3,500. This cost depends on many factors, such as the window type, size, style, and more. New construction windows and their installation can vary greatly by builder and window size and brand.
We understand that this is a broad range, and you may be wondering why this is and how you can trust we know what we are talking about.
Because Southwest Exteriors has been a San Antonio window replacement company since 1989, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners find the right solution for their window replacement project to fit their budget and meet their needs.
We’ve seen the cost of a window replacement rise over the last decade. We want you to understand what goes into the cost of your window replacement project so you can have realistic expectations for how much your project will cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace My Windows In 2023?
The cost to replace your San Antonio windows in 2023 can start at around $200 or less per window if you choose to install your windows yourself.
For a professional window replacement, the cost per window will start at around $750 for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window, which includes the cost of the window, installation, and labor.
What Makes Up The Cost Of A San Antonio Window Replacement?
The cost of every window replacement project is completely different. Your project’s overall cost will depend on the window type, style, energy efficiency, customizations, installation, and warranty.
1. Window Type
For the long-term homeowner looking for a durable and long-lasting window, a high-quality fiberglass, vinyl, or wood window may be the better option. For a house flipper looking to replace windows on a budget, an inexpensive vinyl window might be the best option.
How many different window types are there, and what do they all cost? Choosing a window type is the largest piece of the pie when budgeting how much a window replacement project will cost you.
How much do vinyl windows cost?
Vinyl windows average a starting cost of $750 for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window.
Vinyl frames are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and are ranked as the most affordable type of window frame. Though they tend to be less durable than wooden or fiberglass frames, vinyl frames offer flexible designs to fit your needs.
Vinyl is also a great material because it is flexible with your home. High-quality vinyl can expand and contract with your home throughout changing temperatures.
How much do aluminum windows cost?
Aluminum windows cost $1,250 and up for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window.
Aluminum windows are another affordable option. They typically fit a more modern look, are fairly low-maintenance, and you won’t have to worry about wear and deterioration problems as much as with wooden frames.
How much do fiberglass windows cost?
Fiberglass windows have an average cost of $1,250 and up for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window.
Fiberglass windows prove to be highly durable through all types of weather conditions (great for our South Texas climate). Because they are a sturdy material, they provide a great seal around your window, which won't allow water and air to intrude into your home.
These windows are more expensive than aluminum and vinyl, but they are very energy-efficient.
How much do clad windows cost?
Clad windows cost $2,900 and up for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window.
A clad window is a style with vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass exterior cladding around a wood frame. This style gives your home the appearance of wood windows from the inside while eliminating the extra care of a wooden exterior.
How much do composite windows cost?
Composite windows cost around $3,400 and upwards for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window.
A composite window is made up of a mixture of vinyl, aluminum, wood, and other plastics and metals to create a strong, durable window frame. Composite windows take the best qualities from each material and combine them into one. Similar to clad windows, composite windows can imitate the look of a wood window without the potential problems and upkeep.
How much do wood windows cost?
Wood windows cost around $3,000 and up per 3 ft. x 5 ft. window, including professional finishing and sealing.
As the oldest material used for windows, wooden frames are sturdy and durable. Compared to other material types, they tend to be the most expensive and need upkeep. They can be susceptible to rotting and deterioration. However, wooden frames allow more room for unique and aesthetic design.
Looking at what material you want your windows to be made of is the first step to estimating what it’s going to cost you. The next is the quality of the window, which includes the window style and energy efficiency.
2. Window Style and Size
Just like the different material types a window can be made of, there are unlimited styles to choose from.
Of course, the bigger your window is, the more it will cost. Depending on how many bells and whistles you want, it’s going to increase the cost of your project.
- For example, a simple single-hung window that only allows the bottom half to slide up and down will be less expensive than a double-hung window where the top and bottom half can both slide up and down, and the entire window can tilt horizontally.
Choosing what material you want your window to be made out of and how you want to be able to use the window are the first two qualities to consider for what kind of window you want.
3. Window Energy-Efficiency
Sunlight is always streaming into your home through your windows. As a Texas homeowner, you understand how frustrating and money-draining it can be to run your air conditioning all day during those brutal summers.
Windows with energy-efficient qualities won’t block any sunlight from coming through your windows, but they will block the heat that comes with it.
With many windows now, energy efficiency is a huge factor when choosing what kind of windows you want. You can measure quantities such as UV percentage, infrared percentage, and solar heat gain coefficient to determine how much solar heat and light rays are going to come through a window. If a contractor cannot get you this information immediately, that’s a major red flag.
All those complicated terms say that it is possible for you to measure the energy efficiency of your windows.
Energy-Efficient Additions For Replacement Windows
- Low-E, or low emissivity, glass coating was created to lower the amount of infrared and ultraviolet rays that can penetrate through a window. Though not all glass types allow for a low-E coating, the option to add more protection from sunlight will keep your home cooler and save you from higher energy bills in the long run.
- Argon gas windows are becoming more popular as another way to make your home more energy-efficient. The clear gas is inserted between the panes of the window and acts as an insulator to keep both hot and cold air inside, and it is not toxic or harmful if it leaks.
- Tinted glass coatings can come in all different colors and shades. Each color helps block a certain type of ray, and others shade your windows to allow less sunlight to come in.
Each of these options for making windows more energy-efficient comes with a price. However, the cost to make your windows more energy efficient will help lower your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient.
4. Window Customizations
Customizing replacement windows is one of the best ways to put your unique style in your home. However, each customization comes with an additional price.
If the thought of having creative freedom when designing something gets you excited, then you’re certainly going to want to leave room in the budget for that.
After choosing a style and window material for a window replacement, you can customize things like
- Interior and exterior color
- Hardware style and finish
- Grid pattern of the window glass
- Glass coatings and tints
- Screen upgrades
- And more!
Overall, it’s important to keep in mind that any customizations you make to your replacement windows will increase the cost of your project.
5. Window Installation
While the majority of what you pay for a window replacement consists of how much the actual window costs, the installation process must be considered as well.
A window can be advertised as only $400 per window, but how much will it cost to install it, and what is the quality of that installation?
Like most things with a higher price tag, what you pay for is what you get. You can pay someone to come and replace your window for $400, but the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the window.
Things to consider when looking at an installation are:
- Pre-measurement and inspection process,
- Tools and materials used
- Installation process
- Warranty coverage
Before a window is replaced, the best companies will take exact measurements of every single window space to custom order each window to its exact size. If a window size is 3 ft. x 5 ft. and that window is ordered without taking its exact measurements, the window will not fit.
If a window is not installed properly with the right materials, it will not perform as well as it should. You risk drafty windows, water leakage, and rotting with poorly installed windows.
The combination of materials and the installation quality directly affect your project's cost.
A lower-quality installation will cost less. A high-quality window installation will cost more. Keep in mind you will reap the greatest benefits for much longer if your new windows are installed by a high-quality contractor.
6. Window Warranty
Windows have a lifespan. A window installation also has a lifespan.
When looking at the cost of your window replacement, you must consider the quality of the warranty for your new windows and understand how it affects the overall cost of your project.
Let’s look at a hypothetical situation.
Company A and Company B sell the same windows from the same manufacturer. You’re looking to replace 10 windows in your home and decide to look at how much it would cost for each company to do the job.
- Company A charges $12,500 for 10 aluminum 3 ft. x 5 ft. windows. They offer a lifetime warranty for the entire time you will be living in your home.
- Company B charges $8,000 for the same exact job but only offers a three-year warranty. If anything happens to your windows after those three years, you’re on your own.
Which option seems like a better deal? Unless you aren’t planning on staying in your home for more than a few years, Company A offers you a better deal. They give you the security of knowing you will not have to pay if anything goes wrong with the windows.
The quality of your windows' warranty will add to the cost of your project. The better the warranty and higher quality of the company, the more it will cost.
Are replacement windows worth it?
Whether or not to buy replacement windows for your home depends on a few factors. Here are some things to consider:
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Age and condition of current windows: If your current windows are old, damaged, or inefficient, replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows can help lower your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.
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Energy efficiency: New windows are typically more energy-efficient than older windows, which can help reduce your heating and cooling costs. Look for windows with a low U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to maximize energy efficiency.
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Cost: The cost of replacement windows can vary depending on the size, type, and quality of the windows you choose. Consider your budget and weigh the cost of new windows against the potential energy savings and other benefits.
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Home value: New windows can improve the curb appeal and resale value of your home. If you're planning to sell your home in the near future, new windows may be a worthwhile investment.
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Maintenance: New windows may require less maintenance than older windows, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision to buy replacement windows depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Consider consulting with a window contractor to evaluate the condition of your current windows and to explore your options for replacement windows.
Having Realistic Expectations For The Cost Of Your Window Replacement Project
Now that you know how much a window replacement in San Antonio can cost and what goes into the cost, you can have realistic expectations for your project.
In any home remodeling project, remember that cost and quality have a direct relationship. The higher the quality of your windows and installation, the more it will cost you.
These six things make up the entire cost of your window replacement project:
- Window type
- Window style
- Energy efficiency
- Customizations
- Installation
- Warranty
Once you outline your wants, goals, and needs for your window replacement project, you can choose the best windows and company to work with for a successful outcome.
Now, we understand talking about cost and budgeting isn’t always the most fun thing. However, it is an important conversation to help you have realistic expectations for what you are looking to pay for your project and to know how much you should budget.
This article will outline five steps to outline the right budget for any home improvement project. Then, you can follow the step-by-step guide to define your goals for your window replacement project and decide what the right budget is.
Ready To Replace Your San Antonio Windows With A Contractor You Can Trust?
Southwest Exteriors offers high-quality replacement windows from Marvin, ProVia, Anlin, and more.
Our expert installation, paired with our lifetime warranty, guarantees your new windows will last in your home. When you work with Southwest Exteriors, you build a lifelong relationship.
Ready to upgrade your home and work with a trustworthy company? Schedule your commitment-free consultation with a design consultant today, and get the look you love coming home to!