Shed light on window prices in 4 popular styles

Windows and doors prices can make your pocket book as gloomy or as sunny as the elements from which they protect your home. See the light about modern replacement windows: They come with a generous assortment of frames, glazing and energy-efficiency options.

5 features that can increase window replacement costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows and doors prices will see trade-offs in price, as you begin to add features to a particular style. As you consider replacement window styles, evaluate your home room-by-room to determine whether you'll need the following options:

1. Ventilation
2. Sound dampening
3. Protective stains or sun treatments
4. Visible light transmittance
5. Tinting

Regardless of whether you add these features at the time of purchase or after installation, expect each feature to impact the cost by 10- to 20-percent.

High-end and low-end price points of 4 popular window styles

From Pacific to Atlantic, from the Pine forests of Maine to the Mojave desert, 21st century window replacements are built with technology that can withstand any climate--and insulate your home better than ever.

1. Double-hung windows: The most-common style in today's replacement market is the double-hung window, which allows you to open both sashes to control ventilation. Among double-hung window frames, vinyl is popular for cash-conscious homeowners, who want a durable solution and simple maintenance. Wood is more expensive and requires frequent painting.
   
   • Low end: Milgard Tuscany double-hung, vinyl, 2 feet by 3 feet: $208?
   • High end: Anderson 200 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung Windows, wood, 2 feet by 4 feet: $278
     

2. Casement windows: Popular for ease-of-maintenance and admitting cooling breezes. You can add e-coatings and gas fills for greater energy-efficiency.

   • Low end: Simonton SNC400 single casement, vinyl, fusion-weld frame, 2 feet by 3 feet: $173
   • High end: Anderson 400 Series double casement windows, High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, wood with protective vinyl cladding, 2 feet by 4 feet: $391

3. Sliding or gliding windows: Sliding windows are a popular choices for homeowners who want to open a window, one sash over the other, to provide air or increase warm light into an interior space, especially kitchens. Like other styles, you can choose from vinyl or wood frame materials and energy-saving options.

   • Low end: Vinyl 2-Lite Sliding Window by House of Windows, double operating sashes, vinyl, 2 feet by 3 feet: $231?
   • High end: Anderson 400 Series gliding windows, High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, low-maintenance exteriors, wood, 4 feet by 3 feet: $927

4. Picture and transom windows: Adding elegance and views to any room in the home, picture and transom windows are a popular way to open your home and brighten up even the darkest interiors.

   • Low end: Simonton S050, double pane, fusion-weld frame, vinyl: $155
   • High end: Anderson 400 Series picture windows, High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, natural wood interior: $465

Say "Yes" to new windows and say it with style. With the wide range of materials on the market today, you'll find materials and feature in every window style to fit nearly any budget.