How To Choose The Right Windows For Your House

Choosing the best window style and brand is no easy feat. So we’ve created this guide to replacement windows to help you navigate the many types, frame styles, and brands.

You can also browse through the glass and energy efficiency section to learn which options are best suited to your climate and which aren’t worth the extra cost.

Most Common Window Styles

While single and double-hung windows are the most common, they aren’t your only option. If you want to add different functionality or style to your home, here’s a complete list of window types.

Click on the links below to learn more about each window.

Type of Window	Description	Average Cost
Single-hung	Tall rectangle with two sashes, only the bottom sash opens	$275-$600
Double-hung	Tall rectangle with two sashes, both sashes open	$200-$1,200
Casement	Tall rectangle featuring one panel that opens via a crank or push	$250-$600
Sliding	Horizontal rectangle with two sashes	$150-$800
Bow	Four to six windows of equal size installed at an angle and that extend past a home's exterior wall	$3,600
Bay	Three to five windows installed at a sharp angle that protrudes past a home's exterior wall	$1,200 - $2,600
Picture	A fixed window, usually square or rectangle-shaped	$250-$1,000
Awning	A square or horizontal rectangle with a hinge at the top and opens via a crank or push	$300-$1,000
Garden	Small projection window featuring four glass panels	$2,000-$3,000
Hopper	A square or horizontal rectangle with a hinge at the bottom that opens via a crank or pulley	$100-$1,000
Arched	Windows with an arch at the top	$275 - $875
Round	Circular windows, usually fixed	$200+
Jalousie	A window with split slats, or louvers, that open and close in unison	$200-$400
Transom	A small window over top of a door	$150-$300
Glass Block	Windows composed of individual squares of thick glass	$100-$1,000
Egress	A window that meets guidelines set by the International Residential Code for fire safety	$200 - $1,200
Skylight	Rooftop windows	$900 - $2,300
Storm Windows	Inserts that go over a regular window to increase energy efficiency	$85 - $180

Glass and Energy Efficiency Options

Most of today’s windows come standard with dual panes. You can increase your window’s energy efficiency by choosing a Low-E coating appropriate for your climate and upgrading to triple-pane glass.

Here’s information on glass and energy efficiency options:

Best Window Brands

Many high-quality window brands are available, each offering different window styles and frame materials.

Brand	Frame Materials Offered	Pricing
Andersen	Fibrex (composite), aluminum-clad wood, vinyl-clad wood, composite-clad wood, fiberglass-clad wood	Mid-high
Pella	vinyl, aluminum-clad, fiberglass, wood	Low - high
JELD WEN	vinyl, aluminum-clad, aluminum, wood	Low - high
Marvin	aluminum-clad, aluminum, fiberglass, fiberglass-clad, fiberglass w/ aluminum interior, wood	Mid-high
Milgard	vinyl, thermally improved aluminum, fiberglass	Low - high
Simonton	vinyl	Low - high
Alside	vinyl	Low - high
Ply Gem	vinyl, composite, composite-clad wood, and aluminum-clad	Low - high
Champion	vinyl	mid
Home Depot	vinyl, aluminum-clad, wood, fiberglass, aluminum	Low - high
Weather Shield	aluminum, aluminum-clad	Mid-high
Loewen	wood, aluminum-clad, bronze-clad, copper-clad	High

Helpful Tips for Purchasing New Windows

Before you buy new windows, check out these helpful resources:

The Average Cost of a Replacement Window
Standard Window Sizes
How to Measure for Replacement Windows