Double hung windows are one of the most popular window types in the nation. They are more expensive than their single hung window counterparts, with an average installation cost of $565 per window. Most professional double hung window installations cost anywhere between $250 to $975, including labor.
Homeowners pay around $75 to $300 in labor fees per window when they hire a professional to install new double hung windows for their homes.
Although they look very similar to single hung windows, double hung windows are made of two movable sashes on a track. These sashes can move up or down, and they can be opened at the same time.
This pricing guide covers:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Double Hung Window Replacement Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Double Hung Window Costs
| National Average Cost | $565 |
| Typical Price Range | $250 – $975 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $185 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $2,510 |
The national average cost of a double hung window installation is about $565 per window, but most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $975 for their double hung window installation. However, you can pay as little as $185 or as much as $2,510 – or more – depending on the scope of your project.
Why is there such a big price difference? There are many factors that affect the cost of a double hung window, including how big it is and how many windows you want to be installed in your home. Someone who only needs to install one small double hung window will always pay less than someone who wants to install ten large double hung windows.
To save money on your double hung window installation, you can:
- Install smaller windows
- Install fewer windows
- Use windows made with budget-friendly materials
- Buy double hung windows from budget-friendly brands and product lines
- Use standard windows instead of custom ones
- Get many quotes from different contractors to find one that fits your budget
A double hung window’s size isn’t the only factor that affects its cost. Some of these factors are its planned location, your home’s geographical area, and special window treatments. Installing a double hung window on the upper floors of your home will also be more expensive than installing one on the first floor.
Double Hung Window Cost Estimator by Size
Made with two movable window sashes, double hung windows come in a variety of standard sizes. Standard double hung windows can be anywhere between 24 to 48 inches wide and 36 to 72 inches tall, so homeowners have many options to choose from.
Like most windows, a bigger double hung window usually costs more to install because its bigger size makes it more difficult to install. Larger windows themselves will also be more expensive than a similar but smaller one.
Here are the prices you can expect to pay when you hire a pro to install your new double hung windows. These prices are based on the window’s width; taller windows are usually more expensive than shorter ones with the same width. Note that you may find higher or lower prices depending on where you live.
| Double Hung Window Width | Cost Range (Window + Installation) |
| 24 inches | $265 – $480 |
| 28 inches | $285 – $460 |
| 32 inches | $290 – $490 |
| 40 inches | $310 – $510 |
| 44 inches | $325 – $540 |
| 48 inches | $340 – $635 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While window size is one of the major cost factors affecting the price of double hung window installation, it’s not the only factor you have to look out for. Other cost factors include window frame material, glass, window treatments, physical location, window brand, and labor fees. These all come together to affect the price of your window installation.
Window Frame Material
A double hung window can be made of different materials, such as vinyl, wood, fiberglass, composite, and aluminum. These window frame materials have different properties, although some are usually better quality than others. Getting these higher-quality materials for your window frame and sash will make your double hung window more expensive.
Vinyl Double Hung Windows
Costing anywhere between $200 and $1,815, vinyl double hung windows are some of the most common and most affordable on the market. Vinyl windows are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and quite durable. However, they’re not very customizable.
Wood Double Hung Windows
Wooden windows are timeless and come in many finishes. However, wood windows are not as durable, require lots of maintenance, and are quite expensive. Double hung windows made of wood cost around $360 to $3,150.
Fiberglass Double Hung Windows
Known for its durability and energy efficiency, fiberglass is also a low-maintenance window frame material. Fiberglass windows are more expensive than many other double hung windows made of different materials, costing anywhere from $330 to $2,290 per unit.
Composite Double Hung Windows
Composite windows bring the aesthetics of wood while keeping the durability of vinyl. Also as energy-efficient as vinyl, composite double hung windows cost around $275 to $1,750.
Aluminum Double Hung Windows
Aluminum double hung windows are one of the cheapest options available to homeowners. Aluminum windows don’t dent or scratch easily, but they aren’t good insulators, making them not as ideal in colder areas. The cost of an aluminum double hung window ranges from $200 to $850.
Window Glass
When buying your double hung windows, you can choose to get them with special glass and special window treatments. Window glass can be double-glazed, tempered, low-e-coated, tinted, or laminated. Getting these for your double hung window will make it more expensive, but you will save money in the long run because they also increase your window’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows can lower your utility bills.
Double hung windows can also come in single, double, and triple-pane variants. Double-pane windows are more energy-efficient than single-pane windows but less than triple-pane windows. However, more glass panes drive up the cost of your double hung window.
Physical Location
Like many window types, double hung windows become more expensive to install the higher up you go. Installing double hung windows any higher than the first floor is more difficult, more dangerous, and requires extra equipment.
Window Brand
Although you have many window brands to choose from, you should know that some window brands are more expensive than others. Those that offer windows with higher Energy Star ratings and extra features are more likely to be less affordable than the rest.
A double hung window’s cost can also vary within a window brand because of different product lines. Some product lines have these extra features or are made of more expensive materials.
Here are a few window brands that sell double hung windows, along with their prices. These prices might be different from what you find depending on where you live.
| Window Brand | Double Hung Window Cost Range |
| Alside | $200 – $875 |
| American Craftsman | $210 – $380 |
| Andersen | $280 – $1,025 |
| CertainTeed/MI | $550 – $725 |
| Harvey | $350 – $1,100 |
| JELD-WEN | $270 – $2,135 |
| Marvin | $595 – $995 |
| Milgard | $245 – $735 |
| Pella | $200 – $2,105 |
| Ply Gem | $325 – $900 |
| Simonton | $320 – $880 |
Labor Cost
Since double hung windows are quite easy to install, homeowners can expect to pay around $75 to $300 per window in labor costs. They’re a little more expensive to install than single hung windows, but not by much.
The average double hung window can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours to install, which is good to keep in mind if a pro gives you an hourly rate. Also, keep in mind that labor costs will most likely be affected by how big your window is and where you want to install it.
Double Hung Window Replacement Cost
Like with most windows, replacing a double hung window is more affordable than installing a new one, especially if the new and old windows are quite similar in size. Double hung window replacement costs around $195 to $635 per unit on average.
Related Services
These other home improvement projects may interest you if you’re planning to get a new double hung window installed or an old one replaced.
Window Replacement and Repair
Replacing all your windows when you get a new one will ensure that your windows will match. The cost of a window replacement is around $670 on average, although many homeowners pay between $310 to $1,330 to replace their old and broken windows. This cost can go up or down depending on the scope of your project.
If many of your windows are in relatively good condition and only need a few touch-ups, then repairing your windows will be the more cost-effective solution for you. Professional window repairs cost an average of $360 and are cheaper than window installation and replacement. Most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $170 to $565 for window repairs, depending on how much damage needs to be fixed.
Insulation
Installing any window leaves your home at risk of gaps between the window and the wall. To prevent this, you can have a pro insulate the gaps to keep your home safe from sudden temperature shifts. Window insulation costs around $3 to $20 per square foot to install.
Siding
To install your new double hung windows, a pro might need to remove or replace some of your home’s siding. Professional siding replacement costs anywhere between $2.33 to $15.33 per square foot. If you only need repairs, then you can expect to pay around $214 to $1,468, depending on the scope of the damage, although siding repair costs an average of $630.
Aside from maintaining the integrity of your home, new siding also boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Drywall
If a professional needs to work on your siding during your double hung window installation, then they most likely need to work on your drywall, too. Installing new drywall costs around $975 to $2,370 (or an average of $1,920), but you’ll be spending less if you only need to replace a small area of drywall.
Drywall repairs will cost you an average of $445, although you can expect to pay anywhere between $250 to $765.
House Painting
Since new double hung windows can enhance your curb appeal, you may want to consider making your home even more beautiful with a new paint job. The cost of a professional exterior house painting project for your whole house is around $3,348, although pros can charge anywhere between $2,191 and $4,505.
Double Hung Window Cost vs. Other Window Types
Are you interested in another type of window that’s more unique than the common double hung? Are you just weighing your options? This table shows the typical price range for the many types of windows.
| Window Type | Typical Price Range |
| Arched window | $345 – $925 |
| Awning window | $295 – $655 |
| Bay window | $1,125 – $4,790 |
| Bow window | $2,190 – $6,140 |
| Casement window | $155 – $970 |
| Circle window | $250 – $825 |
| Egress window | $2,445 – $5,265 |
| Folding window | $835 – $2,200 |
| Garden window | $1,050 – $4,000 |
| Glass block window | $410 – $1,235 |
| Hopper window | $200 – $665 |
| Jalousie window | $175 – $410 |
| Picture window | $200 – $775 |
| Single hung window | $245 – $635 |
| Skylight window | $800 – $2,200 |
| Sliding window | $180 – $870 |
| Storm window | $125 – $415 |
| Tilt-out window | $350 – $1,500 |
| Transom window | $160 – $365 |
| Single-pane window | $160 – $390 |
| Double-pane window | $425 – $950 |
| Triple-pane window | $500 – $1,865 |
| Custom window | $300 – $3,000 |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing a new double hung window DIY costs around $760 to $2,375, and that’s for an already existing window opening. This cost includes your new vinyl double hung window, tools, and materials.
| DIY Equipment Required | Average Cost |
| Vinyl double hung window | $200 – $1,815 |
| Caulk gun | $6 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Cordless drill | $120 |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Nails | $12 |
| Finishing Nails | $6 |
| Putty knife | $10 |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Pry bar | $15 |
| Level | $35 |
| Work gloves | $18 |
| Safety glasses | $14 |
| Paintbrush | $10 |
| Trim paint | $55 |
| Oscillating tool | $140 |
| Fiberglass insulation | $25 |
| Expanding foam | $10 |
| Shims | $2 |
| Wood filler | $15 |
| Hearing protection | $16 |
| Total DIY Cost | $760 – $2,375 |
Compared to the pro cost of $250 to $975, we can see that the total cost of a DIY double hung window installation is more expensive than a professional window installation. That’s because professional window installers have the necessary equipment ready. They might even be able to buy windows at a discounted price, and their installations come with warranties, too.
If you’re set on installing your own double hung windows, you need to keep in mind that this home improvement project needs an intermediate level of skill and a lot of time to pull off properly. Find guidance in our article “How to Install a Replacement Window DIY.”
This pricing table also assumes that the window you’ll be installing is on the first floor only. It’s not recommended that you install your own double hung windows on higher floors, as it’s more dangerous. It’s better to leave that project to a window installation pro.
Cost of Double Hung Window Installation by Location
Homeowners living in colder climates should expect to pay more for window installation than homeowners living in hotter areas. They will most likely need to pay more for energy-efficient windows with special glass, additional panes, and extra window treatments that keep their homes at a comfortable, constant temperature. These will also lower their energy bills in the long term.
The cost of a double hung window installation can also be more expensive if you live in an urban area. Other factors tied to your location that affect window installation costs include regional labor costs, local supply chains, and historical significance. If you live in a historical district, you may be restricted in what windows and designs you can use.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a pro near you for accurate prices.
FAQ About Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows are easy to find and easy to install, as they’re one of the most common window types in the country. However, those aren’t the only pros a double window has.
Compared to single hung windows, they are also easier to clean because many of them have sashes that tilt in, so you can stay inside your home to clean both the interior and exterior of your double hung windows.
They also offer better ventilation; opening the upper sash lets hot air from your room out, while opening the lower sash lets colder air rush in. Its double movable sash design also makes it safer for small children and pets, as you can open the upper sash and keep the lower sash closed.
Although they have their benefits, double hung windows aren’t perfect. Their double movable sashes can actually work against them. Because there are more moving parts, they don’t seal as well, so they can be less energy-efficient than other types of windows. You also have to make sure you lock both sashes, or else they can become a security risk.
If your double hung window tilts in, then you can clean it much easier. First, unlock the lower sash, release any latches holding it in place, and pull it towards you. You can then clean the lower sash. Let it hang gently.
Then, bring the upper sash a third of the way down and release it from the latches holding it in place, and then pull it down toward you, too. After cleaning the top sash, gently push it back into place and do the same for the lower sash.
Like many windows, they can last around 15 to 20 years, especially with good maintenance. Consider replacing your double hung windows if they’re at that age.
Though double hung and single hung windows are similar, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Despite this, they’re both excellent options for many homes.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Install Your Double Hung Window?
With their customization options, accessibility, and many benefits, double hung windows are a great option for many homeowners. Getting a new double hung window for your home is easy: Contact a window installation pro near you today.
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Main Image Credit: Andersen Windows / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
