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ROI On New Windows
Let’s take a closer look at roi on new windows. ROI stands for return on investment and is a major driver for many home improvement projects. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to know the true return on investment of your new windows. Part of this is due to the misinformation online that is (often) propagated by window companies.
These companies have a vested interest in keeping the roi timeline as low as possible. This makes replacing your windows seem like a much better deal than it really is (although there are some additional benefits to this home improvement projects, which we will touch on in this article).
My Take: If you don't plan to live in your home for at least 15 years, then replacing your windows is not an economically feasible home improvement step. However, you still may want to consider the project for the following reason(s) - which I detail below, so check it out.
(Always Get 3 to 4 Local Price Quotes)
Dane - Site Editor - Original Publish Date - May 20, 2025
Page Last Update: October 10, 2025
Realistic ROI On New Windows
12 to 15 years
Page Sections
- ROI On New Windows Introduction
- Unrealistic Return On Investment
- Variables At Play
- New Windows And Property Value
- Tax Implications
- Homeowner Q And A
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Unrealistic ROI On New Windows
Here is our projected roi on new windows: 12 to 15 years to recoup your initial investment. Compare this to most window companies roi on new windows at 3 to 7 years. In our estimation, you have to live in a home for 12 to 15 years before the investment in new windows pays you back. That is considerably longer than the 3 to 7 years that they often tout.
Window Company ROI Projection
3 to 7 years
"Unfortunately, many windows companies tend to exaggerate the roi on new windows, claiming you make your money back in 3 to 7 years. Personally, I find this hard to believe and consider this deceptive statistic to be unfair to American consumers."
Variables At Play
If your windows are say 30 plus years old, meaning they are single pane aluminum frame, then high quality vinyl windows are going to be much more energy efficient. This can save you thousands of dollars each year on your heating and cooling costs. However, the real benefit in the short term is a more comfortable home.
Old windows are often drafty and make for a much less pleasant living experience. So even though the roi on new windows may not be economically viable (unless you are in your home for 15 plus years), you will instantly see the benefits of a more comfortable and energy efficient home. This is certainly a factor for many homeowners, despite the less than ideal return on investment.
Additionally, new windows can help reduce exterior noise(s) that might range from simply annoying to downright unlivable. Greatly reducing the amount of outside noise creates a much enhanced and comfortable living environment.
New Windows And Property Value
While new windows can up your property value when you go to sell, they don’t always. When you go to sell your home, most appraisers use comparable homes in your area to set the sale price. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily take into account what home improvements you have made. Some buyers may see the value in home improvement, but this might not be reflected in the bids you receive. Basically, an increase in property value is often in the eyes of the beholder.
Tax Implications
One last factor to take into account is the following. Improvements made to a home can be deducted from the gain you make on the sale of a home, which can mean you would pay less tax on the sale. Thus your return on investment (could) be significantly improved. However, this is a function of how much you initially paid for the home and whether you are subject to taxes under your state laws. So, this is where talking with a tax professional and running some numbers can impact the roi on new windows.
Window Return On Investment Q and A
Below are homeowner questions and answers related to the roi on new windows - what can you expect when it comes to return on investment. Hopefully, other homeowner experiences can shed some light on the subject.
Dane - Site Editor
Window Recommendations
Hello, we were looking at Anlin windows, but making them two tone (white inside; bronze outside) raises the cost by 45% because of some military grade thermal coating (almost $22k more for 7 windows and 2 patio doors)... I know you talk highly of the Anlin, but is there high quality vinyl windows that does not charge a such a premium for two tone windows? This is our forever home so we want something that is high quality and will provide but ROI on windows, but $50k is too high.
Arturo - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Arturo, I hear you, the darker exterior window colors are super expensive if they are not custom. Most are not custom because the darker colors absorb light and the manufacturers worry that the heat over time will affect the frames. Really the only way to find out who carries the colors, styles, materials, etc. that will fit your project is to call up the local companies and ask.
Here are my recommendations: a bid from an Amerimax windows dealer on their Craftsman Portrait series, a Milgard dealer on their Trinsic series, and a Simonton dealer on their Impressions 9800 or Reflections 5500 series. Do a google search for "[Milgard windows in [your city and state]". Local companies who rep that brand should come up. You might be able to just call and ask about their custom colors and see what they say.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Related Topics: Average Cost Of Replacement Windows
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