Double Hung Window Replacement Cost: Pricing by Material & Size

A double-hung window replacement costs $300 to $850 installed for most homeowners in 2026. That makes double-hung the most popular and one of the most affordable standard window types -- it accounts for the majority of residential window replacements across the country.

Double-hung windows have two operable sashes that slide vertically, with both the top and bottom sashes able to move. This design offers versatile ventilation (open top for warm air exhaust, bottom for cool air intake), easy cleaning (both sashes tilt inward), and a classic look that works in virtually any home style.

This guide breaks down double-hung costs by frame material, size, and brand so you know what to expect from contractor quotes. For a personalized estimate, use our window replacement cost calculator.

Double-Hung Window Cost by Frame Material

Frame material is the biggest cost driver for double-hung windows. Here is what each option costs installed.

Vinyl double-hung windows dominate the market because they hit the sweet spot of affordability, performance, and zero maintenance. Most mid-range and premium models meet ENERGY STAR certification requirements. For a detailed breakdown of vinyl pricing by brand and quality tier, see our vinyl window replacement cost guide.

If you are deciding between vinyl and fiberglass, our vinyl vs fiberglass windows comparison covers the performance differences in depth.

Single-Hung vs Double-Hung: Cost and Feature Comparison

Single-hung windows look nearly identical to double-hung from the outside, but only the bottom sash moves. The top sash is fixed in place. This simpler design costs less, but you give up some functionality.

When to Choose Single-Hung

Single-hung windows make sense for rooms where you do not need upper ventilation and cleaning access is not a concern (ground floor, easy exterior access). The $150-$450 savings per window over double-hung adds up on a whole-house project. For 15 windows, choosing single-hung over double-hung vinyl saves $2,250-$6,750.

When to Choose Double-Hung

Double-hung is the better choice for second-story windows (tilt-in cleaning eliminates the need to clean from outside on a ladder), bedrooms (ventilate from the top while keeping the bottom closed for child safety), and any room where you want maximum airflow control.

For most homeowners replacing windows throughout the house, double-hung is the default recommendation. The cost premium over single-hung is modest relative to the convenience benefits.

Double-Hung Window Cost by Size

Standard double-hung windows come in common sizes that most manufacturers stock. Custom sizes add 20-40% to the cost.

The 32" x 54" size is the most widely available and competitively priced. If your openings are close to a standard size, it is often cheaper to adjust the rough opening slightly (adding shimming or a filler strip) than to order a custom window.

Double-Hung Window Cost by Brand

Brand pricing varies significantly, even within the same frame material. Here are approximate costs for popular brands offering double-hung windows.

Material costs only. Add $100-$300 per window for professional installation.

Budget-conscious homeowners can get a solid double-hung vinyl window from Milgard, Jeld-Wen, or Alside for $230-$500 in materials. Premium buyers looking at Andersen 400 Series or Marvin will spend $800-$1,400 per window in materials alone.

The performance gap between budget and premium is real but often narrower than the price gap suggests. A $400 Jeld-Wen vinyl double-hung with Low-E glass and argon fill may have U-Factor and SHGC ratings within 10-15% of a $900 Andersen unit. You are paying more for the brand name, warranty coverage, hardware quality, and aesthetic details.

Double-Hung Window Glass Options

Double-pane glass with Low-E coating and argon gas fill is the recommended minimum for any double-hung window replacement in 2026, per Department of Energy guidance. The upgrade cost is modest ($50-$150 per window over basic double-pane), and the energy performance improvement is substantial. For details on energy performance and available savings programs, see our energy efficient windows cost guide.

Whole House Double-Hung Replacement Costs

Most homes replacing all their windows use double-hung for the majority of openings. Here is what to budget for a full-house project using double-hung windows.

Includes standard installation. Projects of 10+ windows typically receive 10-15% volume discounts.

Most homes have a mix of window types, not all double-hung. You might use double-hung for bedrooms and hallways, casement windows for kitchens and bathrooms, a picture window in the living room, and possibly a bay window for a feature area. For comprehensive multi-type project pricing, see our whole house window replacement cost guide or use our window replacement cost calculator.

Installation Considerations for Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung window installation is straightforward for experienced crews. A standard retrofit replacement (same-size opening) takes 30-60 minutes per window. Professional window installation labor runs $100-$300 per window.

Key installation details to discuss with your contractor:

• Retrofit vs full-frame: Retrofit keeps the existing frame and is faster/cheaper. Full-frame removes to the studs and is better if the frame is damaged or you want the maximum glass area.
• Weatherstripping: Quality weatherstripping around both sashes is critical for energy performance and preventing drafts. Ask what brand and type of weatherstrip is included.
• Balance system: Modern double-hung windows use a block-and-tackle or constant-force balance system instead of the old-style weights and pulleys. These balance systems should operate smoothly for 20+ years without maintenance.
• Tilt latches: Make sure both sashes tilt in easily for cleaning. Test the tilt mechanism before the crew leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Double-Hung Window Estimate

Double-hung windows are the most versatile and widely available replacement window type. Whether you're replacing a few windows or doing a whole house project, use our calculator to get a personalized estimate.