Cost guide
Repair or Replace? A Simple Money Rule for Old Windows
Every homeowner with a sticky, drafty, or foggy window faces the same question — and gets opposite answers from the repair handyman and the replacement salesperson. Here's a neutral framework.
The 30% rule
If the repair costs more than 30% of a comparable new window installed, replace. A standard vinyl double-hung runs $360–$850 installed, so the repair ceiling is roughly $110–$250. Above that, you're pouring money into a depreciating unit.
Layer on the age test: windows over 20 years old get one repair, not two. A second failure within a few years means the unit is at end of life; each fix after that is a down payment on the replacement you'll make anyway.
What repairs actually cost
| Problem | Typical repair cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Torn screen | $20 – $60 | Always repair |
| Broken lock/crank hardware | $50 – $150 | Repair |
| Broken sash balance (won't stay up) | $100 – $250 | Repair once |
| Cracked single pane | $100 – $300 | Repair, unless unit is ancient |
| Fogged double-pane (seal failure) | $200 – $400 for glass unit swap | Borderline — often replace |
| Rotted frame | $300 – $1,000+ | Replace (rot spreads) |
The two cases that trip people up
Fogged glass feels repairable — you can swap just the insulated glass unit. But if the seal failed once, the frame's flexing and drainage caused it, and the new glass often fogs again within years. On a window under 10 years old (possibly under warranty — check!), swap the glass. Over 15, replace the window.
"Just one bad window" tempts a quick fix. Fair — but if it's an original window, its siblings are on the same clock. Get a whole-house replacement quote alongside the single repair quote. Per-window pricing on a full job is dramatically better than a series of single service calls, and you'll make a smarter decision seeing both numbers.
The honesty test for contractors
Ask any window company: "Can this be repaired instead?" A company that sometimes says yes is a company you can trust with the replacement quote. A company that answers "replace" for a torn screen has told you everything.
Frequently asked questions
Run the replacement number first
You can't apply the 30% rule without knowing the replacement cost. Our free calculator gives you a ZIP-code-adjusted per-window and whole-project estimate in about 60 seconds — no email, no sales call
Calculate my window replacement cost →WindowQuoteGuide is an independent cost-information resource. Estimates are based on published national and regional installation averages and are for general guidance only. If you request quotes through our site, we may receive compensation from partner networks — this never affects the price you pay.
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