If you’re planning to purchase replacement windows, it’s essential to budget for professional installation costs, which can make up a large chunk of the total cost for new windows. Pella window installation typically starts between $200 and $300 per window but varies based on window type, size, customization, and location in the home. For example, huge windows like bay or bow windows cost more to install than a small single-hung window, which a professional contractor may be able to install in an hour or two.
Pella windows cost more than average because the company uses luxury window materials, like wood and fiberglass, and offers many custom window options — all factors contributing to a higher window price point and more expensive installation fees. Fortunately, Pella does offer more affordable vinyl window options, lowering your total costs.
Customization, window size, and style are crucial factors in determining how much the window and labor cost. Keep reading for my in-depth guide on how different factors affect your Pella window installation costs and if professional installation is worth it based on Pella’s labor warranty.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
What Are The Different Types of Pella Windows?
Pella offers a standard selection of the basic window types most homeowners need for their homes, such as casement, awning, double-hung, and sliding windows. You’ll even find unique offerings like custom window designs, and large bay and bow windows. The only window type Pella doesn’t offer is garden windows, which offer a cozy nook for an indoor mini greenhouse.
Here are all of Pella’s window offerings and a quick rundown of each window’s benefits:
- Awning windows: These windows have top hinges and open outward, creating an awning-like appearance. Awning windows are popular in tight hallways or kitchens that don’t have room for windows with large, open sashes.
- Bay and bow windows: Bay and bow windows are massive windows made up of three or more window panels that protrude from your home’s exterior, creating a nook. These windows are often installed in dining areas and living rooms for cozy seating spaces.
- Casement windows: Casement windows, also known as crank windows, swing open to the side, almost like a door. These windows are ideal for rooms with limited space that need ventilation, like a small kitchen or home office.
- Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows are the most common residential windows and feature two operable window sashes, which are movable panels that slide up and down, overlapping in the middle.
- Single-hung windows: Single-hung windows have an operable sash that makes it easy to let fresh air into your home, but the top sash is fixed, unlike double-hung windows, which have an operable top and bottom sash.
- Picture windows: Picture windows are large windows without grilles, rails, or grids that create a clear view of the outdoors, essentially framing your view.
- Sliding windows: Sliding windows, otherwise known as gliding windows or sliders, have two movable sashes that slide horizontally. They provide plenty of lighting and airflow and work best in wide spaces.
- Transom windows: These decorative openings often feature above standard doors or windows. They are fixed without any operable mechanisms and installed purely for visual appeal and added natural light.
- Hopper windows: Hopper windows are like awning windows, except they open inward with bottom hinges. Homes often have hopper windows in basements and cellars to provide needed light and ventilation.
- Specialty windows: Pella offers made-to-order windows with many design choices, from artisanal glass options to specialty shapes and intricate grille patterns.
How Much Do Pella Windows Cost?
The type of window you want will impact the overall cost of the window and installation. Some windows, like bay and bow windows, require far more material and labor than simpler windows like single-hung windows or awning windows.
The following table gives a quick overview of what different types of Pella windows cost based on the type of window.
On reviewing the above price estimate table, you likely noticed that each window has a wide price range — such as the hopper window, which is estimated to cost between $400 and $1,800. This price range is extensive for several reasons. The type of frame material, window series, customization options, energy efficiency features, and hardware you choose will all significantly impact the final price of your window. So, selecting a hopper window with a vinyl frame will cost much less than a high-end fiberglass window from Pella’s premium series windows, like products from the Pella Architect line. Likewise, custom sizes, paint colors, shapes, or hardware options will increase the total cost of your window, regardless of what type of window you choose, which accounts for the broad price ranges each window type has in our table.
Watch the following video on energy efficiency and performance ratings with Danny Lipford for a quick overview of energy-efficient window benefits and what features you should consider for your climate:
How Do Pella Window Frame Materials Affect Cost?
Window frame materials impact the look and feel of your new windows and important factors like how low maintenance or energy efficient the window is. If you’re interested in a more expensive material like wood or wood-clad windows, you’ll want to budget more than if you choose a less expensive material like vinyl.
The following table gives you price estimates for Pella windows based on window frame material so you can factor this in when considering your budget and needs.
Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass window frames have pros and cons, which can impact your choice as you shop for new windows. Vinyl windows are the least expensive window material and require very little maintenance, which is a big plus for busy homeowners. However, these windows can warp, soften, and bow if heat builds up. They also aren’t as strong as wood or fiberglass windows, especially if you live somewhere with extreme weather conditions, and are challenging to paint, making them less ideal for homeowners interested in customization.
Wood windows have a classic look that many homeowners love and insulate the home effectively. The biggest downside to wood windows is their upkeep, but choosing aluminum or vinyl cladding will reduce maintenance requirements if this is a concern for you.
Lastly, fiberglass windows are an excellent choice for homeowners interested in superior thermal performance. Fiberglass windows are the most dimensionally stable and have air cavities, often filled with insulating gases like argon gas, increasing these windows’ energy efficiency. The only downside is that fiberglass windows are often much more expensive than vinyl ones, so you must make a larger upfront investment.
What Size Pella Windows Are Cheapest?
As you might expect, smaller windows typically cost less than larger ones. The exceptions to this are specialty windows or windows with many customizations, such as upgraded energy efficiency options, unique paint and hardware, or custom sizes and shapes. For example, an awning window from one of Pella’s less expensive product lines starts at only $500 with installation. Still, this price can quickly jump to upwards of $2,000 with installation if you choose an awning window from one of its luxury lines.
Likewise, more oversized windows, like bay and bow windows, require far more material and labor to install, so you can easily pay $2,000 to $3,500 for this type of window and its installation because of its massive size. In contrast, a small single-hung window may cost as little as $300 for the product and installation.
Does Energy Efficiency Increase Pella Window Prices?
Pella has a strong reputation for producing energy-efficient windows, with many of its windows receiving the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023 award. All its windows are ENERGY STAR- and NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council)-certified, meaning they are independently tested and certified and meet certain energy performance standards. Choosing energy-efficient windows from Pella will mean a higher price upfront as it requires more specialty materials to manufacture energy-efficient windows. For example, selecting a window with Low-E coating over a standard window will cost you at least $120 extra, but you’ll make up this extra cost with lower energy consumption in the home. Similarly, windows with argon gas fill usually cost at least $30 to $40 more per window and can increase installation costs.
The verdict: Pella window prices will increase the more you opt for energy-efficient windows or frame materials like fiberglass. Fortunately, you will reap the benefits of lower energy bills, which can make up for this investment.
How Much Does Professional Pella Window Installation Cost?
So, how much does professional Pella window installation cost? The following table gives you rough estimates of how much it costs to hire an independent contractor or, ideally, use one of Pella’s experts for the installation. If you choose to have your windows installed by Pella’s experts, you receive the company’s unique Pella Care Guarantee. This guarantee covers labor and installation defects for up to 10 years — a significant bonus that makes this choice worthwhile, in our opinion.
| Project | Cost Range |
| 1 – 5 Windows | $100 – $1,500 |
| 6 – 10 Windows | $600 – $3,000 |
| 10+ Windows | $1,000+ |
| Full Home Replacement (based on eight windows) | $800+ |
Most homes have at least eight windows, so if you’re replacing all your old windows at once, you can expect installation costs to be at least $800 or more. The window style and labor required will be two of the most significant factors that impact cost. For example, suppose your home needs structural modifications or new construction for a custom or large window project like a bay window. This will significantly increase installation costs as the home improvement project requires more labor and materials. You’ll also need to consider disposal fees. When interviewing contractors, ask if they charge a disposal fee for removing your old windows. Some contractors include this in their price, while others will charge you an additional fee, so ask about this upfront to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Pella experts can cost more because of their extensive experience and brand name. However, this can be a worthwhile investment because windows installed by Pella-certified experts receive the Pella Care Guarantee, providing you with 10 years of protection if any of the installed components need to be replaced due to installation issues.
Can You Install Pella Windows Yourself?
While you can install Pella windows yourself, we advise against it for several reasons. For starters, you need specialty tools, materials, and even specific permits for window installation, depending on your area — all of which add to the cost of installing it yourself.
Next, if you opt for DIY window installation, you don’t receive the benefits of a labor warranty. You may even void other parts of your window warranty if the installation is botched in any way. This situation will cost you far more later on if you need the window glass, hardware, or other covered window parts replaced, as you’ll be responsible for covering these costs on your own rather than Pella replacing the window parts under warranty.
Lastly, DIY window installation can cost you hundreds of dollars yearly if you don’t correctly install the windows and end up with a weak seal or air leaks. According to ENERGY STAR, air leakage makes up 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling in typical homes. A huge contributor to air leaks is windows or doors that are not adequately sealed or insulated. Air leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars yearly in energy bills, which is far more expensive than paying for professional installation. While saving a few hundred dollars in window installation costs is tempting for the budget-minded, it’s better to choose professional installation unless you’re highly experienced because you’ll have the protection of a labor warranty and peace of mind that your windows aren’t compromising your home’s energy efficiency.
How Do Custom Pella Windows Affect Installation Price?
As with any window provider, custom Pella windows will affect the installation price. Custom windows often require structural modifications to the home to create a spot for the unique shape, which adds to labor and material costs. You’ll also want to consider looking for a more experienced installer or going with a Pella-certified installer, which will cost you more but provide the peace of mind that your specialty window is properly installed, as this isn’t a project in which all contractors are experienced.
Does Pella Offer Any Warranties?
Warranty coverage adds to your windows’ total cost as the company guarantees your windows’ glass, framing, exterior paint, etc. Pella offers a limited lifetime warranty for the frame, labor, and non-laminated glass materials. Its warranties are broken down by window material:
- Pella Vinyl Windows Warranty: Most vinyl windows from Pella come with 10 years of coverage on laminated glass and DuraColor exterior paint. The blinds and shades are only covered for five years, though.
- Pella Wood Windows Warranty: While this warranty varies based on whether the windows are installed near a seacoast or not, most Pella wood windows receive 10 to 20 years of coverage for non-laminated glass, aluminum cladding peelings, and wood deterioration.
- Pella Impervia Series Warranty: Pella fiberglass windows from its Impervia series have limited lifetime coverage on Duracase framing, 10 years for paint finish, 20 years for glass, and 10 years for specialty fiberglass-resin windows.
So, Is Pella Window Installation Worth It?
While I would like to see a true lifetime warranty from Pella, its limited lifetime warranty is competitive within the industry and will suffice for most homeowners. However, the labor warranty it offers through its Pella Care Guarantee is a standout, so I recommend opting for a Pella-certified installer to ensure your windows are correctly installed and receive that extra labor coverage. Other benefits of choosing Pella include its durable, premium windows, which offer homeowners a great aesthetic and resale value. Even more importantly, Pella provides top-notch energy-efficiency features that will save you money over the years by reducing your home’s energy consumption. This alone is worthwhile for many homeowners to consider as they shop for the best windows and weigh the pros and cons of Pella’s higher prices and installation costs.
Before choosing a company for your replacement windows, gather quotes from other providers like Renewal by Andersen to get an overview of the industry’s prices, window offerings, and installation options. Use the forms below to get free quotes from top window installers in your area.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
FAQs About Pella Windows
What is the average cost of a Pella window?
The average cost of a Pella window is around $675, but this varies depending on the type of window you choose, the window series, and customization options. For example, a typical window from Pella costs between $200 and $685, but its premium window series starts at prices over $1,100 per window. Pella is more expensive than average compared to other window providers. Still, its high-quality materials and energy-efficient features make the higher cost worth it for many homeowners.
Are Pella windows the most expensive?
Pella is more expensive than your average window provider. This is partly due to its product offerings, which include premium materials like classic wood and pricey but durable fiberglass windows, which increase the average window cost. Pella does offer multiple vinyl window series, which are less expensive. This provider also offers many energy-efficient glass options and features, which increase its average window price point.
Is Pella more expensive than Andersen?
Andersen is more expensive than Pella because of its many luxury window ranges and extensive history in the industry, resulting in strong brand recognition and trust, which many homeowners are willing to pay more for. Both companies offer windows at higher-than-average prices and feature luxury materials. However, Pella provides a bigger range of affordable vinyl windows, which are better for homeowners on a tighter budget.
Why are Pella windows so expensive?
Pella Window products are primarily made from premium materials like wood, fiberglass, and energy-efficient glass with argon gas fills and Low-E coatings. These contribute to Pella’s higher-than-average price point but can be worth the investment for homeowners interested in the best energy-efficiency features and durable, high-quality windows.
