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New energy-efficient windows have a savings potential of 5 to 10 percent. Thanks to their great energy and cost-saving potential and their comparatively low investment costs, new windows (and doors) pay off fairly quickly. That is why window replacement is a popular renovation measure for many homeowners.
Read more about the right choice of windows in our articles «Renovate or Replace Windows: How to Decide Correctly» and «Replacing Windows Pays Off for You in the Long Term».
The cost depends on three factors: On the labor costs for the window installer(s) (100 to 120 Swiss francs per hour), the window size, and the material costs for the frame and glazing. In our cost examples, which are only guidelines, we estimate the cost of a double-leaf and triple-glazed insulating window. They are standard in new buildings or renovations in Switzerland today and have a higher thermal insulation value than double-glazed windows only, which cost 100 Swiss francs less but are significantly less energy efficient. That is why the investment in triple-glazed insulation windows is worthwhile despite the slightly higher costs.
As a rough estimate, calculate 400 to 600 Swiss francs per square meter of glass area. Triple-glazed windows are more expensive than double-glazed windows, windows with two sashes cost more than windows with one sash.
If you choose so-called renovation windows or interchangeable frame windows, make sure that there are no gaps when the new window frame is placed on the old window frame.
Aluminum windows cost the same as aluminum-wood windows and more than all other windows. For a standard size energy efficient aluminum window, you should expect to pay at least 1,000 Swiss francs (including installation). Extras such as tilt and turn hardware, better soundproofing, or safety glass cost extra. Metal windows like aluminum windows have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years and need maintenance every 6 to 8 years.
Aluminum-wood windows cost the same as aluminum windows and more than all other windows. Expect to pay 1,000 Swiss francs or more (including installation) for a standard-sized, energy-efficient aluminum-wood window. Options such as tilt and turn hardware, better soundproofing or safety glass cost extra. Metal windows like aluminum-wood windows have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years and need maintenance every 6 to 8 years.
The cost of skylights varies depending on the material: budget for each window 300 to 500 Swiss francs with a PVC frame, 500 to 750 Swiss francs with a wooden frame, or 600 to 900 Swiss francs with an aluminum or aluminum-wood frame. If you have a new skylight installed, it will cost you about 2,500 to 3,500 Swiss francs plus the cost of materials. A dormer or skylight window costs less than a flat roof window or a pivot window. Skylights have a life span of 25 years and need maintenance every 6 to 8 years.
Wooden windows have a shorter lifespan of 20 to 40 years, but they only need maintenance every 10 years. Expect to pay at least 850 Swiss francs (installation included) for a standard-sized, energy-efficient wooden window, plus additional costs for extras such as tilt and turn hardware, better soundproofing or safety glass.
Metal or PVC windows like the PVC-aluminum window last up to 50 years and need maintenance every 6 to 8 years. For a standard-sized, energy-efficient PVC-aluminum window, budget at 850 Swiss francs or more (including installation). Options such as tilt and turn hardware, better soundproofing or safety glass cost extra.
Simple PVC windows are the cheapest. For a standard size energy efficient PVC window, you should expect to pay at least 600 Swiss francs (including labor costs) plus additional costs for tilt and turn hardware, better soundproofing or safety glass. PVC windows have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years and need maintenance every 6 to 8 years.
If you renovate the windows but not the entire building envelope, the humidity in the house increases and collects as moisture in the masonry. This is how mold develops, which threatens the fabric of the building. That's why the subsidy programs only support new windows as part of an overall energy renovation, and only on a staggered basis.
