Replacing windows - Costs, selection & important decisions
Replacing windows is one of the most effective measures to improve the energy efficiency of a house in Switzerland. Modern windows reduce heating costs, increase living comfort and protect the building fabric. That’s precisely why replacing windows is one of the most popular renovation projects. However, the actual costs depend heavily on the material, glazing, installation situation and installation effort. In this guide, you will find out what prices you realistically have to reckon with, which types of windows are suitable for which type of building and which decisions are really important when replacing windows.
What do new windows cost?
Replacing old windows with new ones is one of the most effective ways to save energy – at the same time, windows are among the renovations with the widest price ranges. The decisive factors are not only material and quality, but also the type of installation, glazing and the effort involved in old buildings. To help you plan realistically, we start with typical complete prices per window including installation.
Average complete prices per window (incl. installation)
Plastic windows
The cheapest option – solid insulation values, easy to clean.
Price: CHF 500 – 800 per standard window
Wooden windows
Natural look, very good insulation performance, a little more maintenance required.
Price: CHF 600 – 800
Wood-aluminum windows
Warm wood inside, weatherproof aluminum outside – durable and high quality.
Price: CHF 700 – 1’000
Aluminum windows
Modern, extremely robust, ideal for large window areas.
Price: CHF 1’000 – 1’5000
Roof windows
More effort due to the roof opening and sealing.
Price: CHF 2’000 – 3’000 plus material
This gives you a realistic framework that applies to most standard sizes. Special shapes, large windows or safety glass are naturally above this.
What really influences the window price?
Window prices differ not primarily because of the material, but above all because of technical properties and installation effort. The most important factors:
Frame material
Plastic is cheap, wood-aluminum and aluminum are in the upper segment.
Glazing
Triple glazing is standard today and significantly more energy-efficient than double glazing.
Thermal insulation value (Uw value)
The lower the value, the better the insulation – and the higher the price.
Safety & sound insulation class
Burglar-resistant fittings or higher sound insulation can cost several hundred francs per window.
Installation type
Old building = usually more complex than new building.
Renovation frame = cheaper, but only useful if the existing frame is still intact.
Accessibility
Crane? Lifting platform? Small windows on the 3rd floor? All of this influences the effort.
Disposal of old windows
Depending on size and material CHF 60 – 130 per window.
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The different window types in comparison (material, costs, advantages & disadvantages)
The choice of material is one of the most important factors when replacing windows. It determines not only price and energy efficiency, but also maintenance effort, service life and the visual character of your house. The following window types clearly show you which material is worthwhile for whom – so that you make a decision that fits in the long term.
Plastic windows – cheap & easy to clean
Plastic windows are the most cost-effective solution and score particularly well due to their strong energy efficiency per franc invested. They require hardly any maintenance, are weather-resistant and therefore ideal for owners who are looking for a solid cost-benefit ratio. Their weaknesses lie primarily in the appearance and the somewhat lower stability with very large window formats. If you have a small to medium budget and want to save energy in the long term, plastic windows are a safe, economical choice.
Wooden windows – warm, ecological, but more maintenance-intensive
Wooden windows offer a warm, natural look and are particularly popular in old buildings or high-quality renovations. They consist of a renewable, CO₂-neutral raw material and can be designed flexibly in terms of color. At the same time, wooden windows require regular maintenance – paint or varnish must be renewed every few years depending on the weather. If you value a natural living climate, sustainability and the highest aesthetics, wood is a good choice, but you should realistically plan for the maintenance effort.
Wood-aluminum – premium with minimal maintenance
Wood-aluminum windows combine the beautiful interior look of wood with a robust aluminum outer shell. The result: premium design, very long service life and practically no maintenance in the outdoor area. They are significantly more expensive than pure wood or plastic windows, but extremely resistant to rain, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. If you are looking for a high-quality, modern window that looks warm inside and is almost indestructible outside, the wood-aluminum system is one of the best solutions on the market.
Aluminum – stable, durable, modern
Aluminum windows are among the most durable and stable window systems. They are particularly suitable for large glass surfaces, modern architecture and buildings where delicate frame profiles are desired. Aluminum does not warp, is easy to clean and lasts for decades – but at a significantly higher price. Due to their high stability, aluminum windows are also strong in demanding safety or sound insulation requirements. Ideal for modern, high-quality buildings and projects with demanding building physics.
Plastic-aluminum – good hybrid with moderate costs
Plastic-aluminum windows combine the cost advantages of plastic with the weatherproof look of an aluminum outer skin. They are cheaper than wood-aluminum, but more stable and durable than pure plastic windows. Their energy efficiency is very good, and maintenance remains minimal. At the same time, they offer more design options, as the aluminum shell is available in many colors. If you are looking for a balanced ratio of price, technology and maintenance, plastic-aluminum is one of the most attractive hybrid solutions.
Roof windows – costs, service life, special features
Roof windows are technically more demanding than facade windows, as they are more exposed to wind, rain and UV radiation. They usually cost more, require professional roofing and have special requirements for sealing and thermal insulation. The choice of material, sound insulation and operation (swing or folding mechanism) also influence the price. However, roof windows provide a lot of daylight and can massively increase the living value of an attic. Anyone planning should primarily consider service life, maintenance and installation effort.
When should you replace a window?
A window replacement is not only worthwhile when the window is completely defective. Certain signs show early on that energy loss is increasing, the quality of living is decreasing or safety risks are arising. If several of the following points apply, replacing windows is usually the most sensible and cheaper solution in the long term.
Draft
Noticeable drafts at the frame or seals are a classic sign that the seal is no longer working. Replacing the seals rarely helps in the long term – the frame itself is usually the problem.
Condensation or mold
Moisture between the panes or on the window connection indicates inadequate thermal insulation. The risk of mold increases significantly and endangers the building fabric.
High energy loss
If window surfaces cool down significantly in winter or heating costs are noticeably high, modern triple glazing is missing. Old windows let up to five times more heat escape.
Defective mechanics
Sticking handles, warped sashes or damaged fittings not only impair operability – they also pose a safety risk and lead to heat loss.
Noise problems
If street or train noises are clearly audible, modern soundproof glazing is missing. Especially in urban areas, a replacement brings a massive improvement.
Insufficient burglary protection
Modern windows have safety fittings, mushroom head pins and a resistant frame profile. Old windows can often be levered out within a few seconds.
Age over 25-30 years
Even if everything still works: The insulation performance of old windows is very poor compared to current standards. A replacement noticeably reduces energy costs and increases the value of the property.
Common mistakes when buying windows and how to avoid them
Many builders underestimate how complex window replacement actually is. If wrong decisions are made, this later leads to drafts, mold, energy loss or expensive rework. The following mistakes happen particularly often – and can be easily avoided with a little preparation.
Only pay attention to the price
Cheap windows often have poor insulation values, inferior fittings and a short service life. The price-performance ratio is crucial, not the lowest price.
Wrong glazing
Unsuitable glazing (e.g. double instead of triple, lack of sound insulation) leads to higher energy consumption and noise problems. The glazing should always be suitable for the location and purpose.
Frame material chosen without considering the building envelope
Plastic, wood, wood-aluminum or aluminum differ greatly in durability, insulation and maintenance effort. The material must match the facade, insulation standard and budget.
Poor sealing
Improperly installed windows cause drafts, condensation and mold. Professional sealing according to current standards is mandatory – especially in old buildings.
Poor planning in old buildings
Renovation windows without correct adaptation can cause thermal bridges and moisture problems. Especially with old frames, crooked reveals or historical buildings, an exact inventory is crucial.
Why professional window replacement is so important
New windows not only increase energy efficiency, but also provide more living comfort, security and a significant increase in the value of your property. If you choose the right combination of frame material, glazing and insulation value, you will benefit in the long term from lower heating costs and less noise. Careful planning is crucial, especially in old buildings, as well as professional installation. With a qualified window installer, you avoid typical mistakes – and ensure that the new windows reach their full service life.
Well planned, professionally installed – and you have 25-40 years of peace.
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