Unless you're purchasing windows for a garage or rental unit, the initial price is just one factor in your vinyl windows cost. Within the same brand there are several quality levels. Here's what's important:

Why Paying More Saves You More on Your Vinyl Windows Cost

1. Quality of construction: Look for tight corners and components. Cheap edge spacers between the panes bleed air, and hence, bleed energy. Test display windows for easy, rattle-free operation. Check the warranty and energy-use label.
2. Uninsulated vinyl windows: Assuming you're upgrading to dual pane, air-filled windows, vinyl windows cost least when the frame is uninsulated. Vinyl is inherently better insulation than the aluminum windows they may be replacing, but the long-term energy savings will be less with uninsulated vinyl.
3. Insulated vinyl windows: Transfer of heat and cold is maximum around glass pane edges. The better the window, the better the edge spacer material between the dual or thermal panes will be. The more panes a window has, the better the initial quality must be for long-term energy savings. Learn to read the energy label on the window for a low U-value and a high R factor.
4. Top quality insulated vinyl windows: Your vinyl windows cost will be highest for these, but your long-term energy savings will be best. They'll have insulated frames and double or triple panes filled with dense inert gasses. Your climate, the direction the window faces, and the size of the window all factor in to what quality level you need.

The Bottom Line for Buying New Windows

Although it can take from four to ten years to recoup your initial vinyl windows cost through long-term energy savings, the return on investment for those windows can be substantial if you go to sell your home. Additionally, the comfort and aesthetic improvement you enjoy with brand new windows is priceless.