How Much do Doubled Glazed Windows Cost in Melbourne?

Upgrading to double-glazed windows is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. High-quality insulated glass units (IGUs), like double glazed windows or even triple glazed windows, are a great way to reduce heat loss, enhance UV protection, improve noise insulation and increase home security.

However, just like with any type of investment, it’s important to make sure that you’re not overpaying for IGUs. To avoid overinvesting, you need to have a solid understanding of the costs of double glazing.

In this short article, we’re going to break down the price of acquiring and installing double glazed window units. We’ll discuss all the relevant factors that affect the overall cost such as frame material, glass type, size, installation, retrofitting and so on.

Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the expenses involved in double glazing so that you can make a decision that is informed and financially safe. At the end of the article, we’ll also touch on a few tips to help you choose the right glass unit for your property.

Factors Affecting The Cost of Double-Glazed Windows

• Frame Materials
  When it comes to window frames, three of the most common frame materials are aluminium frames, uPVC frames, and timber frames. Each has their own practical offerings and, more importantly, their own price points.
  
  The most affordable option out of the three are uPVC frames. Crafted from robust synthetic polymer (polyvinyl chloride), uPVC frames are extremely versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor environments. In Australia, standard uPVC windows will usually cost you approximately $300 – $600 per unit. The cost per unit will also depend on the mechanisms and style of the frame.
  
  A mid-tier option would be aluminium frames. Most aluminium windows are protected by a powder-coated finish, which increases the frame’s resistance to moisture and corrosion and reduces the risk of warping, cracking and fading. This durable design makes aluminium frames perfect for outdoor environments or locations that are exposed to harsh conditions. Depending on the quality of the windows and the size, aluminium frames will often cost you $300 – $1,000.
  
  Timber frames are the most expensive option among the three. Made from natural wood, these frames can provide your space with a sense of warmth and rustic homeliness. Though they are relatively durable, they are generally most suited for indoor settings like bedrooms and living rooms. The cost per unit will depend on the type of wood that you choose. That said, the price typically ranges between $500 – $1,500. High-quality timber like teak or mahogany will likely cost you more.
  
• Glass Type
  Another key factor that will influence the overall cost of your windows is the type of glass used. While there are many different glass types on the market, the three main types to look out for are low-emissivity glass, argon gas-filled glass, and krypton gas-filled glass.
  
  Low-emissivity or low-e glass features a special coating that helps prevent heat loss by reflecting heat back into your interior. This can help your property effectively maintain more comfortable temperatures during the colder months and the hotter summers. Low-e usually cost around $500 – $900 per square meter.
  
  The space between double glazed panels can also be filled with argon, an inert gas that is denser than the air that we breathe. This composition helps improve insulation within your home. Argon gas-filled glass will typically cost you $600 – $1,100 per square meter.
  
  Lastly, you can also choose to have your panels filled with krypton gas. Krypton is a noble gas that is denser than both air and argon. Due to its denser composition, krypton-filled window units offer better insulation and therefore can help make your property more energy efficient. These units will usually cost you around $700 – $1,200 per square meter.
  
• Window Size and Mechanism
  The final two factors to consider are the window size and the opening mechanism.
  
  For standard sizes, you can expect to pay around $300 – $600 per window. In addition, standard sized windows are typically easier to install, which in turn, can help you reduce overall costs further.
  
  For custom-sized windows, you might expect to pay around $600 – $1,200. Bespoke windows will give you more functionality and a more personalised look but they might also make the installation process more complex and, therefore, more expensive.
  
  In terms of opening mechanisms, there are four main ones to consider. Sliding, casement, awning and tilt-and-turn. Sliding and awning windows are usually the most affordable, typically falling in between $500 – $950 per window. Casement windows come in next, ranging from $600 – $1,000 per window. Due to its versatility tilt-and-turn windows are the most expensive out of the four, coming in between $800 – $1,500 per window.
  
  You can also get custom windows that combine two or more mechanisms, but these will cost you significantly more than standard windows.

Costs of Installation

• Cost of Labour and Installation
  Another major factor to consider is the cost of installation. Though each window installer will have different methods of breaking down the costs, there are typically two rates that you have to look at: the labour costs and the cost of installation per window.
  
  In Australia, most professional installers typically charge $40 to $100 per hour. The price will usually depend on how complex the installation process will be. For example, if you’re looking to install custom windows, you will likely need to pay more per hour. Factors like the weight of the frame, the size of the window, and accessibility of the installation area will also determine the overall cost.
  
  On top of that, you also need to factor in the cost of installation per window. Depending on the type of window, this will usually range between $300 – $800 per unit.
  
  It’s also important to note that some window suppliers and installers will combine the cost of labour with the cost per window. Make sure you ask for a precise quote and breakdown from your supplier so that you have a better understanding of where the costs are coming from.
  
• Retrofitting vs. Full Replacements
  If you’re looking to upgrade to double glazed windows, it’s also important to consider whether or not you’re going to have the retrofit double glazed windows or fully replaced.
  
  Retrofitting involves upgrading specific parts of a window. This could be just the glass panes or the glass panes along with the window sash. The frame might be left as they are. In contrast, full replacements involve changing every single aspect of the window.
  
  In general, retrofitting is a much faster process and causes minimal disruptions. However, retrofitted windows might not be as energy efficient as brand new windows. On the other hand, full replacements can offer you optimal performance but they will likely cost you more time and resources.
  
  The overall cost can differ significantly depending on the installation type that you need. On average, the retrofitting process costs 15%-20% less than full replacements.

How To Choose The Right Double Glazed Windows For You?

To choose the right type of window for you, it’s important to think about your preferences, requirements and goals. Are you looking to significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency? Or are you looking to increase the overall value of your home?

Here are the key considerations to take into account:

• Estimate the amount you’ll save on energy costs
• Consider how much value the windows will add to your home to avoid overcapitalisation
• Think about how the windows will improve living conditions (i.e. insulation and noise control)
• Compare quotes from different suppliers to get the best deal
• Ensure that you’re getting proper installation services for optimal performance
• Make sure you’re getting warranties and high energy ratings

By understanding what you’re looking to get out of your windows, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right product.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into investing in double glazed windows. Though it might be overwhelming at first, it’s important to take the time to understand everything that contributes to the overall cost of double glazed windows. With just a little effort, you should be able to budget properly and ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.