I'm the Wacky Window Woman and I've done something a little bit wacky. I've collected quotes from ten of the top well-known window replacement brands and put together a Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart. This chart compares warranty, price, financing options and energy ratings. See the chart here.

The Top 10 Questions Homeowners Are Asking About Windows in 2026

1. What are the most popular window frame colors this year?

In 2026, window trends are shifting from stark, high-contrast black and white toward organic, matte finishes like charcoal, warm "greige" neutrals, and earthy juniper greens that prioritize a soft, natural aesthetic over traditional industrial looks.

2. Are black window frames going out of style?

While stark, high-gloss black frames are beginning to fade in favor of softer, organic palettes, matte black and deep charcoal remain dominant modern staples, now evolving into "soft-industrial" accents that pair with 2026’s warmer wood tones and earthy "greige" exteriors.

3. How much do replacement windows cost for an average home in 2026?

Refer to the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart. My window quotes ranged from $838 to $2864 per window. Most of my windows were 36" x 60".

4. How much is the 2026 federal tax credit for energy-efficient windows?

The reality is that the federal tax credits were taken away in 2025. There is no talk of bringing them back as far as I know.

5. What are the best windows for soundproofing a home office?

While triple-pane windows are the gold standard for noise reduction because their three layers of glass and dual insulating gas pockets create a superior acoustic barrier, it is important to remember that no window is truly "soundproof," as they are designed to significantly dampen—rather than entirely eliminate—external sounds like traffic or lawnmowers.

6. What is the difference between Double Pane and Triple Pane windows?

Think of the difference between double and triple pane windows like the difference between wearing a thick sweater versus a heavy winter parka. In short: Double-pane is great for most homes, but triple-pane is the "heavy-duty" upgrade for people who live in extreme climates or very noisy neighborhoods and want the absolute best energy efficiency possible.

7. Does Energy Star 7.0 make my old windows obsolete?

While the Energy Star 7.0 standards—which now require significantly lower U-factors and better solar heat gain ratings—make older windows technically "obsolete" in terms of current efficiency benchmarks, they don't mean your existing windows are broken, but rather that they are no longer the peak performers for saving money on your utility bills compared to new, high-performance glass.

8. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass vs. Wood: Which material lasts the longest?

In the battle of the frames, Fiberglass is almost always more expensive than Vinyl—typically costing 20% to 40% more—but whether it’s "worth it" depends entirely on how long you plan to live in your home.

9. Can I replace just the glass or do I need the whole frame?

Whether you can replace just the glass or need the whole frame depends on the condition of your window structure: if your frames are sturdy and rot-free, a "glass-only" or IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) replacement is a cost-effective way to fix foggy panes or cracks, but if the frames are warped, leaking, or inefficient, a full-frame replacement is necessary to ensure a proper seal and long-term energy savings.

10. Do new windows really increase my home’s resale value?

While new windows typically increase your home's resale value by 65% to 85% of the project cost, their true value lies in the combination of immediate curb appeal, a lower "effective age" during appraisal, and a 12% to 15% reduction in annual energy bills under the latest Energy Star 7.0 standards.

Replacement Windows, once professionally measured can take up to four months to be manufactured. Be sure to bake that into your timeline.

The "Wacky" Reality Check: 3 Things Google Won’t Tell You (But You Need to Know)

How long does it take to get replacement windows installed in 2026?

The April Price Hike - Why your quote has an expiration date

The 2026 Tax Credit Truth

Can Triple Pane Windows Muffle Noise? The Remote Worker's Guide to Quiet Zoom Calls

My full-time job allows me to work from home two or three days per week. The trash truck, the neighbor's lawn mower and noisy school buses always got a big sigh from me if I was on a Zoom call. It just irritated the crap out of me!

I don't worry anymore, since we purchased Triple-Pane Windows from Virtual View. In Video #3 from Installation Day, you can hear the outside noise when the window is open, but when Joe from Virtual View closes it, the difference in the sound is incredible. It's in the last one minute of the video.

Slim Profile Window Frames: How to Get More Glass and Natural Light in 2026

My biggest fear when we were looking a replacement windows is that I would be left with a window that had a big, bulk frame. I didn't want to lose even one-inch of glass space. The Mezzo Window by Alside, which we purchased from Virtual View is touted as a slim-profile window.

When I compare the before and after, I did lose a bit of glass, but not much. Champion and Rosatti had huge, thick frames and I ruled them out right from the get-go.

2026 Window Trends Guide: Style, Savings and the Truth About Installation

In 2026, the window world is officially trading "boring and basic" for "moody and marvelous," with homeowners ditching stark whites for those sexy matte blacks and earthy "greige" tones that make your curb appeal pop. While the new Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient standards are the ultimate "wallet-protector" for your utility bills they also will help with noise while on your Zoom calls. And remember even the fanciest triple-pane window is only as good as the person putting it in; a sloppy installation can turn a high-performance investment into a drafty disaster. Be sure to check this blog on who offers a "double warranty" for product and installation.

My husband and I purchased from Virtual View. They use a company called Installed Sales Solutions which is a part of Alside to install the windows. No finger-pointing and they service most of the United States. You get a product warranty from Alside, but we also got an Installation Warranty from Installed Sales Solutions. You'll even have Joe from Virtual View to act as your advocate should you have any issues arise.

See the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how the larger, well-known window companies compared when stacked up one against the other.