What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
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Cost snapshot
$10,000–$25,000 — Whole-house window replacement cost for a single-family Bay Area home (roughly 12–20 windows) using mid-range ENERGY STAR-rated vinyl or fiberglass dual-pane low-E windows, pre-incentive. Range reflects window count, retrofit vs. full-frame replacement, and lead-paint or asbestos abatement on older homes. Excludes structural rough-opening modifications and historic-district custom-frame requirements.
Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (windows and skylights)
Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of product cost, up to $600/yr (sub-cap inside the $1,200 envelope). EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to a U.S. principal residence owned and used by the taxpayer (renters and second homes were not eligible for this category) and required ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows or skylights, verified by NFRC Certified Product Directory number against climate-zone requirements. The $600 windows sub-cap sat inside the $1,200 annual envelope. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional.