Are cheap window replacements worth it?

With windows, it's hard to know for sure if you're paying for what you get. There is such a wide price range for window replacements, which run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 and higher, depending on materials and features. A home might require up to two dozen windows for a full replacement, so it is imperative for most homeowners to find the best deal possible, which makes cheap look awful good.  

Yet cheap isn't always best. There's no need to spend two grand on bedroom windows, but in general, cheap window replacements are not worth it, primarily because of the money they'll cost through energy losses over the long term. Whether vinyl, wood or aluminum, there are inevitable costs in the manufacture of a window. Cheaper windows are more likely to have corners cut during their production or simply do not have energy efficient features like double- or triple-glazing, low-e coating, insulated frames, and others.  

Ultimately, however, only you can decide if the price of window replacements are worth it. These days, double-glazed, low-e coated windows are nearly standard, can be purchased at reasonable costs and are well worth it. Cheap windows without those two essential features are almost certainly not worth it, simply because their energy inefficiency will cost you. In other words, the extra money you pay for quality window replacements will come back to you in energy savings and a more comfortable home. Finally, regardless of price, always make sure a manufacturer is backing their product with a solid warranty.