Replacing original wood windows

My home has its original single pane wood windows (1925). Just a few windows were replaced by the prior owner with Vinyl windows. I'm in the process of getting estimates, however I'm not sure what material to choose. I've gotten quotes ranging from $250 per window for heavy duty vinyl, up to over $1500 per window for Renewal by Anderson windows. I plan to live in the home indefinitely, so I want something sustainable but also don't want to spend a small fortune (about 22 Windows in total and would like a bay window installed). The thing that makes me unsettled with the Anderson windows is the salesman stated the gas between the glass dissipates over time...I can't justify spending so much $ on something that will lose its properties and require me to buy new sashes every 15-20 years or so. Any suggestions? Can less expensive, Vinyl windows last a decent amount of time.

P.S. I'm mainly looking for sound reduction and of course reduce drafts.

Thanks

 

Did you get an estimate on vinyl clad windows?

 

I'm a fan of Marvin windows after experience with them in new construction and as replacements.

Going to be similar to Andersen in price (though I would expect to be a little lower) but I think you generally get what you pay for.

 

All windows have gotten better with sealing, but they still leak a little gas. 15 yrs ago you could expect 5-10 yrs. Check the warranty on Anderson...20 yrs, non-prorated on seal failure.

Renewal is extremely expensive but I heard very few complaints except for the price.

It sounds like you don't plan on doing this yourself?

That will change the answers...

 

I would love to do them myself, but as a first timer I'm not sure since the house is old and the windows are out of square.
I'm not opposed to picking up a window and experimenting...

I haven't gotten an estimate on vinyl clad yet. I assume these would be wood windows with vinyl cladding to reduce maintenance?

 

Yes, wood with vinyl. IIRC, Marvin has no return or exchanges. If you buy it, you own it.

 

That would be an important thing to find out - that said, I'm talking 9 replacement and 15 new construction windows in my experience with no issues.

 

There are many, many options...some depend on the condition of the old ones. Are the frames rotted? Or just the exterior trim? How out of square are the windows? What tools/resources to you have? Do you want or can afford to have someone paint and do wood repairs as necessary? What is the exterior? Siding of some sort or masonry?

You can buy vinyl or aluminum clad replacement inserts, or full vinyl inserts (inserts is my term) which retain the original frame and trim normally, but do you want to lose actual visible glass area or is that important? Do you want to retain the exact look of the home (often important in older historical areas) or would a more modern look be ok? Maybe just the front facade needs to look historical, the rest can be modern?

I was pretty good at selling all types of windows from new construction to replacement inserts...so sorry if it seems I'm asking a lot of questions.

You need to decide what you can afford and what you can do yourself or what you might need to pay for.

 

I appreciate all the help guys. I am new to windows, and I'm learning a lot here. As far as budget goes, I want a good looking window that will be sustainable. I definitely don't want to pay the Anderson Renewal prices and definitely don't want the cheapest...somewhere in between or toward the higher end. In doing my research, most people say vinyl is cheap and doesn't last, but the prices are very attractive and even if they need replacing every 15 years or so....they will still be cost effective imo. I never knew about vinyl clad windows, so I will have to get estimates.

As for the style, I want windows with a "grid" in the upper window. That's how my original wood windows are. Material doesn't matter as long as it looks of quality. I want to retain my interior trim, but upgrade the exterior trim which looks awful.

I have decided that I will pay for installation as I have a lot of projects to do and don't want to re invent the wheel learning installation....time isn't on my side here.
Thanks