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Bay windows are expensive mostly because their above-average size means higher material costs. Unlike bow windows, most bay windows also include casement windows on either side of a picture window, and the opening mechanisms for casement windows drive up costs. You’ll also pay higher labor costs to install a bay window, as you’ll often need multiple technicians to lift the window into place.

Wood windows fall in the middle of the window frame materials when it comes to energy efficiency. They’re more insulating than aluminum and vinyl, but they aren’t as efficient as fiberglass or composite frames. If you love the look and lifespan of wood windows and want to maximize efficiency, you can upgrade to double-pane or triple-pane glass and consider window tinting and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to minimize heat transfer.

To tell if a window is single or double-pane, focus on the edge. Double-pane windows have two glass layers separated by a spacer, which you can usually see around the edges. For single-pane windows, it’s just one sheet of glass. Another easy trick: shine a light at the window—single-pane glass reflects once, while double-pane glass reflects twice. Lastly, if you feel both sides of the glass on a cold day, double-paned windows will feel warmer because of the insulating gap between the panes.

A double-hung window features two operable sashes, meaning it has an upper window part and a lower part that can both open to let in fresh air. A picture window has one fixed glass panel that doesn’t open. Double-hung windows cost about $200 to $2,500, while picture windows cost about $200 to $1,900.