Does your home feel drafty in the winter and your energy bills spike in the summer? Are you unsure on whether you need to replace all your doors and windows at the same time—or spread it out? It's a big investment, and making the wrong decision could mean wasted money or missed savings.
Here at Energy Swing we work with dozens of Pittsburgh homeowners every week and we get this question a lot. It’s important for us to tailor every recommendation to your specific budget, energy efficiency goals, and home conditions.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of replacing your windows and doors together, offer real-world cost comparisons, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your home.
What Are The Most Common Reasons Pittsburgh Homeowners Replace Windows and Doors?
We hear it all the time from local homeowners:
“My door’s drafty.”
“My windows are fogging up.”
“It just doesn’t look good from the outside anymore.”
These are common—and valid—reasons for an upgrade. Here are some of the top issues we see:
- Air leaks and drafts through and around old frames
- Energy loss from outdated glass or poor sealing
- Worn-out hardware—locks that don’t latch or handles that stick
- Dated aesthetics affecting curb appeal and property value
Safety concerns from difficulty opening and closing securely
In Pittsburgh specifically, weather plays a big role. We see all four seasons in full force, but summer and winter can be especially brutal. From high heat and sun exposure to freezing temps and ice buildup, these seasonal extremes put a lot of strain on your windows and doors—and on your HVAC system too.
That’s part of why homeowners here are prioritizing replacements not just for comfort, but also for efficiency and peace of mind.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Windows and Doors At The Same Time?
Here are some of the positive changes to their home that homeowners see when they bundle both projects into one:
🔒 Maximized Energy Efficiency
When both doors and windows are upgraded at once, you’re ensuring that you’re sealing your home more effectively. That means fewer drafts and less energy loss.
Your furnace and AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain your indoor temperature, which can translate to lower energy bills and a longer HVAC lifespan.
🏠 Better Curb Appeal
A new front door alone can make it look like you have a whole new house. Add matching windows to the mix, and it really ties everything together. Some homeowners even feel anxious if things don’t “match”—so this can be a big visual (and emotional) upgrade.
💸 Labor and Cost Savings
When a crew is already at your home, there's no need to repeat setup, travel, and cleanup. That can save you 5% to 15% in labor costs, depending on the size of your project.
We’ve seen homeowners bundle multiple doors or combine doors and windows just to take advantage of that efficiency.
⏱️ Less Disruption to Your Daily Life
When you tackle everything in one go, it’s over and done with faster. Instead of having two or three separate installations over the course of several years, you’re only rearranging your schedule once—and cleaning up once too.
Some homeowners also prefer the peace of mind knowing it’s all taken care of at once—no mismatched styles, no waiting, no surprises.
Does Replacing Windows and Doors Together Improve Energy Efficiency in Pittsburgh?
In short: yes, and the difference can be noticeable.
Think of your windows and doors as a big part of your HVAC team. When they’re working properly, they help keep your indoor temperature consistent—whether it’s a muggy 90° summer day or a snowy January night. That consistency means:
- Cut your energy bills by 10%-20% from reducing the amount of heating or cooling needed
- Make your home more comfortable year-round
- Extend the life of your HVAC system by several years by reducing its workload
In a city like Pittsburgh where both summer and winter can be harsh, efficient windows and doors can make a noticeable difference. If energy savings are your top concern and the budget allows, replacing both at the same time is definitely worth considering.
And here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: you may qualify for a federal tax credit when you install energy-efficient windows and doors. ENERGY STAR outlines current residential tax credit opportunities here—which can help offset your upfront costs and make your investment even smarter.
Is It Cheaper to Replace Windows and Doors at the Same Time?
Doing everything at once can feel like a big investment—but here’s where you save:
- Labor efficiency: With crews already on-site, adding on a door or a few windows won’t cost as much as it would on a separate visit. In some cases, you can save 5–15% on your project by bundling more work together.
- Fewer return visits = lower overall labor costs
- Time savings: It’s easier to fit into your calendar once than to coordinate multiple projects.
Of course, the upfront cost may be higher when bundling—but you’ll often save in the long run by not splitting the project into separate phases. We’ve provided examples of the possible savings a homeowner can have by combining work rather than doing it separate.
To capture the savings offered by a single installation, it may make sense to take advantage of some short term financing with monthly payments that fit within your budget. However, if doing both doesn’t work for your current budget, it’s totally fine to stagger the projects. Want a closer look at typical costs in our area? Here’s a full breakdown of replacement vinyl window pricing in Pittsburgh.
Is It Okay to Replace Windows and Doors Separately?
Yes! In fact, many homeowners do.
- Some start with just a door or just windows to test the waters with a contractor
- Others split the project due to budget limitations or timing
- A trustworthy contractor will help you prioritize based on your home’s condition and your goals
💡 Pro tip: If you’re concerned about curb appeal, consider replacing what’s most visible from the street first—like your front door and front-facing windows. That way your home gets a fresh look, even if the whole job isn’t done yet.
If I Have to Choose, Should I Replace Windows or Doors First?
Every home is different. Sometimes you might think, “I need to replace all 8 windows and the door,” but after further inspection, it turns out the real trouble is only with two of those windows and the door. There isn’t one answer for every homeowner. In most cases, finding a balance between windows and doors is the best route.
Before you decide, here is where professional guidance can be helpful:
- Evaluating where the most energy is lost
- Determine what areas have experienced the most deterioration
- How to strategically invest your budget where it makes the biggest impact
Most homeowners do not have the experience to make a "what should I do first" decision. Working with a trained professional at a trusted window and door company will provide you with the best advice for your situation.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Windows and Doors in Pittsburgh?
It depends on your project size, but here are a few general estimates:
- 6 standard double-hung windows = 1 day with a 2-person crew
- Entry door with sidelights = 1 day with a 2-person crew
- Both combined = Often 1 day with a 3-person crew
So it’s not always about adding more days—it might just mean adding more team members. Contractors can adjust the size of the crew to complete larger jobs more quickly.
⏳ Lead time for custom windows and doors is currently 12–14 weeks from order to install. Every product should be made to fit your exact openings—there’s no one-size-fits-all in this industry. Think of it like a thumbprint—each one is unique to your home.
So, Should I Replace My Windows and Doors Together?
At the end of the day, deciding whether to replace your windows and doors together comes down to what matters most to you—budget, comfort, efficiency, or curb appeal.
If you're dealing with rising energy costs or an aging entryway that’s dragging down your home's look, tackling both at once could be the smarter move. If cost is your biggest concern, that’s okay too—there are smart ways to phase it.
Either way, your next step is to get a professional, honest assessment of what your home really needs. Find a contractor who’s willing to evaluate your home, your goals, and your budget—without the high-pressure sales tactics.
At Energy Swing Windows, we’ve guided thousands of Pittsburgh homeowners through this exact decision—and we’re here to help you do the same, with clarity and zero pressure. Let’s make your home work better for you. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
