Best Replacement Window Companies of 2024
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The high cost of home improvement projects today makes the stakes feel higher than ever when choosing which company to go with. There’s also a lot to consider when choosing the best replacement windows, such as energy efficiency, warranty coverage, style, and materials.
We did the research for you to help narrow down which companies to look at. We analyzed the window costs, services, and products of 16 top window brands, as well as surveyed 1,500 homeowners who recently bought windows to learn about their experience and what they paid with leading manufacturers.
Overall, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for replacement windows. The company offers customized replacement windows with white glove, in-house installation services, various styles, and comprehensive warranty coverage. See which other companies made our list in our guide, plus tips on what to look for when shopping for windows.
Key Takeaways
Who Are the Best Window Replacement Companies?
After evaluating popular window companies nationwide, these brands ranked highest and are the best for replacement windows:
- Most Hands-Free Install: Renewal by Andersen
- Best Financing: Champion
- Best Warranty: Castle
- Best Fiberglass Windows: Milgard
- Best Custom Hardware: Harvey
- Most Innovative Windows: Marvin
- Best Energy Efficiency: Pella
See our in-house methodology to learn how we scored the companies on our list.
How Do the Top Replacement Window Brands Compare?
See how we rated the brands on our list compared to their average price. Though Renewal by Andersen has the highest price point on average, its high quality earned it the best rating, indicating a higher return on investment than competitors.
*Pricing sourced from responses of 1,500 surveyed homeowners.
*BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
How Much Do the Best Window Replacements Cost?
Replacement windows cost between $1,100–$1,700 per window on average, depending on the type of window and frame so plan to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for your replacement windows. Your total cost depends mainly on the material, style, energy efficiency features, brand, and custom options you select. Window material is often the biggest cost factor. Depending on what matters most to you about your window, you may be able to save money by going with a more budget-conscious frame material and glass options.
See average prices for each material and what its pros and cons are below. Note that a material having an X doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer that feature at all, just that it’s not one of its strengths compared to other materials.
Feature | Aluminum | Composite | Vinyl | Fiberglass | Wood |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average cost | $400–$900 | $400–$1,900 | $300–$1,700 | $300–$1,900 | $300–$2,000 |
Appearance | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Durability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Energy efficiency | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Customizability | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Easy maintenance | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
How Can You Save Money on Replacing Windows?
We know replacement windows are a costly home expense, even if you choose the most budget-friendly materials and design. Luckily, you can shave a little off the cost in a few ways.
If you’re financing windows, don’t assume you’ll have to put money down or deal with high interest rates. Champion, for example, offers a financing program that’s no-interest, no-money-down, and no payments for 12 months.
What Should You Consider When Replacing Your Windows?
There are a lot of things to consider when buying windows, like window style, framing, energy efficiency, product warranties, and more. Being that replacement is a high-cost home improvement project, it’s understandable you want to pick the most affordable option with the highest return on investment. We’ve broken down the key things to look at to help make the process easier.
What Type of Windows Last the Longest?
Fiberglass windows have the longest life span of any other common window frame material, comfortably lasting up to 50 years.
Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the biggest reasons homeowners replace their windows is to increase energy efficiency in rooms with poor temperature regulation, according to Josh Ramsey, Renewal by Andersen’s Midwest regional training manager.
The best replacement windows for energy efficiency are triple-pane windows. They are designed with three layers of glass with two layers of insulating gas between them. Though they’re more costly than standard windows, energy-efficient windows help you save money on your energy costs by using low-e glass. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) joint program, Energy Star, reports that replacing clear-glass, single-pane windows in a single-story, 2,000-square-foot home with new Energy Star-certified windows can save you $101–$583 per year.
You’ll get the biggest return from your windows by choosing one with energy-saving features. The DOE reports that heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That poor insulation means your HVAC system is working harder to keep your home comfortable, causing your monthly energy bill to rise.
Choosing an energy-efficient window keeps your home more comfortable, your bills more reasonable, and your HVAC system in better condition. Here are a few things to look for to ensure you get an energy-efficient window that will provide a solid ROI:
- Argon-gas filling: Argon is a nontoxic glass added between glass panes in triple- and double-pane windows for added insulation. It also helps prevent frost buildup.
- Low-emissivity (low-e) glass: Glass with a low-e coating is better at controlling your home’s temperature. This coating helps prevent heat transfer, keeping heat out in summer and in during winter, without affecting how much light comes through your windows.
- Multipane glass: More panes mean more insulation. Double- and triple-pane windows keep your home more comfortable, reduce noise pollution, and help prevent fading of your walls, floors, and furniture.
Windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) have a label that helps you compare energy-efficient windows on key metrics, such as U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and air leakage. Check out the NFRC’s website for more information on these factors and what to look for.
Survey says
The Best Window Frame Material in Your Budget
The most popular window frames used today are aluminum due to their durability and budget-friendly nature. However, each frame material has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Survey says
Ask these questions about the window’s framing material:
The Right Window Style for Your Home
You’ll want window styles that complement your home’s architecture while staying within your budget. Many contemporary homes have casement or sliding windows. Historic homes often feature double-hung and awning windows, while farmhouse-style homes have bay or bow windows.
Read about popular window types below and look for companies that provide windows that match the look of the room(s) you’re upgrading.
Also called arch-top windows or radius windows, arched windows have square bottoms and an arch or half-circle on top.
These windows have hinges at the top of the frame and swing outward from the bottom. They often have a crank or a type of glide hardware.
These are small windows in your basement that increase natural light and airflow. They run across the top of your home’s foundation and are hinged at the bottom to open at the top. Many homeowners choose to convert basement hoppers into egress windows to act as emergency exits.
Bay windows have a 3D shape that curves outward from your home. Adding a box seat or ledge can transform them into a bookshelf or an additional seating area. Bay windows are angular, while bow windows are more curved.
This popular window style has a hinge on the side and swings open to the left or right via a crank. Casement windows are often placed in hard-to-reach areas, such as over a kitchen sink or in a bathroom.
These windows have two locks and open at the top and bottom. They’re often found on high floors.
Garden windows protrude from your home, creating a space to grow plants and herbs. They’re ideal for a kitchen window.
These windows are translucent, thick blocks of glass. They allow light into the room but obscure the view, which makes them a popular option for basement and bathroom windows.
These oversized windows are floor-to-ceiling accents. They cannot be opened and provide a lot of natural lighting.
Sometimes called geometric windows, shaped windows provide an accent that lets light in where standard windows might not work. Popular shapes include half-round, round, eclipse, triangles, and trapezoids.
These windows function similarly to double-hung windows, but they only open on one end. They’re also typically smaller than double-hung windows.
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Consider the following when thinking about what window type you need:
Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
Window manufacturers include warranties on their products to protect your investment. The length and stipulations of these warranties vary by product. High-end options, such as wood windows, typically come with comprehensive warranties, while vinyl windows may come with shorter, less thorough coverage.
Window coverage usually includes a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the glass, frame, hardware, and other materials, as well as a labor warranty that covers installation workmanship. If you hire a third-party installer, your labor warranty will come from this company rather than the manufacturer.
Warranty coverage can range from a couple of years to the product’s lifetime. Unfortunately, lifetime warranties are not standard in the windows industry, but an installer that offers lifetime warranties on its windows or doors, such as Castle, is a secure investment. Nearly 40% of our survey takers chose a lifetime window warranty.
Window Companies With Good Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews on popular sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google can help you understand buyers’ experiences with the companies you’re interested in. Take note of the pros and cons each reviewer shares. Our expert from Renewal by Andersen, Josh Ramsey, recommends looking for companies that have one-stop accountability, meaning their products and services are primarily in-house rather than contracted out. He says providing an in-home consultation is a positive sign of professionalism and good customer service.
Many customers will also mention whether a company stands behind its work with its warranties, and how helpful customer service reps are. You may want to consider a different installer if you notice many negative reviews.
How Do I Find a Window Installer Near Me?
Many companies offer professional window installation. One way to narrow your options is to look for certified installers for the particular window brand you want. You can do this by first checking whether the manufacturer has an in-house team that will handle installation for you. If not, most manufacturers have a page on their website listing certified dealers in their network. You can browse these to see which operate in your area. You can also hire a licensed contractor to install your windows if you find one experienced at installing the brand you’re purchasing.
Most homeowners we surveyed (77%) opted to use a professional installer, citing fears of making a mistake, desire to protect their windows with a warranty, or simply didn’t want to deal with the hassle of installing windows themselves.
You can use our tool below to quickly connect with reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code and schedule in-home assessments. We recommend getting multiple free quotes and checking the American Window and Door Institute to ensure your installer is certified.
Who Makes the Best Replacement Windows?
Out of all the replacement window brands on our list, we most recommend Renewal by Andersen for a top-of-the-line, hands-free window replacement experience. Renewal by Andersen has well-rated, energy-efficient windows, a comprehensive warranty, and professional in-house installation services.
If you want long-lasting fiberglass windows, we suggest Milgard. If you have a strict budget, check out Champion’s ongoing discount and see our guide to affordable replacement window brands.
We suggest requesting at least three quotes from window companies before making your decision to compare pricing for the right window for your home. Use our tool below to get free quotes from our top recommendations.