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Best Window Replacement Companies 2024 | U.S. News
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If the age, wear, and tear on your current windows make the house look older and hurt your home’s energy efficiency, new windows can solve those problems. There are more styles, colors, and types of windows available than ever before. In addition to enhancing a home’s appearance, new engineering and fabrication techniques make today’s windows more durable and energy efficient than those of decades past.
According to This Old House, replacing older single-pane windows with Energy Star-certified windows can save you $101 to $583 dollars per year on energy bills. Replacing newer double-paned windows with high-efficiency triple-pane windows with treated glass can save you $27 to $197 per year. Plus, new window replacements can offer a return on investment in your home’s resale value. Remodeling’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report finds that window replacements can recoup 61% to 69% of their costs in added home resale value depending on whether those replacement windows are wood or vinyl, respectively.
The best window replacement companies offer variety, quality, and a hassle-free experience, and we’ve compiled a convenient list of the top companies so you don’t have to.
Renewal by Andersen is a subsidiary of Andersen Windows dedicated to replacement windows. Renewal by Andersen is available in 48 states (you’ll have to verify service for Mississippi and West Virginia ZIP codes) and offers a simple online shopping experience with a virtual window designer tool. With this tool, customers can choose their type, frame color, grille pattern, and hardware and see how their ideal windows look before buying.
On the downside, prices for windows designed online are only available after requesting a consultation. Sample and starting prices for windows are also not available. You only have one frame material to choose from as well; however, it is the company’s proprietary Fibrex – a composite of vinyl and wood.
Specs
Materials:
Proprietary wood and vinyl composite
Energy efficiency:
U-factor of 0.16 to 0.20
Window styles:
Double-hung, casement, awning, gliding, picture, bay, bow, and specialty shapes
Glass options:
Enhanced Triple Pane (SmartSun glass add-on option), Low E-4, Smartsun (HeatLock Technology add-on option), and Sun
Champion Windows distinguishes itself by keeping many of its installations in-house instead of subcontracting the work to third-party providers. Unfortunately, its network of installers isn’t nationwide, so residents of certain states are out of reach for its service. Nevertheless, its focus on service quality, year-round installation, and energy-efficient windows makes Champion a compelling window replacement option in the states where it’s available.
All replacement windows with Champion’s Comfort 365 glass are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The warranty covers necessary parts, repairs, and labor at no extra cost. Materials, broken glass, seal failure, screen repair, and waste removal are also covered by the warranty.
On the downside, vinyl is the only material Champion Windows offers. The company does not offer other materials like aluminum or wood for its replacement window frames. While its windows are energy efficient due to vinyl’s excellent insulating properties, homeowners interested in aluminum or composite windows will need to look elsewhere.
Specs
Materials:
Vinyl
Energy efficiency:
U-factor of 0.20
Window styles:
Double-hung, casement, basement hopper, picture, bow, bay, garden, glass block, and specialty shapes
Glass options:
Triple-pane, double-pane, argon-filled, and low-E glass coatings
Milgard, a subsidiary of Miter Brands, manufactures its products in the U.S. and works through a network of certified dealers and installers. It offers aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass window frames. This range of window frame materials means that Milgard windows can fit in a variety of home styles.
Its aluminum offering stands out because few companies on our list provide this material for replacements. Milgard’s A250 Thermally Improved Aluminum offers narrow frames, so there’s more room for the view. The company also advertises its durability and ability to hold larger windows.
Most of its window lines are backed by a lifetime limited warranty, and some are covered by a full lifetime warranty. Milgard’s biggest disadvantage as a window replacement company is its limited availability. Milgard is only available in Western states.
Specs
Materials:
Thermally improved aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl
Energy efficiency:
U-Factor of 0.16 to 0.20
Window styles:
Horizontal slider, single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, picture, and specialty windows
Marvin Replacement, a branch of Marvin Windows, offers window replacements with a wide range of design options. This is reflected in its 10 window types and style variations of each type. Window replacements can be customized further with color, glass, hardware, divided lite pattern, and screen options.
All Marvin Replacement windows come with a limited lifetime warranty and a five-year installation warranty. These warranties are only valid when replacement windows are purchased and installed by Marvin Replacement. However, the company falls short on window material options by only offering its proprietary Ultrex fiberglass, which the company boasts is stronger than vinyl and Fibrex. Marvin Replacement is not available to most U.S. residents as it only services 16 cities across 10 states, which are mostly on the East Coast.
Specs
Materials:
Ultrex fiberglass
Energy efficiency:
Four low-E glass coating options, offers Energy Star-qualified products
Window styles:
Double-hung, awning, casement, slider, single-hung, round top, bay, bow, single-hung round top, and specialty shapes
Glass options:
Four low-E options, eight decorative glass options, tempered glass, laminated glass, and sound transmission class/outdoor-indoor transmission class glass
Harvey Windows is a window replacement manufacturer with a sterling reputation for its products and a 4.85 out of 5 Better Business Bureau rating. Its parent company, Harvey Building Products, has more than 60 years of experience in the industry, which further solidifies Harvey’s reputation.
In addition to vinyl, Harvey is one of the few companies on our list to offer a wood frame option. Its Majesty Wood Windows collection consists of eight window types made from Ponderosa Pine. Its wood is treated to prevent mildew, rot, splitting, warping, and degradation, and the exterior frame is aluminum to protect from outdoor conditions.
A downside of Harvey Windows is the energy efficiency of some of its windows. Several of its wood options have less insulating power than competitors. Its vinyl windows, however, have competitive U-factor ratings. Some sacrifices are made for the sake of affordability. Another disadvantage is the company’s limited service area of 16 states, mainly in the Northeast. It also exclusively works through third-party installers and contractors, but this hasn’t affected the brand’s reputation for quality.
Specs
Materials:
Wood and vinyl
Energy efficiency:
U-Factor of 0.15 to 0.26
Window styles:
Double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, hopper, rolling, gliding, picture, bow, bay, garden, and custom shapes
Glass options:
Double- and triple-paned windows with argon fill and low-E coatings
Pella Windows offers a wide range of customization options for frame material, glass, color, grilles, and hardware. What makes Pella stand out from competitors is how well the company is represented in Energy Star ratings. Three window collections have designations from Energy Star Most Efficient. While other companies have products that make this list, Pella has the most products on this list by far.
The company has also publicly committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, recycle excess window stain for future use, and reduce the use of nonrenewable resources, among other initiatives.
A downside of Pella is you can only get an in-house installation if you live within range of a showroom; otherwise, you’ll have to hire an independent contractor, go through Lowe’s, or do it yourself. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty for its windows, but coverage varies depending on damage. It’s also worth noting the company has several negative reviews regarding installation and customer service response.
Specs
Materials:
Wood, fiberglass, and vinyl
Energy efficiency:
U-factor of 0.12 to 0.31.
Window styles:
Awning, casement, double-hung, single-hung, picture, sliding, bay, bow, and specialty windows
Glass options:
Privacy, tempered, low-E coatings, sound-resistant, impact-resistant, and high-altitude
Simonton Windows specializes in vinyl windows and makes these windows available nationwide through contractors, retail installation services, distributors, and retail stores. Some collections are exclusively sold at Home Depot. This makes Simonton the most widely available vinyl window manufacturer on our list. There are 14 window collections to choose from, some even imitating the appearance of wood. Within the collections, several window types and customization options are available. Plus, windows are backed with a double lifetime warranty, meaning the original homeowner is covered along with one subsequent owner.
Simonton provides three options for low-E glass to enhance efficiency and provides an option for krypton gas fill between panes. This is a denser gas with greater insulating properties than the more typical argon found in most modern windows. In addition to these energy-efficient enhancements, Simonton also provides a range of security enhancements, such as impact-resistant, tempered, and laminate glass.
Unfortunately, there are frequent complaints on the brand’s own website and on its Better Business Bureau profile regarding air leaks and faulty window seals due to poor installation along with customer service dissatisfaction. The issues are aggravated by the warranties not covering the labor costs of repairs or replacements.
Specs
Materials:
Vinyl
Energy efficiency:
U-factors as low as 0.15
Window styles:
Awnings, bay, bow, casement, single-hung, double-hung, garden, picture, sliding, and specialty shapes
Glass options:
Privacy, Energy Star certified, low-E glass, tempered, tinted, impact-resistant, triple-pane, and sound-resistant
Jeld-Wen leads the pack in terms of number of products and availability. Major home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, maintain inventories of Jeld-Wen windows and installation services for them. Homeowners in any state can replace their windows with Jeld-Wen.
The company offers window collections that cover all price points with three out of its 12 collections labeled for low prices. Plus, its affordable offerings have a range of customization options available that you’ll see with more elite collections at other companies.
However, the brand suffers due to customers having to be dependent on third-party installers who may or may not be experienced with the brand. Jeld-Wen warranties also only cover two years of labor that is deemed necessary by the company.
Specs
Materials:
Vinyl, wood, aluminum cladding, and proprietary wood and polymer windows
Energy efficiency:
U-factor scores of 0.13 to 0.31
Window styles:
Awning, bay, bow, casement, single-hung, double-hung, fixed, and sliding
Glass options:
Low-E coatings, tinted, textured, tempered, dirt-resistant, decorative, and scratch-protected
If you want to replace your windows, your location matters as much as the type of windows you choose. Many window replacement companies only provide their services or products regionally. According to Vice President of Marketing for MI Windows Antony Matter, it’s difficult for window companies to have a national footprint due to the difficulties of shipping heavy windows plus factors such as elevation changes that can allow insulating argon gas to seep out from between the panes. The regionalism also applies to energy efficiency features, with Energy Star certifying windows based on their performance in four climate zones.
Window Materials
The choice of window frame materials can affect both the performance and appearance of your windows. Aluminum is a high-strength metal that allows for more glass with less supporting frame, providing cleaner and wider lines of sight. Aluminum is also the go-to choice for impact-resistant windows in areas subject to storms.
Vinyl and wood are better insulators and more suited to northern environments where keeping the home warm in the winter is a greater concern. Vinyl is a cheaper, more available option, while wood is more expensive and not available at every company.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency features of your windows should be dependent on the climate zone where the home is located. In warmer climates, look for windows with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) number and other window coatings that block or reflect light to reduce heating from sunlight. In northern areas where it gets colder, windows with low U-factors are better along with gas-insulated windows and triple-paned windows. The goal is to keep the heat from escaping, reducing heating costs in winter.
Additionally, look for windows certified by Energy Star or the National Fenestration Rating Council. Both have websites where you can search for certified products and see specific ratings.
Window Sizes
When you first get a quote for replacement windows, a good window replacement company will send an installer to measure your windows and create a quote for the job. This is because replacement windows will need to fit snugly into the wall. Unusual window shapes and sizes will need to be manufactured to fit and, as a result, can cause delays. Additional costs may also apply, and your installer should be upfront about the time and costs involved.
Warranty Coverage
It is standard for window manufacturers to offer warranties of different lengths of time for different parts of the window. While window frames may be covered for 20 years, the glass may be covered for only 10 – or even five – years. Exceptions often apply to coastal areas where the environment can degrade window frame materials.
Additionally, even warranties that cover all parts of a window may not cover the labor needed to replace them, leaving the homeowner responsible for the installation costs of replacing damaged windows.
Installation Services
According to John Jervis of the American Window and Door Institute, “the worst quality window installed correctly will perform better and last longer than the highest quality window installed incorrectly.” Every window brand has its own engineering of window frames, seals, weatherstripping, and other fasteners designed for peak performance. If an installer is unfamiliar with a brand and doesn’t know the correct installation techniques, then this can degrade the long-term performance of the window – robbing you of energy efficiency, security, and comfort.
At U.S. News 360 Reviews, our contributor consulted the experts to find the best window replacement companies out there. Our contributor consulted the companies reviewed, sought the expert opinion of a window company executive, and interviewed the CEO of an organization that certifies window installers. We then narrowed our selection based on the offering of each company, considering what products and services were available in each geographic region and what worked best in those areas. Overall, we found that the best window replacement company depends on where in the U.S. you live and what those companies can offer in your area.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?
U.S. News 360 Reviews editors have years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing products. Jeffrey Crawford, the author of this piece and contributor for 360 Reviews, has years of experience in construction and residential door and window installations. To Jeff, a self-tapping screw is no replacement for the correct manufacturer-recommended fastener, and a window should never need shims. In preparing this review, he thoroughly reviewed the product, service, and warranty offerings of the best window replacement companies, consulting experts in sales and installation to better ensure you can find the best replacement window company for your home.
New windows can lower your utility bills by helping maintain comfortable temperatures in your home so you avoid excess use of heating or air conditioning. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows will increase insulation. Argon or krypton gas-filled glass can further enhance the insulating properties of your windows.
There are also low-E glass coatings that can either block or retain thermal heat as appropriate for your climate zone. Most window replacement companies have several energy-efficient window options and customizations to choose from.
Window replacements should ideally be performed by professionals who are familiar with the brand and models of the windows you choose. Errors as small as using the incorrect fastener or the wrong weatherstripping can degrade your new windows’ performance and prevent you from enjoying many of their benefits.
A window repair restores the function of an existing window that is not performing. This can be the replacement of broken hardware, a damaged pane of glass, or minimal damage to the frame.
Window replacement means removing the existing window and installing an entirely new unit. If repair is impossible or too expensive, a replacement can be the way to go. Replacements can offer a refreshed style, reduced energy costs, and greater comfort.
Read through your warranty or contact the manufacturer. Most window manufacturers provide copies of their warranties with their windows. Copies are also available online at most window replacement companies' websites. Warranty coverages can change over time, so you will need to know the original date of purchase or installation of your windows as well as the product type in order to find the applicable warranty.
Many factors are involved, but signs it may be time to replace your windows include the following:
Uncomfortable temperatures near closed windows. This is a common issue for single-pane windows in older homes. If you notice hot temperatures during summer and cold drafts during winter when you pass your windows, it is time to replace your windows regardless of their appearance or functional state.
Visible signs of degradation. This can vary depending on the window type. Vinyl windows may show chalking or cracking due to UV damage. Wood can swell and split with changes in moisture content. Aluminum in coastal zones may show pitting (corrosion) in anodized coatings.
Difficulty opening or closing windows. If your windows are hard to open or close, then it may also be time to consider a window replacement. Difficulty closing windows can be a sign of warping due to the windows being exposed to a changing external environment over time.
Jeffrey has more than 20 years of experience working in industry – first as a welder on the shop floor, then for over a decade applying that experience to write blog posts, articles, and white papers for firms in material supply, logistics, and manufacturing.
U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
