Top 5 Best Window Replacement Companies in California [2022 Review]

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

  • What to look for in California based window replacement company
  • How to hire a great window installation company in California
  • Our top 5 window replacement companies in California
Ecowatch Author Karsten Neumeister

By Karsten Neumeister, Window Expert

Updated 6/4/2022

Why You Can Trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other windows site has covered the root issues as long as EcoWatch, which means we’re dedicated to pointing you in a sustainable direction. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Window Replacement Companies in California

The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost through traditional or outdated windows could account for close to 30% of residential energy climate costs. If you have an energy bill of $125 per month, that’s almost $500 per year wasted.1 Fortunately, saving you energy with upgraded windows also helps our goals of conserving energy and the resources it takes to produce it.

So if you’re building, renovating or changing out old windows in California, you’ve found the best place to get started.

Best Availability
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Save $375 Off Each Window

Ecowatch rating

Average cost

$$$$$

Renewal by Andersen

  • Pros icon Great industry reputation
  • Pros icon Award-winning company
  • Pros icon Member of US Green Building Council
  • Pros icon Manufactures products in-house
  • Con icon No lifetime warranty
  • Con icon More expensive than competition

Services Offered

  • Service icon Replacement Windows
  • Service icon Replacement Doors
  • Service icon Patio Doors
Window Veteran
Badge icon

200 Locations Nationwide

Ecowatch rating

Average cost

$$$$$

Window World

  • Pros icon EnergyStar Partner
  • Pros icon Large service area
  • Pros icon Wide variety of products and services
  • Pros icon Great industry reputation
  • Pros icon Lifetime warranty
  • Con icon Quality of service will depend on your area

Services Offered

  • Service icon Replacement Windows
  • Service icon Replacement Doors
  • Service icon Patio Doors
  • Service icon Storm Dors
  • Service icon Front Doors
  • Service icon Shutters
Window Veteran
Badge icon

CA, OR, WA

Ecowatch rating

Average cost

$$$$$

Milgard Windows & Doors

  • Pros icon EnergyStar Partner
  • Pros icon Wide network of installers
  • Pros icon Lifetime warranty available
  • Con icon Entails hiring third-party contractors
  • Con icon Limited additional services

Services Offered

  • Service icon Replacement Windows
Great Local Choice
Badge icon

Southern California

Ecowatch rating

Average cost

$$$$$

Metropolitan High Performance Windows

  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Expertise in local climate
  • Pros icon Excellent customer service
  • Con icon Warranty determined by product
  • Con icon Limited service area

Services Offered

  • Service icon Replacement Windows
Great Local Choice
Badge icon

CA

Ecowatch rating

Average cost

$$$$$

American Vision Windows

  • Pros icon Many years of experience
  • Pros icon Eco-friendly paint and coatings
  • Pros icon Excellent customer service
  • Pros icon Expertise in local climate
  • Con icon Warranty determined by product
  • Con icon Only comes with product warranty

Services Offered

  • Service icon Replacement Windows
  • Service icon Replacement Doors
  • Service icon Coatings
  • Service icon Baths

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Jump To: 5 Best Window Replacement Companies in CaliforniaEstimated Window Installation Costs & Services in California | How We Choose the Best Window Installers in California | FAQs for California Homeowners

Top 5 Best Window Replacement Companies in California

replacing windows in California and hiring the best companies

  • Renewal by Andersen: Best Availability in California
  • Window World: Best Window Warranty
  • Milgard Windows & Doors: Window Veteran in California
  • Metropolitan High Performance Windows: Best California Local Window Company
  • American Vision Windows: Most Eco-Friendly Company in California

California Window Installation & Replacement Companies Reviewed

The EcoWatch Reviews team researched dozens of window providers across California to narrow down on the top five. We assessed the companies based on energy-efficient offerings, price, coverage area, customer service, local experience and more.

We strive to stay unbiased and transparent by including pros and cons for every company we include. Our rankings are not affected by any partnerships.

Renewal by Andersen: Best Availability in California

Renewal by Andersen is a subsidiary of one of the largest window and door manufacturers in the nation, Andersen Corporation. Renewal specializes in replacement window and door installations of Andersen Corporation products. The business has over 25 years of experience installing Andersen products and has locations all over the state of California.

Renewal by Andersen at a Glance

EcoWatch Rating 4.5
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating A
Year Started 1995
Geographic Availability State of California
Services Offered Replacement windows, replacement doors, patio doors
Warranty 20-year material; 10-year hardware; 2-year installation warranties

Services & Prices

Renewal by Andersen has locations across the entirety of California, providing window and patio door replacements by certified teams experienced with Andersen Corporation products. Included in its replacement services, Renewal by Andersen’s teams deal with the clean-up of your old windows.

Renewal by Andersen products come with the same Fibrex material frames, but you can choose from a huge selection of styles, colors, glasses and frames. Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

  • Double-hung windows
  • Bay windows
  • Casement windows
  • Picture windows
  • Sliding glass doors and windows
  • Awning windows
  • Specialty styles (arcs, circles, etc.)

Our findings show that the average customer in California can expect an installation to cost between $750 to $1,250 per window. Exact pricing will depend on the type of window you choose, your location and the capacity of your installation. Renewal by Andersen does offer financing options to help its customers invest in their homes.

Read Also: Who Is The Best Window Replacement Company In The USA?

Energy Efficiency

Renewal by Andersen is one of the few window installers that outlines its environmental commitment and even provides an environmental brochure for its conscientious consumers. Here are a few of our key findings about Renewal by Andersen’s impact and the significance of purchasing energy-efficient products like windows and doors.

  • Green Seal estimates that if all windows were as efficient as Andersen windows, Americans would save up to 2.5% of annual energy consumption, or an estimated 200 gallons of oil per household.2
  • The company claims to use 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight during its wood-window manufacturing process.3 
  • Its high-performance glass is made from a minimum of 12% reclaimed glass by weight.4

Renewal by Andersen Pros

  • Has windows awarded “Most Efficient” by Energy Star
  • Excellent industry reputation
  • Membership in the U.S. Green Building Council
  • Products are manufactured in-house

Renewal by Andersen Cons

  • Does not offer lifetime warranty
  • Above-average pricing

Window World: Best Window Warranty in California

Window World installs energy-efficient replacement windows, doors, shutters and more in over 20 counties across California. Advertised as the “home of the original $189 window,” Window World has a reputation for its affordability, paired with a wide selection of windows, doors and more.”5

The locations across California are all independently owned, which gives you the benefit of working with your own local, independent business. However, this also means that the experience, quality and customer service of your installer will vary slightly depending on where you live. We wouldn’t expect too much variation in quality, however, as Window World is certified for quality and safety by several well-respected institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Energy Star.6

Window World makes an impact beyond its installations as well. It is a female-owned business, led by chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth; it contributes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and leads a military initiative to give back to America’s active military and veterans.

Window World at a Glance

EcoWatch Rating 4.5
BBB Rating A+
Year Started 1995
Geographic Availability Greater Anaheim, Covina, Fresno, Riverside, Sacramento and Vista areas
Services Offered Replacement windows and doors, patio doors, storm doors, front doors, garage doors, shutters
Warranty Lifetime warranty coverage

Services & Prices

Window World offers a wide selection of home improvement services in addition to its windows, including entry, storm and garage doors. The climate of California is diverse and can vary significantly based on your location, so Window World offers high-quality products fit for most regions. Whether it be thermal glass, patio doors or shutters, Window World will have you covered. Here’s a quick glance at Window World’s services:

  • Vinyl replacements
  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Casement windows
  • Awning windows
  • Acrylic block windows
  • Sliding windows
  • Bay windows
  • Bow windows
  • Garden windows
  • Privacy windows
  • Picture windows
  • Basement hopper windows
  • Impact storm windows and doors
  • Specialty styles (various shapes)

Prices will fluctuate depending on your project and location, but Window World is known for offering some of the best prices and warranties around. It also provides flexible financing options that are subject to credit approval. Window World offers free quotes online.

Energy Efficiency

Window World is an industry leader with access to some of the most high-efficiency window technology around. The company is an Energy Star partner and holds accreditations from several leading organizations, including the EPA, National Fenestration Council and the American Society for Testing Material.

Window World’s high-performance Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and argon gas insulation offer exceptional efficiency and performance for California homes dealing with a lot of sunshine, especially in Southern California.

Window World Pros

  • Energy Star partner
  • Many locations across California
  • Wide selection of products and services
  • Offers lifetime warranties

Window World Cons

  • Quality of service may vary depending on branch
  • More affordable windows may not be the most high-quality products

Milgard Windows & Doors: Window Veteran in California

Milgard Windows & Doors is a vertically integrated window manufacturer that makes its own insulated glasses, vinyl components, fiberglass frames and more. The company has a long history in the state, with roots dating back to 1958. Though not a classic installer like the other names on this list, Milgard Windows & Doors made the cut because of its ability to quickly and conveniently pair you with a certified local window installer of Milgard products.

Milgard Windows & Doors at a Glance

EcoWatch Rating 4.5
BBB Rating A
Year Started 1958
Geographic Availability State of California
Services Offered Replacement windows and patio doors
Warranty Full and limited lifetime warranties

Services & Pricing

With over 50 years of experience on the West Coast, Milgard home windows are designed with the sunny climate of California in mind.

For a company that only installs its own products, it still has a large variety of styles and types to choose from, including:

  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Horizontal slider windows
  • Casement windows
  • Picture windows
  • Awning windows
  • Specialty windows

Here’s what to expect for pricing of Milgard’s Window Series Selections ($-$$$$$):

  • Tuscany Series: $$$
  • Trinsic Series: $$
  • Style Line: $
  • Ultra Series: $$$$
  • Thermally Improved Aluminum: $$$

Energy Efficiency

Milgard Windows & Doors manufactures its own products, which gives it the freedom to make custom windows based on the California climate. The company designs its own vinyl compounds and profiles to ensure a heat-stable product that performs as advertised. Its packages are designed to meet the solar requirements in California and the surrounding areas.

As an Energy Star partner, you can trust Milgard Windows products to help your home conserve energy efficiently.

Milgard Windows & Doors Company Pros

  • Wide network of installers through California
  • Energy Star partner
  • Lifetime warranty available

Milgard Windows & Doors Cons

  • Entails hiring third-party contractors
  • Limited additional services

Metropolitan High Performance Windows: Best California Local Window Company

Metropolitan High Performance Windows (MHPW) is a family-owned and -operated window replacement company serving Anaheim, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties.

The company has earned a reputation for competitive pricing, expert advice, a comprehensive warranty and quality workmanship. In addition to its experience as a company, all of its installers work in-house and have a minimum of 15 years of window installation experience.

Metropolitan High Performance Windows at a Glance

EcoWatch Rating 4.0
BBB Rating A+
Year Started 1998
Geographic Availability Anaheim, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties
Services Offered Window and door replacements, entry doors, sliding patio doors
Warranty Lifetime manufacturer warranty; limited workmanship warranty

Services & Prices

Metropolitan High Performance Windows offers straightforward services that focus on what its name implies — high-performance replacement windows and doors. It offers a wide selection of energy-efficient aluminum and vinyl replacement windows that come in a wide range of styles.

Its high-performance vinyl windows are available in the following styles:

  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Slider windows
  • Picture windows
  • Casement windows
  • Awning windows
  • Geometric windows
  • Garden windows
  • Bay windows
  • bow windows

With pride in its local expertise, Metropolitan High Performance Windows employs knowledgeable professionals who can bring years of experience into guiding your decision.

The company offers a selection of products from different manufacturers, so pricing will depend mainly on which product you go with. However, it’s known for its competitive pricing. The quality of your warranty will also depend on which product you end up choosing.

Energy Efficiency

Metropolitan High Performance Windows offers a wide range of window types with advanced insulating features. These glass windows keep outside heat from entering your home in summer months and retain warmth in the winter.

Though exact specifications will vary based on the product you choose, you can expect Metropolitan High Performance Windows to cater to the sunny climate of Southern California. With 20+ years of experience in the region, the company knows what products perform best for its customers.

Metropolitan High Performance Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Expertise in local climate
  • Excellent customer service

Metropolitan High Performance Cons

  • Warranty determined by product
  • Coverage only available in part of the state

American Vision Windows: Most Eco-Friendly Window Replacement Company in California

American Vision Windows is a family-owned and -operated business with 20 years of experience across California, claiming to be the largest window sales and installation company in the state. The company understands the pain points of its customers as they contend with rising energy bills and provides energy-efficient solutions to help its customers cut down on their energy use. Offering windows, doors, coatings, baths and more, American Vision Windows has solutions for a variety of home improvement projects.

American Vision Windows at a Glance

EcoWatch Rating 4.0
BBB Rating A+
Year Started 2002
Geographic Availability LA, Ventura County, San Diego, Fresno, Orange County, Northern California
Services Offered Replacement window and door installations; coatings, baths
Warranty Varies by product

Services & Prices

American Vision has 20 years of experience providing home improvement services to the LA, Ventura County, San Diego, Fresno, Orange County and Northern California areas. Its installations come with six different materials to choose from, eco-friendly Tex-Cote coatings, post-installation care and more. Here’s a glimpse at the type of services American Vision installers performs:

  • Windows (wood, wood-clad, vinyl, obscure glass, fiberglass, aluminum)
  • Doors (entry doors, sliding doors, French doors)
  • Coatings
  • Baths

American Vision Windows’ prices and warranty coverage will vary based on the product you select. For example, if you choose a Simonton product, your installation will include a double lifetime warranty including accidental glass breakage. The company offers free estimates by phone.

Energy Efficiency

Since American Vision Windows’ solutions vary so much by project, it’s hard to get into the specifics of its efficiency. However, with 20 years of experience in California and Arizona, American Vision caters its product selection and services to the needs of a hot, dry climate.

It advertises its ability to help homeowners conserve energy with energy-efficient windows, products like COOLWALL heat reflective coatings and more.

American Vision Windows Pros

  • 20+ years of experience
  • Eco-friendly paint and coatings
  • Good customer satisfaction
  • Expertise about local climate

American Vision Windows Cons

  • Warranty varies by product
  • Only comes with product warranties

Estimated Window Installation Costs & Services in California

Window installations come in starkly different shapes, styles and purposes, so costs and services will vary considerably based on your project. Below are the main services that you’ll find from the average replacement window installation company.

top window replacement companies in california California Window Replacement and Install Services

The first step of an installation is to clarify whether you need a full-frame installation or a pocket installation.

  • Full-frame installations entail replacing the full window, including the sill, frame and trim. Full-frame installations are necessary when you want a new style or your window has significant rot or deterioration. Full-frame installations are more involved and will increase overall costs.
  • Pocket installations (also known as retrofits) are when you replace a window within its existing frame. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won’t carry as large a bill, but you can’t have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

If you’re hiring a reputable window installation company, your company will be able to advise you on the best choices for your project. In California, the decision will mostly depend on the efficiency of your home and how well your frames are insulated. Wood and other window materials can deteriorate if not properly maintained over the years, losing the airtight seal and, with it, inside air.

Window Replacement and Installation Costs in California

On average, homeowners in California can anticipate most replacement window installations to range from $250 to $1,200. The most common installations sit around $600, but the cost of window replacements will vary significantly depending on the number of windows you need, the quality of your products, your location and the current condition of your home. Many window companies also offer replacement door installations and other add-ons like coating, baths, shutters and more. Additional services will increase overall project costs.

Costs will also vary based on the material of your frame. Here’s a quick look at the quality of common types:

  • Aluminum frames (least expensive): Sturdy, light and maintenance-free; poor insulation
  • Vinyl frames (somewhat expensive): Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers; good insulation
  • Composite frames (moderately expensive): Made from wood fibers encased in plastic; good insulation
  • Wood frames (most expensive): Most in-demand, aesthetically pleasing; decent insulation

With windows, efficiency is the most important factor for most homeowners. High efficiency may cost more off the bat, but by increasing the efficiency of your home — especially if you live in a hot climate — they can provide decades of energy savings. According to Energy Star, purchasing certified energy-efficient windows can save California homeowners $125+ per year after replacing just a single pane.9

How We Chose the Best Window Installers in CA

In our search to find the most reliable, eco-friendly window installers in California, the EcoWatch Reviews team assessed dozens of companies before landing on these five. We analyzed each installer and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Areas

Since California is such a massive state, we gave more points to companies likely to offer services and showrooms across the whole state rather than just in a specific city. For example, there are certainly reputable providers in both Northern and Southern California that didn’t make our list because of the low odds that they would serve the average Californian.

Quality of Services

When selecting new windows, the quality and breadth of services can often play just as important of a role in overall efficiency and performance as the brand you choose. We do give window installers higher marks if they offer high-quality products, but we also factor in workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Cost

Cheaper windows certainly don’t mean better windows, but we know many of our readers try to keep costs low when possible. When analyzing the prices of providers, we awarded higher scores to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than “cheaper” services. However, we won’t cut corners on customer service or efficiency, and the best companies in California certainly won’t always be the cheapest.

Experience

Southern California has a very hot, sunny climate with a lot of temperature variation between the night and day. And temperatures vary up the coast as well. These are the perfect conditions for energy-efficient windows that can regulate internal temperatures inside while warding off sunshine during peak hours. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of California window companies to prepare homes for their climates. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.

Customer Satisfaction

We analyzed patterns in recent customer feedback to find the companies with the most consistent customer satisfaction, weighted by sample size. Customer satisfaction might be the factor we place the most value on, as it indicates the quality of services across most other categories, including professionalism, quality of installation, quality of parts, warranty, cost and more.

FAQ: Window Replacement and Installation in California

Blog author image

Karsten Neumeister

Window Expert

Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.