22 Best Window Replacement Companies in Berkeley, CA (Feb 2023)
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How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Berkeley Saves You Money

Switching to energy-efficient windows can improve the comfort of your home and help you save on power bills. Here are more details about how switching out your windows could help you:

• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely it is that switching to energy-efficient windows will benefit you. Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, leaky or maybe even damaged in some way. Updating your windows could help increase the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: In Berkeley, you can lower your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 117 pounds per year once you switch to energy-efficient windows.
• Save money on electricity bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for around 25-30% of household energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can help decrease how much you have to pay, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.
• Protect your valuables from fading: The low-emissivity coatings on many energy-efficient windows filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Berkeley

Let's take a look at the cost of installing new windows and the types of services offered by installers.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The typical cost to replace a single window is about $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200. How much it will cost varies depending on several factors, like material, number of windows, the location of your home, type, size and more.

It's also worth bearing in mind that energy-efficient windows will typically cost more initially, but Energy Star estimates that upgrading the windows on your Berkeley home translates to an average energy savings of $236 to $319 per year for single-pane window replacement, or between $87 to $126 per year for double-pane windows. The amount of money you'll save by installing energy-efficient windows depends on your local climate, energy rates and other factors unique to your home.

Costs will also vary based on the material of your frame. Aluminum frames are the least expensive. They're sturdy, light and easy to maintain, but provide poor insulation. Vinyl frames are somewhat expensive and provide good insulation. Composite frames made with wood fibers encased in plastic also provide good insulation and are moderately expensive. Wood frames cost the most and are the most in-demand. They're also aesthetically pleasing and provide decent insulation for your home.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

There are generally two kinds of window replacement services: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a total window replacement. It involves removing the old window, the windowsill, and the exterior and interior trim. It can also involve extra materials, including insulation and drip edges, which increase the overall cost of the project. Also worth noting: it's not uncommon for homeowners to have to touch up the paint around the window after a full-frame installation. Pocket installations (or retrofits) involve installing a new window within its existing frame, which makes pocket installations less labor-intensive and costly. However, if the frame has any rot or deterioration, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

Your window installer should be able to help you figure out which type of installation you need.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Berkeley

EcoWatch reviews are different from most reviews because we examine these companies through a sustainability lens. We've reviewed the best window replacement companies in Berkeley primarily based on energy efficiency, as the most sustainable option also benefits homeowners in many ways. Energy Star certified windows can reduce your electricity bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology considers the following factors:

Service Area

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but we've chosen to highlight window installation companies that serve the Berkeley area so you can find the right window installation company near you.

Work Quality

When installing new windows, the quality and variety of services often plays just as important of a role in insulation and performance as the type of window you opt for. We do give window installers more points if they offer high-quality products, but we also consider workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback is another super important review factor. If most customers don't have good feedback about their experience with a certain window installation company, you won't see it featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

Cheaper windows don't necessarily mean better windows, but we know many of our readers want to keep costs as low as possible. When analyzing the prices of providers, we gave higher points to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than "cheaper" services.

Warranty

As discussed previously, windows are a serious investment, so you'll want to make sure that investment is well protected. Window installation companies with lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Last but not least, we like to see companies that have a proven track record in the industry. Window installation companies that have more years of experience earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.