20 Best Window Companies in Berkeley, CA (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Berkeley Saves You Money

Energy-efficient windows can provide benefits in more than one way. Here are a few reasons you may want to make the switch:

• Protect your valuables from fading: When you upgrade to energy-efficient windows that have low-emissivity coatings, your floors, carpets and furniture will be protected from fading because of their ability to filter out damaging UV rays.
• Save on power bills: Upgrading to energy-efficient windows reduces your energy bills by about 12% since you need less energy.
• 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 Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, drafty or potentially even damaged in some way. Upgrading your windows could help raise the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Reduce your carbon footprint: By using less energy once you switch to energy-efficient windows, you’ll also be cutting your carbon dioxide emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Berkeley

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

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Typically, Berkeley homeowners can anticipate their window installations to range from $250 to $1,200. The most common installations sit at approximately $600. But costs vary remarkably depending on the size of your home, complexity of the installation, your location and the quality of the company you choose. Many window companies also offer door installations and replacements, which will add extra costs to your project.

It’s also worth noting that energy-efficient windows will usually cost more initially, but Energy Star estimates that switching out the windows on your Berkeley home translates to an average energy savings of $236 to $319 a year for single-pane window replacement, or between $87 to $126 a year for double-pane windows. The amount of money you’ll save by upgrading to energy-efficient windows varies based on your local climate, energy rates and other factors unique to your home.

Another factor that influences the total cost is the material of the frame you choose. Aluminum frames are usually the least expensive and are sturdy and light, but they offer poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames are the most expensive because they are aesthetically pleasing and provide decent insulation. Fiberglass and vinyl frames provide good insulation and cost somewhere between the other two.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

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

Full-frame installations are usually done when you want a new style or your window has significant rot or deterioration. With this service, your professionals will replace the total window, including the sill, frame and trim. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won’t carry as large a bill, as they entail merely replacing the window within its existing frame. But if the frame has any damage or deterioration, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

Your window installation company should be able to help you figure out which type of installation you should get.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Berkeley

In our hunt to make your home improvements easier and more eco-friendly in Berkeley, EcoWatch landed on the above companies as the top window installation companies in the city. Along with energy efficiency, we evaluated each installer and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

Since this is a guide for Berkeley, we only included companies that cover the city. There are other reputable providers that didn’t make the cut because of the low odds that they would serve the average homeowner in Berkeley.

Work Quality

We’re willing to bet that you’re looking for a company to do a great job installing windows. We’ve vetted each company in our guide to ensure its contractors are well-qualified and that the company has received lots of positive customer feedback to vouch for its service.

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent customer feedback to determine the companies with the most customer satisfaction, weighted by sample size. Customer satisfaction may be the most important factor, as it reflects the quality of services across nearly every category, including quality of installation, warranty, quality of parts, cost, professionalism and more.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: similar to other services, cheap window companies are not going to provide the most quality service. Still, we want to make sure we’re highlighting companies that offer a variety of price and financing options so they’re accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important. For that reason, 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 experience earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.