20 Best Window Companies in Lake Forest, CA (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Lake Forest Saves You Money

When you upgrade to energy-efficient windows, you may see several perks, including:

• Save on power bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows makes up around 25-30% of residential energy use. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient models can help decrease that number, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.
• Protect your valuables: Many energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Protect your investment: Keeping your windows up to date is an important part of maintaining your property and its value, particularly if you have an older home.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: You can reduce your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 12% after you install Energy Star certified windows. In Lake Forest, that’s about 117 pounds per year on average.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Lake Forest

When researching window installation, each company provides varying services and prices. Let’s take a look at some average costs and services.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The national average 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 the location of your home, number of windows, size, material, type and more.

With windows, efficiency is the most important factor for most homeowners. Efficient windows 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, buying certified energy-efficient windows can save Lake Forest homeowners $388+ each year after replacing single-pane windows.

The cost of your window installation will also vary depending on the kind of material you choose for the frames. Wood windows are generally the most expensive, but it depends on whether they are solid wood or clad with aluminum or vinyl. Fiberglass windows also tend to be a bit more expensive than vinyl, but they are more efficient.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

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

Full-frame installations entail replacing the full window, including the trim, sill and frame. Full-frame installations are necessary when you want a new style or your window has considerable damage. These installations are more involved and will increase the total cost. Pocket installations (or retrofits) entail installing a new window within the existing frame, which makes pocket installations more simple and affordable. But, if the frame has any damage or rot, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

If you’re unsure which window installation service you need, your installer can advise you. Generally, the choice depends on factors like the age and condition of the home, the type of building material, budget and time restrictions.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Lake Forest

EcoWatch differs from most reviewers since we’re examining these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we reviewed window companies all across the state and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

This one is self-explanatory, but we’ve chosen to highlight window installers that serve a wide variety of states and cities so you can find a quality window installation company near you.

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet super important review factor is customer feedback. If most customers don’t have good feedback about their experience with a certain company, you won’t see it featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with most services, cheap window installers may not provide the highest quality service. Still, we want to make sure we’re highlighting companies that provide a spectrum of price and financing options so they’re accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important to many homeowners. That’s why window installation companies that provide 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 good track record in the industry. Window installation companies that have more experience are going to earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.