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

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Malibu Saves You Money

There are quite a few perks of upgrading to energy-efficient windows. A few reasons you may want to consider making the switch include the following:

• Decrease your carbon footprint: In Malibu, you can cut your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 117 pounds per year after you switch to energy-efficient windows.
• Protect your investment: If your home is on the older side, your windows are most likely in need of replacement. Updating your windows can improve the insulation in your home and also help raise the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Protect your valuables from fading: The low-emissivity coatings on many energy-efficient windows filter out harmful UV rays, preventing your furniture, carpet and other valuables from fading.
• Save money on energy bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost through windows makes up about 25-30% of household energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help reduce that amount, which helps you save some money on your bills.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Malibu

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, so costs and services will vary tremendously. Here are the average costs and the primary services that you’ll find from window installers.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The average cost to install a single window is about $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200. This is because window installations are based on several factors specific to your home, such as the size, material and number of windows you need to install, as well as the location of your property.

It’s also worth noting that energy-efficient windows will cost more upfront, but Energy Star estimates that switching out the windows on your Malibu 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. How much you’ll save by switching to energy-efficient windows depends on your local climate, energy rates and other factors unique to your home.

Another factor that affects the overall cost is the material of the frame you select. Aluminum frames are typically the least expensive and are sturdy and relatively maintenance-free, but they offer poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames cost the most, as they are aesthetically pleasing and provide decent insulation. Fiberglass and vinyl frames provide good insulation as well and cost somewhere between the other two.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

Generally, there are two kinds of window replacement services companies provide: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a total window replacement. It involves taking out the old window, the windowsill, and the exterior and interior trim. It can also involve other materials, such as insulation and drip edges, which increase the total cost of the project. Also worth noting: you may have to touch up the paint surrounding the window after a full-frame installation. Pocket installations (also known as retrofits) are when you replace a window while leaving the old frame. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won’t cost as much, but you can’t do this type of installment if you have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

If you’re still debating which kind of installation you should get, you can ask your installer and get their advice. The choice mostly depends on the age of your window frames and if there’s any damage present.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Malibu

EcoWatch reviews are different from most reviews, as we evaluate these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we assessed window companies all across the state and ranked them using the following methodology:

Service Area

Because this is a guide for Malibu, we paid more attention to companies that serve the city. There are certainly other reputable providers that didn’t make the list because of the low odds that they would serve the average homeowner in Malibu.

Work Quality

We’re certain that you’re looking for professionals who do a great job installing windows. We’ve vetted each installer on this list to make sure its technicians are well-qualified and that the company has gotten lots of positive customer feedback to vouch for its service.

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent online reviews to determine the companies with the most customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction may be the factor we place the most value on, as it indicates the quality of services across nearly every category, including professionalism, cost, quality of parts, warranty, quality of installation and more.

Cost

Cheaper windows don’t necessarily mean better windows, but we know many of our readers would like to keep costs as low as possible. When analyzing providers’ prices, we gave higher scores to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than “cheaper” services.

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important. That’s why window installation companies that give you 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 installers that have more experience are going to earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.