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

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Richmond Saves You Money

Switching to energy-efficient windows can help improve the comfort of your home and help you save on power bills. Here are more ways upgrading your windows could benefit you:

• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely it is that getting new windows will benefit you. Older homes tend to have windows that are outdated, leaky or maybe even damaged in some way. Updating your windows could help raise the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Save on energy bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost via windows accounts for around 25-30% of energy use in your home. Installing energy-efficient windows can help lower that number, which helps you save $579 a year on your bills.
• Protect your valuables: Many Energy Star certified windows have low-emissivity coatings, which not only provide better insulation for your home, but also filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: By using less energy once upgrading to Energy Star certified windows, you’ll also be lowering your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Richmond

Windows come in different purposes, styles and shapes, so costs and services will differ considerably depending on your project. Below, we go over the typical cost and services that you can get from window installers.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Generally, Richmond homeowners can expect their window replacements to range from $250 to $1,200. The average cost sits at about $600. But costs differ considerably depending on the size of your home, complexity of the installation, your location and the quality of the company you choose. Many window installers also offer door replacements, which have a higher price tag.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that energy-efficient windows will almost always cost more upfront, but Energy Star predicts that switching out the windows on your Richmond home can mean an average energy savings of $236 to $319 per 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 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 maintenance-free, but offer poor insulation. Vinyl frames are somewhat expensive and offer good insulation. Composite frames made using wood fibers encased in plastic also offer good insulation and are moderately expensive. Wood frames are the most expensive and are the most in-demand. They’re also aesthetically pleasing and offer decent insulation for your home.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

Generally, there are two types of window installation services companies offer: 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 also involves additional materials, like insulation and drip edges, which raise the total 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 (also known as retrofits) are when you replace a window while leaving the old frame. Pocket installations are simpler and won’t carry as large a bill, but you can’t do this kind of installment if you have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

Your window replacement company should be able to help you decide what’s best for your needs. In Richmond, the decision will mostly depend on the age of your windows and if there’s any moisture damage. Wood can decay if not maintained properly over the years, so it’s a good idea to have a professional assess your frames and window sills.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Richmond

EcoWatch reviews differ from other reviews because we evaluate these companies through a sustainability lens. We have reviewed the top window installers in Richmond primarily based on energy efficiency, as it’s what’s best for the environment and for you as a homeowner. Energy-efficient windows have been shown to lower electricity bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology is based on the following factors:

Service Area

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

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback is another super important review factor. If the majority of customers don’t have nice feedback about their experience with a certain window installation company, you won’t see it featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with other services, cheap window installation companies may not provide the highest quality service. On the other hand, we want to ensure we’re highlighting companies that provide a variety 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 have lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Because of Richmond’s climate, homeowners need to be wary of rot, low efficiency and water damage. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of Richmond window companies to prepare homes for these issues. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.