20 Best Window Companies in San Francisco, CA (2023 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in San Francisco Saves You Money

There are several perks of switching to energy-efficient windows. Some reasons you may want to consider making the change include the following:

• Protect your investment: If you have an older home, 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 home if you decide to sell.
• Protect your valuables: Many Energy Star certified windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Better temperature control in your home: When you live in a city like San Francisco where the winters can be very cold, you often have to rely on your heater to keep your house warm. Energy-efficient windows can reduce how hard your heater needs to work to heat your home.
• Save money on energy bills: Installing energy-efficient windows lowers your energy bills by about 12% because you use less energy.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in San Francisco

Let's take a look at the cost of replacing your windows and the kinds of services you may need for your home.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Generally, San Francisco homeowners can expect their replacement window installations to range from $250 to $1,200. The most common installations sit at around $600. Costs will vary significantly based on the quality of your products, the number of windows you need, your location and the current condition of your home. Many window companies also offer door installations and other add-ons like shutters, coating, baths and more. Additional services will increase your overall project costs.

It's important to bear in mind that windows with higher efficiency may cost more upfront but can save you hundreds of dollars via returns on your energy bills. Investing in Energy Star certified windows can save San Francisco homeowners $177+ a year when replacing single-pane windows.

Asking for free quotes from multiple installers is the best way to find out which one is right for you.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

In general, there are two types of window installation services companies offer: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a replacement of the full window. It involves removing the old window, the sill, and the exterior and interior trim. It also involves other materials, like 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 existing 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.

If you're still trying to decide which kind of installation you should get, you can consult with your installer and get their recommendation. The decision mostly depends on how old the frames are and if there's any damage present.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in San Francisco

EcoWatch reviews are different from other reviews because we're examining these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we analyzed several window installers in San Francisco and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

This one is self-explanatory, but we've chosen to highlight window installation companies that serve San Francisco so you can find the best window installation company near you.

Work Quality

When selecting new windows, the quality and breadth of services often plays just as important of a role in insulation and performance as the brand of window you get. We do rate window installers higher if they offer high-quality products, but we also consider workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet very important review factor is customer feedback. If most customers don't have nice feedback about their service from a certain window installation company, it won't be featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

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

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important to many homeowners. For that reason, window installation companies that provide lengthy warranties for products, parts and labor rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Last but not least, we like to see companies that have been in the industry for quite some time. 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.