26 Best Window Replacement Companies in San Rafael, CA (Feb 2023)
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How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in San Rafael Saves You Money

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

• Protect your valuables from fading: The low-emissivity coatings on some energy-efficient windows filter out harmful UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Save on energy bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost via windows makes up around 25-30% of energy use in your home. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help lower that amount, which helps you save some money on your bills.
• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely it is that getting new windows will benefit you. Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, leaky or potentially even damaged in some way. Updating your windows could help increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: Because energy-efficient windows improve the insulation in your house, you can lower your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in San Rafael

When researching window installation, each company offers different services and prices. Let's take a look at some typical costs and services.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Typically, homeowners in San Rafael can anticipate that most window installations will range from $250 to $1,200, with the most common installations sitting at about $600. How much it will cost is based on several factors, including number of windows, type, size, material, the location of your home and more.

It's important to remember that windows with higher efficiency may cost more initially but can save you hundreds of dollars via returns on your energy bills. Investing in Energy Star certified windows can save San Rafael homeowners $635+ a year when replacing single-pane windows.

We recommend requesting free quotes from multiple window companies to find the one that works best for you.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

In general, there are two types of window replacement services you can get: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a total window replacement. It involves removing the old window, the sill, and the exterior and interior trim. It can also involve extra materials, including insulation and drip edges, which raise the overall cost of the project. Also worth noting: it's not uncommon for homeowners to have to touch up the paint surrounding the window after a full-frame installation. A pocket installation entails installing a new window without replacing the frame. This means instead of taking out the whole unit and rebuilding it, the contractor will just put the replacement window (also called a retrofit or insert window) into the frame.

If you're unsure which window installation service you need, your installer can help you out. Generally, the decision is influenced by 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 San Rafael

In our search to make your home improvements easier and more eco-friendly in San Rafael, EcoWatch landed on the above companies as the top window installation companies in the city. We have reviewed the top window installation companies in San Rafael 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 reduce your energy 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 San Rafael, we gave more points to companies that provide services to the city. There are certainly reputable providers that didn't make our list because of the low odds that they would serve the average homeowner in San Rafael.

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet super important review factor is customer feedback. If the majority of customers don't have nice things to say about their experience with a certain installer, it won't be featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

Cheaper windows certainly don't mean better windows, but we know many of our readers want to keep costs low when possible. When analyzing providers' prices, we gave higher points 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 have 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 years of experience will earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.