20 Best Window Companies in San Rafael, CA (2024 Reviews)
When it’s time to upgrade your windows, our reviews of the top window installation companies can help you find the right provider for you.
We analyzed all the top-rated window companies in San Rafael and selected the best 20 based on:
- Customer reviews
- Window installation expertise
- Popularity with home-owners like you
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Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Whether you're updating for aesthetics or have damaged windows, windows play a crucial role in conserving energy in your home. Drafty windows could lead to having higher electricity bills during the winter or summer months.
That’s also bad news for the environment, as the extra energy used by drafty windows increases your carbon footprint.
Unlike other review sites, EcoWatch ranks window companies on energy efficiency while also factoring in cost, customer satisfaction and service area.
Best Availability
Renewal by Andersen
- Great industry reputation
- Member of US Green Building Council
- Manufactures products in-house
Best Energy-Efficient Features
Champion
- Many years of experience
- Low prices relative to competitors
- Limetime warranty
Window Veteran
Window World
- EnergyStar Partner
- Wide variety of products and services
- Lifetime Warranty
Best Window Installation & Replacement Companies in San Rafael
The EcoWatch Reviews team researched dozens of installers across the country to find the best window installation companies for our readers. We assessed the installers on energy-efficient offerings, customer service, price, coverage area, local experience and more.
Renewal by Andersen
- Great industry reputation
- Award-winning company
- Member of US Green Building Council
- Manufactures products in-house
- No lifetime warranty
- More expensive than competition
Renewal by Andersen provides the best availability in San Rafael. It's a subsidiary of the Andersen Corporation, a major manufacturer of windows and doors. Andersen has over 27 years of experience in the industry, and it currently provides services to nearly every state except Mississippi and West Virginia.
It has established itself as a company that uses in-home estimates and advanced digital tools to help you plan and visualize your project before getting started.
Energy Efficiency of Renewal by Andersen WindowsRenewal by Andersen caters to eco-conscious consumers by providing energy-efficient window offerings. A handful of windows manufactured by the Andersen corporation were awarded Energy Star’s “Most Efficient” in 2021, and Andersen was named Energy Star’s Partner of the Year in 2019.
How much does Renewal by Andersen cost in San Rafael?Although pricing information is not readily available on Andersen’s website, based on customer feedback, you can expect to pay anywhere between $750 to $1,250 per window for an installation with Andersen. Requesting a free quote on its website is the best way to get more accurate information.
Window World
- EnergyStar Partner
- Large serice area
- Low prices relative to competitors
- Great industry reputation
- Lifetime warranty
- Quality of service will depend on your area
Window World provides windows expertise in San Rafael. It's the largest window replacement company in the country, known for its vinyl windows and affordability. Window World has over 27 years of experience in the industry, and it currently provides services to 200 locations nationwide.
It has established itself as a company that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Energy Star and supports charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Energy Efficiency of Window World WindowsWindow World caters to eco-conscious consumers by providing energy-efficient window offerings. Its high-performance Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and argon gas insulation offer exceptional efficiency and performance for any home.
How much does Window World cost in San Rafael?Although pricing information is not readily available on Window World’s website, it's known for offering some of the most affordable window installations around. Requesting a free quote on its website is the best way to get more accurate information.
Milgard Windows & Doors
- EnergyStar Partner
- Wide network of installers
- Lifetime warranty available
- Entails hiring third-party contractors
- Limited additional services
Milgard Windows & Doors provides the best local installation in San Rafael. It's a family-owned and -operated window replacement company, which primarily serves the West Coast. Milgard has over 60 years of experience in the industry, and it currently provides services to Anaheim, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties.
It has established itself as a company that offers competitive pricing, a comprehensive warranty and installers that all have a minimum of 15 years of window installation experience.
Energy Efficiency of Milgard Windows & Doors WindowsMilgard Windows & Doors caters to eco-conscious consumers by providing energy-efficient window offerings. The company manufactures its own products, which gives it the freedom to make custom windows based on the climate. The company designs its own vinyl compounds and profiles to ensure a heat-stable product that performs as advertised.
How much does Milgard Windows & Doors cost in San Rafael?Although pricing information is not readily available on Milgard’s website, it offers different kinds of windows at varying price points. Requesting a free quote on its website is the best way to get more accurate information.
Universal Windows Direct
- Makes charitable contributions
- Manufactures products in-house
- Wide variety of products and services
- Lifetime warranty
- Limited service area
- Some installations carried out by third-party contractors
- Quality of service will depend on your area
Universal Windows Direct provides the best warranty in San Rafael. It's a company that has grown immensely since its inception in 2002, and now has several franchise dealers nationwide. Universal has over 20 years of experience in the industry, and it currently provides services to 27 states nationwide.
It has established itself as a company that has an industry-leading warranty covering products, parts and workmanship for life.
Energy Efficiency of Universal Windows Direct WindowsUniversal Windows Direct caters to eco-conscious consumers by providing energy-efficient window offerings. The company offers energy-efficient UniShield brand windows. According to its website, UniShield window packages have higher gas fill rates and longer gas retention than most other brands on the market, and they are Energy Star products.
How much does Universal Windows Direct cost in San Rafael?Although pricing information is not readily available on Universal’s website, installations typically range from $225 to $425 per window based on customer feedback. That makes Universal Windows Direct more of a budget-friendly option for window repair and replacements. Requesting a free quote on its website is the best way to get more accurate information.
We’ve recommended providers with shining reputations, but note that some national companies have independently owned locations in San Rafael, so your service may vary depending on your local crew. We have tried to stay unbiased and transparent by mentioning pros and cons for each company reviewed.
More Window Companies in San Rafael
Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco
Hayward, CA- Good Customer Service
- Educational Website
- Free assessment
- Price Transparency
Services Offered
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Bay Windows
- Andersen
- Window Install & Replacement
- Commercial Windows
- Glass Doors
- Skylights
- Storm Doors
Window Factory
Greenbrae, CA- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
- Educational Website
Services Offered
- Wood Frames
- Fiberglass Frames
- Window Install & Replacement
- Bay Windows
- Vinyl Frames
- Aluminum Frames
Novato Glass Inc
Novato, CA- Educational Website
- Free assessment
- Price Transparency
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Mirrors
- Glass Doors
- Glass Showers
- Window Install & Replacement
- Skylights
- Bay Windows
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Commercial Windows
- Custom Glass
Charles Window & Door Company
San Rafael, CA- Free assessment
- Educational Website
- Price Transparency
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Aluminum Frames
- Bay Windows
- Window Install & Replacement
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Glass Doors
- Fiberglass Frames
- Milgard
- Simonton
- Window Repair
- Marvin
Glass & Sash Inc.
San Rafael, CA- Price Transparency
- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Mirrors
- Energy-Efficient Options
- Skylights
- Bay Windows
- Window Install & Replacement
- Commercial Windows
Ace Glass Company
San Francisco, CA- Good Customer Service
- Price Transparency
- Free assessment
Services Offered
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Tempered Glass
- Glass Repair
- Mirrors
- Window Install & Replacement
- Bay Windows
- Storm Windows
- Window Repair
- Glass Showers
- Glass Doors
- Commercial Windows
Sky's Windows Screens & Mirrors
Richmond, CA- Educational Website
- Price Transparency
- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
Services Offered
- Bay Windows
- Window Repair
- Mirrors
- Window Install & Replacement
Old Town Glass
Novato, CAServices Offered
- Marvin
- Window Install & Replacement
Wood Windows and Doors Corporation
San Pablo, CA- Free assessment
- Price Transparency
- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Window Install & Replacement
- Commercial Windows
- Bay Windows
- Wood Frames
The Sliding Door Company
San Francisco, CA- Free assessment
- Good Customer Service
- Educational Website
- Price Transparency
Services Offered
- Custom Glass
- Glass Doors
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Window Install & Replacement
- Commercial Windows
Home Services at The Home Depot
San Rafael, CA- Price Transparency
- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
- Educational Website
Services Offered
- Impact Windows
- Storm Doors
- Glass Showers
- Window Repair
- Window Install & Replacement
A-Taylor Made Window
Richmond, CA- Price Transparency
- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
- Timely Service
Services Offered
- Mirrors
- Bay Windows
- Window Install & Replacement
- Marvin
- Milgard
- Andersen
- Pella
- Simonton
Sunset Glass Inc
San Francisco, CA- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
- Price Transparency
Services Offered
- Commercial Windows
- Wood Frames
- Fiberglass Frames
- Mirrors
- Ply Gem
- Milgard
- Marvin
- Glass Showers
- Vinyl Frames
- Tempered Glass
- Window Install & Replacement
- Aluminum Frames
Wilson Construction
El Sobrante, CA- Free assessment
- Timely Service
- Good Customer Service
- Price Transparency
Services Offered
- Window Install & Replacement
- Marvin
Acacia Glass Co
San Francisco, CA- Free assessment
- Good Customer Service
- Price Transparency
Services Offered
- Bay Windows
- Commercial Windows
- Custom Glass
- Glass Showers
- Window Install & Replacement
Pella Windows & Doors of Northern California
San Francisco, CA- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
- Price Transparency
- Free assessment
Services Offered
- Pella
- Window Install & Replacement
- Double-Hung
- Bay Windows
- Fiberglass Frames
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Glass Doors
Alan Siding & Windows
San Francisco, CA- Educational Website
- Good Customer Service
- Price Transparency
- Timely Service
Services Offered
- Wood Frames
- Bay Windows
- Window Repair
- Window Install & Replacement
Vallejo Glass Inc.
Vallejo, CA- Free assessment
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Glass Repair
- Glass Showers
- Window Install & Replacement
- Window Repair
- Vinyl Frames
- Milgard
- Energy-Efficient Options
- Custom Glass
- Commercial Windows
- Mirrors
- Aluminum Frames
- Bay Windows
OCEAN SASH AND DOOR INC.
San Francisco, CA- Good Customer Service
- Free assessment
- Price Transparency
- Educational Website
Services Offered
- Aluminum Frames
- Window Install & Replacement
- Bay Windows
- Double-Hung
American Window Systems, Inc.
Napa, CA- Educational Website
- Price Transparency
- Free assessment
- Good Customer Service
Services Offered
- Aluminum Frames
- Window Install & Replacement
- Kolbe
- Commercial Windows
- Skylights
Calculate how much you can expect to pay for window installation and replacement in San Rafael, CA using our customized window cost calculator.
Estimates will vary based on window dimensions and other unique factors to your home. Getting in touch with a local window installer is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate for your home.
How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in San Rafael Saves You Money
Energy-efficient windows can provide benefits in more than one way. Here are some reasons you may want to make the switch:
- Save money on power bills: Switching to energy-efficient windows lowers your energy bills by about 12% since you use less energy.
- Protect your investment: When your home is on the older side, your windows could also be outdated or drafty. Keeping your windows up to date is an important part of maintaining your property and its real estate value.
- Protect your valuables: Many Energy Star certified windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out harmful UV rays, reducing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Since energy-efficient windows improve the insulation in your home, you can cut your carbon footprint by about 12%, according to Energy Star.
Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in San Rafael
Windows come in different shapes and sizes, so costs and services will differ remarkably. Here are the typical costs and the primary services that you’ll find from the average window installation company.
How Much Do New Windows Cost?
Even though the typical cost to install one window is about $600, it can range anywhere from $200 to $1,200. How much it will cost depends on several factors, such as the location of your home, size, number of windows, material, type and more.
Keep in mind that energy-efficient windows may have a higher price, but Energy Star predicts the upgrade will save you between $101 and $583 a year when replacing single-pane windows and between $27 and $197 per year when installing double-pane, clear glass windows. Your exact savings will vary based on your local climate, energy rates and individual home characteristics.
Something else that affects the overall cost is the material you select for your frame. Aluminum frames are usually the least pricey and are sturdy and relatively maintenance-free, but they provide poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames cost the most, as they are aesthetically pleasing and offer decent insulation. Fiberglass and vinyl frames provide good insulation and cost somewhere between the other two.
What Services do Window Installers Offer?
The first step when planning a window installation is to clarify whether you should get a full-frame or pocket installation.
Full-frame installations are usually done when you want a new style or your window has significant rot or deterioration. With this service, your professionals will replace the total window, including the sill, trim and frame. Pocket installations are simpler and won’t carry as large a bill, as they entail simply replacing the window within its existing frame. But if the frame has any damage or deterioration, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.
Your window installation company should be able to help you understand what’s best for your needs. In San Rafael, the decision will mostly depend on how old your windows are and if there’s any moisture damage. Wood can decay if it’s not properly maintained over the years, so it’s good to have a professional check on your frames and window sills.
Best Availability
Renewal by Andersen
- Great industry reputation
- Member of US Green Building Council
- Manufactures products in-house
Best Energy-Efficient Features
Champion
- Many years of experience
- Low prices relative to competitors
- Limetime warranty
Window Veteran
Window World
- EnergyStar Partner
- Wide variety of products and services
- Lifetime Warranty
How We Choose the Best Window Installers in San Rafael
EcoWatch reviews differ from other reviews, as we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. We’ve reviewed the top window installers 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 electricity bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology considers the following factors:
Service Area
Since this is a guide for San Rafael, we only included companies that cover the city. There are certainly other reputable providers that didn’t make the list because they wouldn’t be able to serve homeowners in San Rafael.
Work Quality
We’re willing to bet 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
Another self-explanatory yet very important review factor is customer feedback. If most customers don’t have nice feedback about their experience with 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 as low as possible. When analyzing the prices of providers, we gave higher points to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than “cheaper” services.
Warranty
As discussed previously, windows are a substantial investment, so you’ll want to make sure that investment is well protected. Window installation companies that have lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) rank higher with EcoWatch.
Years of Experience
Because of San Rafael’s climate, homeowners will want to mitigate water damage, rot and low efficiency. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of San Rafael window companies to prepare homes for these issues. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.
San Rafael, CA Window Replacement FAQs
What is the typical cost to install windows?
The national average cost to install one window is around $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200, based on a variety of factors. The price is generally dependent on the location of your property, the size of the window and the type and material of the window. Also, remember that energy-efficient windows may cost more initially but can save you a decent amount of money a year in energy bills.
What are the most common types of replacement windows?
There are several different kinds of windows you can get for your home, such as transom windows, picture windows, double-hung and single-hung windows, awning windows, casement windows, slider windows and bay windows.
What do window installation companies do?
Window installation professionals travel to your house to remove your old windows and replace them with new ones. Some providers install products distributed by other companies, whereas others are both manufacturers and installation companies combined. The installer will also clean up after the installation.
Should I replace my windows all at the same time?
If you want to get more efficient windows and save money on your energy bills, replacing all your windows at once is the only way to gain that benefit. On the other hand, if you have only a few windows that are damaged or drafty, you can replace just those.
How long does window installation generally take?
Each window takes about 30 minutes to install depending on the kind of window. However, the window installation can be a two-day job — or more — if you need to have a lot of windows installed.