20 Best Window Companies in Santa Barbara, CA (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Santa Barbara Saves You Money

Energy-efficient windows can offer benefits in several ways. Here are some reasons you may want to think about making the switch:

• Save on energy bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for about 25-30% of residential energy use. Switching to energy-efficient models can help decrease how much you have to pay, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.
• Reduce your carbon footprint: Because energy-efficient windows improve the insulation in your house, you can lower your carbon footprint by about 12%, according to Energy Star.
• 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 your furniture, carpet and other valuables from fading.
• Protect your investment: If you have a relatively old home, your windows are most likely outdated. Updating your windows can improve the insulation in your home and also help increase the value of your house if you decide to sell.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Santa Barbara

Windows come in different shapes and sizes, so costs and services will differ tremendously. Here are the typical costs and services that you’ll find from window installers.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

On average, Santa Barbara homeowners can anticipate their window replacements to range from $250 to $1,200. The average cost sits at around $600. But prices vary remarkably 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 installations, which have a higher price tag.

It’s also worth noting that energy-efficient windows will cost more initially, but Energy Star estimates that upgrading the windows on your Santa Barbara home can mean an average energy savings of $236 to $319 each year for single-pane window replacement, or between $87 to $126 each year for double-pane windows. The amount of money you’ll save by upgrading to energy-efficient windows varies based on your local climate, energy rates and other factors unique to your home.

We recommend getting free quotes from several window installation companies to find the one that works best for you.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

In regard to window installations, in general there are two kinds that your provider will have: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a total window replacement. This service involves removing the old window, the windowsill, and the exterior and interior trim. It also involves extra materials, including insulation and drip edges, which increase the overall cost of the project. Also worth noting: you may 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 within its existing frame. Pocket installations are simpler and will be less expensive, but you can’t do this kind of installment if you have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

Your window installation company will be able to help you figure out what’s best for your needs. In Santa Barbara, the decision will mostly be based 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 your frames and window sills.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Santa Barbara

EcoWatch differs from other reviewers, as we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we analyzed several window installers in Santa Barbara and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

Because this is a guide for Santa Barbara, we gave more points to companies that serve the city. There are other reputable providers that didn’t make the cut because they wouldn’t be able to serve homeowners in Santa Barbara.

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet super important review factor is customer feedback. If the majority of customers don’t have nice feedback about their service from a certain company, it won’t be featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with other services, cheap window installation companies are not going to provide the highest quality service. Still, we want to ensure we’re highlighting companies that offer a variety of price and financing options so they’re accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

As discussed, windows are a serious investment, so you’ll want to be certain that investment is protected. Window installation companies that offer 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 proven 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.