25 Best Window Replacement Companies in Santa Cruz, CA (Jan 2023)
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How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Santa Cruz 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:

• Reduce your carbon footprint: By using less energy after switching to Energy Star certified windows, you'll also be reducing your indirect greenhouse gas emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.
• Save money on power bills: Because energy-efficient windows lower how much energy you need to heat or cool your home, the switch can help you save around $651 annually on your energy bills in Santa Cruz.
• Protect your valuables: The low-emissivity coatings on many energy-efficient windows help prevent your floors, carpets and furniture from fading by filtering out UV rays.
• Protect your investment: When your home is on the older side, your windows could also be outdated or drafty. Upgrading your windows is an important part of maintaining your property and its real estate value.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Santa Cruz

Each window replacement company provides various services and has different costs based on several factors.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

According to our research, the national average cost of replacing a single window is about $600. However, window replacement costs can range from $200 to $1,200 a window. These numbers are based on the specifics of your installation, including size, the location of your home, type, number of windows, material and more.

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

The cost of your window installation will also vary based on the type of material you choose for the frames. Wood windows are typically the most expensive, although it depends if they are 100% wood or clad with aluminum or vinyl. Fiberglass windows also tend to be a bit more expensive than vinyl, but they are shown to be more efficient.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

The first question to ask yourself when planning a window installation is: Should you get a full-frame installation or a pocket installation?

Full-frame installations involve replacing the full window — the sill, frame, trim and all. These are typically done when you want to change the style of your window or when it has a great amount of deterioration. Full-frame installations are more time-consuming and will increase overall costs. Pocket installations (also known as retrofits) are when you replace a window without replacing the frame. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won't carry as large a bill, but you can't do this type of installment if you have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

Your window installer can help you figure out which type of installation you need.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Santa Cruz

EcoWatch differs from most reviewers because we examine these companies through a sustainability lens. We've decided to assess the top window installation companies in Santa Cruz mostly based on their energy efficient offerings, as the most sustainable option also benefits homeowners in many ways. Energy-efficient windows can lower power bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology considers the following factors:

Service Area

This one is self-explanatory, but we've chosen to highlight window installers that serve Santa Cruz so you can find the right window installation company near you.

Work Quality

When it comes to new windows, the quality and range of services often plays just as important of a role in overall efficiency and performance as the type of window you choose. We do give window installers more points if they offer high-quality products, but we also factor in workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback is another super important review factor. If the majority of customers don't have good things to say about their experience with a certain installer, you won't see it 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 most quality service. Still, we want to ensure we're highlighting companies that offer a spectrum of price and financing options so they're accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

As discussed previously, windows are a sizable investment, so you'll want to be certain that investment is protected. Window installation companies that have lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Lastly, we like to see companies that have been in the industry for quite some time. Window installation companies that have more experience earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.