20 Best Window Companies in Old Lyme, CT (2023 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Old Lyme Saves You Money

Energy-efficient windows can benefit you in more than one way. Here are a few reasons you may want to think about making the switch:

• Better temperature control in your home: Residing in a very cold city like Old Lyme usually means relying on your heater to keep your home cool. Energy-efficient windows can lower how hard your heating system needs to work to heat your home.
• 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 Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, drafty or potentially even damaged in some way. Updating your windows could help raise the value of your property if you decide to sell.
• Protect your valuables: Many energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings, which not only provide better insulation for your home, but also filter out harmful UV rays, preventing your furniture, carpet and other valuables from fading.
• Save money on power bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for about 25-30% of residential energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can help lower how much energy is used in your home, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Old Lyme

Each window installation company offers various services and has varying costs depending on several factors.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The typical cost to install one window is about $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200. This is because window installations are based on several factors specific to your home, including the size, material and number of windows you need to replace, as well as the location of your property.

With windows, efficiency is the most important factor for many homeowners. High efficiency windows may cost more initially, but by increasing the efficiency of your home — especially during the summer and winter — they can provide many years of energy savings. According to Energy Star, purchasing certified energy-efficient windows can save Old Lyme homeowners $424+ a year after replacing single-pane windows.

Costs will also vary based on the material you want for your window frames. Aluminum frames have the lowest price. They're sturdy, light and maintenance-free, but provide poor insulation. Vinyl frames are a bit more expensive and provide good insulation. Composite frames made using wood fibers encased in plastic also provide good insulation and are moderately expensive. Wood frames cost the most and are the most in-demand. They're also aesthetically pleasing and provide decent insulation for your home.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

When it comes to window installations, in general there are two types that your installer will have: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation replaces the full window, including the windowsill, frame, trim and the window panes. Because this type of installation is more involved, it will be more expensive than a pocket installation. Pocket installations (or retrofits) involve installing a new window within the existing frame, which makes pocket installations less labor-intensive and costly. But, if the frame has any damage or rot, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

Your window replacement company will be able to help you decide what's best for your needs. In Old Lyme, the decision will mostly depend on how old your home is and if there's any damage. Wood can decay if not maintained properly over the years, so it's good to have a professional examine your frames and window sills.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Old Lyme

EcoWatch is different from most reviewers, as we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we assessed each installer and ranked them based on the following methodology:

Service Area

Because this is a guide for Old Lyme, we paid more attention to companies that cover the city. There are certainly reputable providers that didn't make our list because they wouldn't be able to serve homeowners in Old Lyme.

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet super important review factor is customer feedback. If most customers don't have nice 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: similar to most services, cheap window companies are not going to provide the highest quality service. Still, we want to make sure 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 hefty investment, so you'll want to make sure that investment is protected. Window installation companies that have lengthy warranties for products, parts and labor rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Because of Old Lyme's climate, homeowners need to be wary of water damage, low efficiency and rot. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of Old Lyme window companies to prepare homes for these issues. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.