20 Best Window Companies in Chicago, IL (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Chicago Saves You Money

When you switch to energy-efficient windows, you may see a few benefits, including:

• Save money on energy bills: Once you switch to energy-efficient windows, you can expect a reduction in your bills by about 12% because you’ll need less energy to heat or cool your house.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: Decreasing how much energy you use also lowers your indirect greenhouse gas emissions. You could reduce it by 449 pounds per year on average.
• Protect your investment: Keeping your windows up to date is an important part of maintaining your property and its real estate value, particularly if your home is on the older side.
• Protect your valuables from fading: The low-emissivity coatings on some energy-efficient windows filter out damaging UV rays, preventing your furniture, carpet and other valuables from fading.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Chicago

When researching window installation, each company provides varying services and prices. Let’s take a look at some typical costs and services.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The typical cost to install a single window is about $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200. How much it will cost varies depending on several factors, like size, number of windows, the location of your home, type, material and more.

Keep in mind that energy-efficient windows may cost more, but Energy Star predicts the upgrade will save you between $101 and $583 per year when replacing single-pane windows and between $27 and $197 a year when installing double-pane, clear glass windows. Your savings will vary depending on your local climate, energy rates and individual home characteristics.

Something else that affects the overall cost is the material of the frame you choose. Aluminum frames are generally the least pricey and are sturdy and light, but they provide poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames cost the most, as they are aesthetically pleasing and provide 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 of a window replacement is to think about whether you want a full-frame or pocket installation.

Full-frame installations require replacing the whole window — the sill, frame, trim and all. These are typically done when you want a different style for your windows or when it has a great amount of damage. 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 simpler and will be less expensive, but you can’t do this type of installment if you have any pre-existing rot or water damage.

If you’re still debating which type of installation you should get, you can ask your installer and get their advice. The decision mostly depends on the age of your window frames and if there’s any damage present.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Chicago

EcoWatch reviews differ from other reviews because we assess these companies through a sustainability lens. We have evaluated the top window installation companies in Chicago mostly based on their energy efficient offerings, as it’s what’s best for the environment and for you as a homeowner. Energy-efficient windows have been shown to lower power 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 Chicago, we paid more attention to companies that cover the city. There are other reputable providers that didn’t make the cut because they wouldn’t be able to serve homeowners in Chicago.

Work Quality

When it comes to new windows, the quality and breadth of services often plays just as important of a role in overall efficiency and performance as the type of window you get. We do rate window installers higher if they offer high-quality products, but we also consider workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent customer feedback to determine the companies with the most consistent customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction might be the most important factor, as it reflects the quality of services across nearly every category, including cost, quality of installation, quality of parts, warranty, professionalism and more.

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 awarded higher scores to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than “cheaper” services.

Warranty

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

Years of Experience

Because of Chicago’s climate, homeowners will want to mitigate water damage, low efficiency and rot. We factored in local experience to reflect the ability of Chicago window companies to prepare homes for these issues. If a company has less than 10 years of experience, it loses points in this category.