20 Best Window Companies in Lake Forest, IL (2023 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Lake Forest Saves You Money

Switching to energy-efficient windows can improve the comfort of your home and help you save on energy bills. Here are more details about how switching out your windows could benefit you:

• Protect your valuables from fading: When you switch to energy-efficient windows that have low-emissivity coatings, your floors, carpets and furniture will be protected from fading due to their ability to filter out damaging UV rays.
• Protect your investment: If you have an older home, your windows are most likely outdated. Updating your windows can make your home more comfortable and also help increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.
• More efficient energy use in your household: Because the winters can get very cold in Lake Forest, homeowners often rely on their heater a lot. Energy-efficient windows reduce how much heat is lost through your windows, making it easier to keep your home warm.
• Save on power bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for around 25-30% of residential energy use. Switching 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 Lake Forest

Each window installation company offers varying services and has varying price points based on a few factors.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Although the national average to replace a single window is about $600, it can range from $200 to $1,200. This is because window installations depend on several factors specific to your home, like the size, material and number of windows you need to replace, as well as the location of your property.

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

Costs will also vary depending on the material you choose for your window frames. Aluminum frames are the least expensive. 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 are the most expensive and are the most in-demand. They're also aesthetically pleasing and provide decent insulation for your home.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

Generally, there are two kinds of window installation services companies provide: full-frame and pocket installations.

Full-frame installations entail replacing the total window, including the frame, sill and trim. Full-frame installations are necessary when you want a new style or your window has considerable rot. Because full-frame installations are more involved, they will raise the overall cost. A pocket installation involves installing a new window within the old frame. This means instead of removing the whole window and reinstalling it, the contractor will just slide the replacement window (also called a retrofit or insert window) into the frame.

Your window replacement company should be able to help you choose what's best for your needs. In Lake Forest, the decision will mostly depend on the age of your home and if there's any moisture damage. Wood can decay if not maintained properly over the years, so it's a good idea to have a professional check your frames and window sills.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Lake Forest

EcoWatch differs from most reviewers because we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. We have evaluated the top window replacement companies in Lake Forest mostly based on their energy efficient offerings, as it's what's best for the environment and for you as a homeowner. Energy Star certified windows have been shown to lower electricity 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 Lake Forest, we only included companies that cover the city. There are certainly other reputable providers that didn't make the list because of the low odds that they would serve the average homeowner in Lake Forest.

Work Quality

We're certain that you're looking for professionals who do a great job installing windows. We've vetted each company featured on this list to ensure its technicians are well-qualified and that the company has gotten plenty of positive customer feedback to vouch for its service.

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent online reviews to find the companies with the most customer satisfaction, weighted by sample size. Customer satisfaction might be the most important factor, as it reflects the quality of services across most other categories, including warranty, quality of installation, quality of parts, cost, professionalism and more.

Cost

Cheaper windows don't necessarily mean better windows, but we know many of our readers try to keep costs as low as possible. When analyzing the prices of providers, we awarded higher points to companies with reasonable prices and accessible financing rather than "cheaper" services.

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important to many homeowners. For that reason, window installation companies that offer lengthy warranties for products, parts and labor rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Last but not least, we like to see companies that have a good track record in the industry. Window installers that have more experience are going to earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.