20 Best Window Companies in Columbia, MD (2025 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Columbia Saves You Money

There are several benefits of switching to energy-efficient windows. Some reasons you may want to consider making the switch include the following:

• Protect your valuables from fading: When you upgrade to energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity coatings, your floors, carpets and furniture will be protected from fading because of their ability to filter out harmful UV rays.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: You can reduce your carbon footprint by about 12% once you install Energy Star certified windows. In Columbia, that’s about 249 pounds per year on average.
• Save on power bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost via windows makes up around 25-30% of household energy use. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help decrease that amount, which helps you save $289 a year on your bills.
• Protect your investment: When your home is on the older side, your windows could also be outdated or damaged. Keeping your windows up to date is an important part of maintaining your property and its value.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Columbia

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

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

According to our research, the average cost to replace a single window is around $600. However, window installation costs can range from $200 to $1,200 a window. But costs will differ significantly depending on the number of windows you need, the current condition of your home, the quality of your products and your location. Many window companies also offer replacement door installations and other add-ons like baths, shutters, coating and more. Additional services will increase your overall project costs.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that energy-efficient windows will typically cost more upfront, but Energy Star estimates that upgrading the windows on your Columbia home can mean an average energy savings of $236 to $319 per 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.

Costs will also vary depending on the material you want for your window frames. Aluminum frames cost the least. They’re sturdy, light and maintenance-free, but provide poor insulation. Vinyl frames are a bit more expensive and offer 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?

There are typically two kinds of window replacement services: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a replacement of the total window. It involves removing the old window, the windowsill, and the exterior and interior trim. It also involves extra materials, like insulation and drip edges, which raise the total cost of the project. It’s also worth noting that it’s not uncommon for homeowners to have to touch up the paint around the window after a full-frame installation. Pocket installations (or retrofits) entail replacing a 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 Columbia, the decision will mostly be based on how old your windows are 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 Columbia

The EcoWatch Reviews team is different from other reviewers, as we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. We have assessed the best window installation companies in Columbia mainly based on their energy efficient offerings, as it’s what’s best for the environment and for you as a homeowner. Energy-efficient windows can lower energy bills by hundreds of dollars. Along with energy efficiency, our rating methodology takes the following factors into consideration:

Service Area

This one is self-explanatory, but we’ve chosen to highlight window installers that serve a wide variety of states and cities so you can find the right window installation company near you.

Work Quality

When picking new windows, the quality and range of services can often play 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 patterns in recent online reviews to find the companies with the most customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction might be the most important factor, as it reflects the quality of services across nearly every category, including warranty, quality of installation, quality of parts, professionalism, cost and more.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with 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 range of price and financing options so they’re accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

As discussed, windows are a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure 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

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