20 Best Window Companies in Durham, NC (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Durham Saves You Money

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help improve the comfort of your home and help you save on energy bills. Here's more information on how switching out your windows could benefit you:

• Protect your valuables: Many energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out harmful UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Decrease your carbon footprint: By using less energy once upgrading to energy-efficient windows, you’ll also be decreasing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 12%, according to Energy Star.
• Save on electricity bills: Since energy-efficient windows lower how much energy you need to heat or cool your home, they can help you save about $356 annually on your energy bills in Durham.
• Protect your investment: If you have an older home, your windows are most likely in need of replacement. Updating your windows can make your home more comfortable and also help raise the value of your property if you decide to sell.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Durham

Windows come in different shapes and sizes, so costs and services will vary tremendously. Here are the average costs and services that you’ll find from window installers.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The average cost to replace one window is about $600 but can range anywhere from $200 to $1,200. But costs differ considerably depending on the size of your home, complexity of the installation, your location and the quality of the company you choose. Many window companies also offer door installations and replacements, which will make your project cost more.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that energy-efficient windows will typically cost more initially, but Energy Star predicts that upgrading the windows on your Durham home translates to an average energy savings of $236 to $319 per year for single-pane window replacement, or between $87 to $126 a 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 depending on the type of window material you choose for the frames. Wood windows are generally the most expensive, although it depends on whether they are solid wood or clad with aluminum or vinyl. Fiberglass windows also tend to be somewhat more expensive than vinyl, but they are more efficient.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

In regard to window replacements, there are typically two types that your installer will offer: full-frame and pocket installations.

Full-frame installations involve replacing the total window, including the frame, sill and trim. You most likely need a full-frame installation when you want to change the style of your windows or your window has noticeable damage or rot. These installations are more involved and will raise the overall cost. Pocket installations are on the simpler end and won’t cost as much because they entail merely replacing the window within its existing frame. But if the frame has any damage or rot, you should opt for a full-frame installation instead.

Your window installation company will be able to help you choose what’s best for your needs. In Durham, 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 evaluate your frames and window sills.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Durham

In our search to make your home improvements easier and more eco-friendly in Durham, EcoWatch chose the above companies as the best window installation companies in the city. Along with energy efficiency, we analyzed each installer and ranked them using the following methodology:

Service Area

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but we’ve chosen to highlight window installation companies that serve Durham so you can find the best window installation company near you.

Work Quality

When selecting new windows, the quality and range of services often plays just as important of a role in insulation and performance as the brand of window you choose. 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 online reviews to find 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 professionalism, quality of parts, quality of installation, warranty, cost and more.

Cost

Cheaper windows certainly don’t mean better windows, but we know many of our readers would like to keep costs low when possible. When analyzing providers’ prices, 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. For that reason, window installation companies that give you lengthy warranties for products, parts and labor rank higher with EcoWatch.

Years of Experience

Lastly, we like to see companies that have a good track record in the industry. Window installation companies that have more years of experience earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.