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

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Raleigh Saves You Money

There are quite a few perks of switching to energy-efficient windows. Some reasons you may want to consider making the change include the following:

• Reduce your carbon footprint: Because energy-efficient windows improve the insulation in your house, you can cut your carbon footprint by about 12%, according to Energy Star.
• Protect your investment: When you have an older home, your windows could also be outdated or damaged. Keeping your windows up to date is an important part of maintaining your property and its real estate value.
• Save on power bills: The Department of Energy estimates that heat gained or lost via windows accounts for about 25-30% of energy use in your home. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help lower that number, which helps you save more on your bills.
• Protect your valuables: Many energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out damaging UV rays, preventing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Raleigh

When considering window installation, each company offers different services and prices. Let’s go over some average costs and services.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

On average, homeowners in Raleigh can expect that most window installations will range from $250 to $1,200, with the average cost at about $600. How much it will cost depends on several factors, including number of windows, the location of your home, type, size, material and more.

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 replacing single-pane windows and between $27 and $197 per year when you install double-pane, clear glass windows. Your exact savings will vary depending on your local climate, energy rates and individual home characteristics.

Another factor that influences the overall cost is the material you pick for your frame. Aluminum frames are generally the least pricey and are sturdy and relatively maintenance-free, but they provide poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames are the most expensive, as they are aesthetically pleasing and offer decent insulation. Fiberglass and vinyl frames provide good insulation and cost somewhere between the other two.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

The first question to ask yourself when planning a window installation is: Should you get a full-frame installation or a pocket installation?

A full-frame installation is a total window replacement. This service involves removing the old window, the sill, and the exterior and interior trim. It can also involve extra materials, including insulation and drip edges, which raise the overall cost of the project. Also worth noting: it’s not uncommon for homeowners to have to touch up the paint around the window after a full-frame installation. A pocket installation involves replacing a window within the frame that’s already there. So, instead of tearing out the whole window and rebuilding it, the window installer will just slide the replacement window (also called a retrofit or insert window) into the frame.

If you’re still trying to decide which type of installation to get, you can ask your installer and get their recommendation. The choice mostly is influenced by how old the frames are and if there’s any damage present.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Raleigh

EcoWatch reviews differ from most reviews, as we look at these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we assessed window companies all across the state and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

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

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent customer feedback to find the companies with the highest rates of customer satisfaction, weighted by sample size. Customer satisfaction may be the factor we place the most value on, as it indicates the quality of services across nearly every category, including quality of parts, cost, warranty, quality of installation, professionalism and more.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with other services, cheap window installers won’t always provide the highest quality service. Still, we want to make sure we’re highlighting companies that offer a wide range of price and financing options so they’re accessible to most homeowners.

Warranty

Protecting your investment in new windows is important to many homeowners. That’s why 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 installers that have more experience earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.