20 Best Window Companies in Lancaster, PA (2024 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Lancaster Saves You Money

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

• Protect your valuables from fading: When you switch 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: Decreasing the amount of energy you use also lowers your indirect greenhouse gas emissions. You could reduce it by 286 pounds per year on average.
• Save money on energy bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for around 25-30% of residential energy use. Installing energy-efficient models can help reduce how much you have to pay, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.
• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely it is that getting new windows will benefit you. Older homes tend to have windows that are outdated, drafty or maybe even damaged in some way. Upgrading your windows could help increase the value of your home if you decide to sell.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Lancaster

Let’s take a look at the cost of installing new windows and the kinds of services you may need for your home.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

Although the national average cost to install one window is about $600, it can range anywhere from $200 to $1,200. These figures are based on specific characteristics of your installation, such as size, number of windows, material, the location of your home, type and more.

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

Costs will also vary depending on the material of your frame. Aluminum frames are the least expensive. They’re sturdy, light and easy to maintain, but provide poor insulation. Vinyl frames are somewhat 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?

In regard to window installations, in general there are two kinds that your installer will offer: full-frame and pocket installations.

A full-frame installation is a replacement of the total window. This service involves taking out the old window, the windowsill, and the exterior and interior trim. It also involves other materials, including insulation and drip edges, which raise the overall cost of the project. It’s also worth noting that you may have to touch up the paint surrounding the window after a full-frame installation. A pocket installation involves installing a new window within the old frame. So, instead of taking out the whole unit and reinstalling it, the window installer will just put the replacement window (also called a retrofit or insert window) into the frame.

If you’re not sure which window installation service you need, your installer should be able to assist you. Generally, the decision is influenced by factors such as the age and condition of the home, the type of building material, budget and time restrictions.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Lancaster

In our search to find the most reliable, eco-friendly window installers in Lancaster, the EcoWatch Reviews team landed on the above companies as the top window installation companies in the city. Along with energy efficiency, we analyzed each installer and ranked them based on the following methodology:

Service Area

Because this is a guide for Lancaster, we only included companies that cover the city. There are other reputable providers that didn’t make our list because they wouldn’t be able to serve homeowners in Lancaster.

Work Quality

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

Customer Reviews

Another self-explanatory yet very important review factor is customer feedback. If most customers don’t have nice things to say about their experience with a certain company, it won’t be featured on EcoWatch.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: similar to other services, cheap window installers may not provide the highest quality service. On the other hand, 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 previously, windows are a hefty investment, so you’ll want to make sure that investment is well protected. Window installation companies with 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.