20 Best Window Companies in Madison, WI (2023 Reviews)

How Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Madison Saves You Money

By switching to energy-efficient windows, you and your family can enjoy several benefits, including:

• Protect your valuables: Many energy-efficient windows have low-emissivity coatings, which filter out harmful UV rays, reducing fading of your furniture, carpet and other valuables.
• Protect your investment: The older your home is, the more likely it is that switching to energy-efficient windows will benefit you. Older homes usually have windows that are outdated, drafty or maybe even damaged in some way.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.
• Save on power bills: According to the Department of Energy, heat gained or lost through windows accounts for about 25-30% of household energy use. Switching to energy-efficient models can help reduce how much you have to pay, therefore saving you about 12% more on your bills.
• More efficient energy usage in your household: In Madison where the summers can be pretty warm, energy-efficient windows decrease the amount of cool air that is lost through your windows, which makes it easier to keep your house cool.

Estimated Cost of Window Replacement in Madison

Let's go over the cost of installing new windows and the kinds of services you may need for your home.

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The average cost to replace a single window is about $600 but can range from $200 to $1,200. But prices differ remarkably depending on the size of your home, complexity of the installation, your location and the quality of the company you choose. Many window installers also provide door replacements, which will make your project cost more.

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

Another factor that affects the overall cost is the material of the frame you select. Aluminum frames are generally the least pricey and are sturdy and light, but they offer poor insulation. On the other hand, wood frames cost the most because they are aesthetically pleasing and offer decent insulation. Fiberglass and vinyl frames provide good insulation as well and cost somewhere between the other two.

What Services do Window Installers Offer?

The first thing to ask yourself when getting new windows is: Do you want a full-frame installation or a pocket installation?

Full-frame installations require replacing the whole window — the sill, frame, trim and all. These are typically done when you want a different style for your windows or when it has significant rot or deterioration. Full-frame installations involve more time and labor and will increase overall costs. Pocket installations (or retrofits) involve installing a new window within the existing frame, which makes pocket installations more simple and affordable. However, if the frame has any rot or deterioration, you will most likely need a full-frame installation instead.

Your window installer should be able to help you choose which type of installation you should get.

How We Choose the Best Window Installers in Madison

EcoWatch differs from most reviewers since we evaluate these companies through a sustainability lens. Along with energy efficiency, we analyzed window companies all across the state and assigned rankings based on the following methodology:

Service Area

Since this is a guide for Madison, we paid more attention to companies that serve the city. There are other reputable providers that didn't make the list because they wouldn't be able to serve homeowners in Madison.

Work Quality

When choosing 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 give window installers higher marks if they offer high-quality products, but we also factor in workmanship as reflected in customer feedback.

Customer Reviews

We analyzed trends in recent online reviews to determine the companies with the most consistent customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction may be the most important factor, as it reflects the quality of services across nearly every category, including warranty, professionalism, quality of installation, quality of parts, cost and more.

Cost

This one is a give-and-take: as with most services, cheap window installation companies may not provide the highest quality service. On the other hand, we want to make sure we're highlighting companies that offer a variety 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 offer lengthy warranties for products, parts and installation (aka workmanship) 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 will earn higher rankings by our standards. We like to see at least ten years of experience.