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Everyone knows that old windows with cracked seals, rotted sashes, and rattling glass aren’t doing much to keep the home comfortable and minimize energy consumption. For that reason, many folks decide to upgrade their existing windows to a set of replacement windows. Replacement windows sit inside the existing window frame and seal off the opening, restoring or improving the home’s energy retention.
In Ohio, where the climate is hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, replacement windows are important. Energy-efficient windows play a significant role in keeping utility bills low and the home comfortable year-round. Homeowners can read this guide to learn more about finding the best replacement windows in Ohio.
- BEST OVERALL: Renewal by Andersen
- RUNNER-UP: Pella
- BEST ENERGY-SAVING WINDOWS: Champion Windows
- BEST FOR IMPACT WINDOWS: Window World
- BEST FOR SPECIALTY WINDOWS: Window Nation
- BEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Universal Windows Direct
- BEST AGGREGATOR: Angi
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Replacement Window Companies in Ohio
Knowing what to look for when searching for the best replacement windows in Ohio or any other state is critical to finding the right windows and installer. The following are some of the most important points for homeowners to consider when choosing one of the best replacement window companies.
New Construction vs. Replacement
There are essentially two types of windows: new construction and replacement. New- construction windows are installed when a building is first built. They fit into framed openings (also known as rough openings), fasten to the exterior of the building, and then get flashed with tape before the siding is installed. New-construction windows are great for new buildings or additions, but they’re not ideal for existing homes with old, leaky windows.
Replacement windows are different. The installer removes the existing window sashes and window stops, fits the replacement window into the window frame, and then fastens the window into the side of the window frame before caulking any gaps. The outside of the home isn’t disturbed at all, and the replacement window operates just as smoothly (or better) than the original.
Window Style and Materials
Just like new windows that are installed when a home is being built, replacement windows come in a wide range of styles from all of the biggest and best window brands. Some companies may even offer entry doors, screen doors, egress windows, and other options. However, replacement windows are commonly available in the following configurations.
- Single-hung: Only the bottom sash slides up and down.
- Double-hung: Both the top and bottom sashes slide up and down; these generally cost more than single-hung.
- Slider: Sashes move from side to side.
- Awning: The sash is hinged at the top and pops outward.
- Casement: The sash is hinged on the side and opens with the turn of a crank.
- Fixed: Sash doesn’t move.
Also, replacement windows come in a few different types of frame materials. One of the most common material choices is vinyl, but there are also composite materials that are even more durable. Also, metal and wood replacement windows are available from certain manufacturers. The most affordable prices are usually found in vinyl or fiberglass window collections, though homeowners may want to compare wood vs. vinyl windows to see which would best suit their needs.
Consultation and Scheduling
When a potential customer contacts a replacement window company, the company will set up a consultation to take measurements, discuss options, and help the homeowner make decisions based on window replacement costs and styles. Some companies offer in-home or virtual consultations, with virtual consultations making it much easier to shop several different companies.
Luckily, these companies usually make the process of scheduling an appointment pretty straightforward. Many offer online scheduling, while almost all companies offer phone scheduling. Customers can choose the time and date that’s best for their needs as well.
Financing
Many of the best window replacement companies offer financing options to help homeowners break up the cost of the project over several payments. This allows the customer to replace their residential windows without having to come up with the entire sum before the project starts. For many customers, this could be one of the most affordable options.
Some companies offer financing, while others act as the middleman with a third-party lender that provides a project loan. Homeowners who are considering a company that doesn’t offer financing may want to contact a local bank to inquire about a home equity line of credit or home improvement loan; these types of loans generally carry lower interest rates, thereby lowering the overall window prices.
Whatever the financing decision may be, customers will want to ask for a breakdown of their quote. Price transparency is important for a customer to have a complete understanding of the cost of the windows, their installation, and any service or financing fees.
Warranty
Replacement windows cost quite a bit of money, so it’s important that customers feel the company they choose to install their windows will have their back. For this reason, customers will want to find an installer that offers high-quality warranty options on components and labor.
For example, some of the best companies offer limited lifetime warranties on both the components and the labor used to install them. Others may offer 20-year coverage. With this type of coverage, if something were to go wrong with a window, a customer could call the company and request that the window be repaired. However, it’s important to note that these companies rarely have transferable lifetime warranty policies, which means if the home sells, the new homeowner isn’t entitled to coverage.
Our Top Picks
The following are some of the best window replacement companies in Ohio. Homeowners in the Buckeye State can trust that these companies will all have something to offer their homes, including top-notch windows and installation services.
Best Overall
Renewal by Andersen
- Learn more: Renewal by Andersen review.
Specs
- Consultation: In-home or virtual
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: 20 years on components, 2 years on installation
Pros
- Eco-friendly Fibrex composite frames available
- Augmented reality tool allows homeowners to visualize new windows in their homes
- Green Seal certified for environmental health and stewardship
Cons
- Somewhat limited product information readily available online
Why It Made the Cut: Renewal by Andersen offers a modern approach to shopping for replacement windows, from composite materials to augmented reality tools. Ohio homeowners looking for the best in modern window replacement will want to consider Renewal by Andersen. This company is one of the largest names in the replacement window industry, and it offers customers advanced materials and shopping techniques. Renewal by Andersen offers a few replacement window materials, including wood, vinyl, and a composite material known as Fibrex. Fibrex is an eco-friendly material made from reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers. It’s a better insulator and is twice as strong as vinyl. Advancements like this are why Renewal has earned the Green Seal for environmental health and stewardship. The company has other benefits as well. Customers can use an augmented reality tool that allows them to see how the windows will look in their homes. They can also schedule their consultation appointment over the phone or online, and consultations may be in-home or virtual. While individual product lines’ information isn’t readily available online, the brand does offer financing as well as a 20-year warranty on components and a 2-year warranty on installation.
Runner-Up
Pella
- Learn more: Pella windows review.
Specs
- Consultation: In-home or virtual
- Scheduling: Online
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: 10 to 20 years on components, 2 years on labor
Pros
- Wide selection of window styles, including low-e and energy-efficient glass options
- Integrated smart-home technology installation offered
- Over 150 patents on window technology and innovation
Cons
- Relatively limited warranty terms
Why It Made the Cut: With a wide range of styles and materials, as well as smart-home technology built in to many of its products, Pella is a worthwhile consideration for a window replacement project. When it comes to the latest and greatest in replacement window tech and features, customers will want to consider Pella windows cost. The brand has over 150 patents on window technology and innovation, symbolizing a strong commitment to pushing windows to the next level. Pella offers a wide range of window styles, allowing most shoppers to find the ideal replacement window for their needs, including low-e (low-emissivity) and other energy-efficient options for glass. Customers can also choose windows with smart-home tech built in, such as integrated security sensors and built-in blinds, all of which are controlled via mobile devices. Although Pella’s low-end warranty is relatively short at 10 years, the company does offer 20-year warranties on some products. Customers can schedule an appointment online and choose between an in-home or a virtual consultation to price out their window replacement project, which makes it convenient for a wide range of homeowners.
Best Energy-Saving Windows
Champion Windows
Why It Made the Cut:
Champion windows are Energy Star certified and feature the brand’s Comfort 365 high-efficiency glass.
While most replacement windows will increase the energy efficiency of a home, some companies do it better than others. One of those companies is Champion Windows, as its windows have earned the Energy Star certification, ensuring the brand knows how to save customers money on their utility bills while also being eco-conscious.
Champion windows feature the brand’s Comfort 365 glass. This glass reflects heat, allowing homes to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With 20 layers of protective coating, this glass also prevents 94 percent of harmful UV rays from penetrating, making Champion’s windows high-quality products.
While the website is somewhat user-unfriendly, Champion Windows offers Ohio customers some additional services that other companies do not. These include sunroom window and screen installations, allowing customers to enjoy their outdoor spaces thanks to the same company that installed their replacement windows. Customers can also schedule an appointment online or over the phone, and consultations are virtual. Customers who decide to go with Champion will benefit from a lifetime warranty on materials and labor.
Specs
- Consultation: Virtual
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on components and labor
Pros
- Eco-friendly and money-saving Energy Star–certified windows
- Comfort 365 glass maintains comfortable home temperatures
- Sunroom window and screen installation offered
Cons
- Somewhat user-unfriendly website
Best for Impact Windows
Window World
Specs
- Consultation: In-home
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on components
Pros
- Relatively wide variety of impact windows are available
- Storm door and shutter installation also available
- 2022 J.D. Power winner for price, ordering and delivery, sales staff and service
Cons
- No labor warranty specified
Why It Made the Cut: With a wide variety of impact windows available, Window World has replacement windows for folks in all climates and regions. Although Ohio isn’t often directly impacted by hurricanes, the state does get its fair share of tornadoes and thunderstorms. Flying debris caused by extreme weather can shatter glass easily, and fixing broken windows can be both expensive and inconvenient for homeowners. Luckily, Window World offers impact-resistant windows that combine safety and energy efficiency to help keep Ohio homes safe and temperate. The company offers a wide range of replacement impact windows, including double-hung, single-hung, sliding, casement, and even picture windows. These windows are more resistant to impacts, helping keep homes safe in extreme weather conditions. Window World even offers storm doors and shutters for increased protection. Consultations with Window World need to be performed in-home; however, customers can schedule online or over the phone. And while there isn’t a labor warranty specified (there is a limited lifetime warranty on components), the company did win the J.D. Power award for price, ordering and delivery, sales staff, and service.
Best for Specialty Windows
Window Nation
Why It Made the Cut
: With specialty replacement windows being difficult to find, Window Nation’s range of custom windows and designs makes it the place to go for odd-shaped windows.
Homeowners may assume that specialty windows are off the table when they are considering replacement windows. But with Window Nation’s wide range of specialty options, homeowners can upgrade from those rattling original panes to something more efficient. The Window Nation brand offers several energy-efficient glass options, including triangle, transom, and hexagon window customization options, which provide plenty of choices for these uniquely shaped windows.
Although Window Nation doesn’t specify the details of its labor warranty, customers will receive a lifetime warranty on components. Window Nation customers can schedule in-home or virtual consultations, and they can do so online or over the phone. Customers can also take advantage of financing and the site’s simple online payment platform to make the process simple and quick.
Specs
- Consultation: In-home or virtual
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on components
Pros
- Relatively wide variety of specialty window shapes
- Relatively wide variety of energy-efficient window glass options
- Convenient online payment platform
Cons
- No labor warranty specified
Best Customer Satisfaction
Universal Windows Direct
Why It Made the Cut:
Universal Windows Direct has a reported 95 percent customer satisfaction rating, signaling the company knows how to treat its customers.
When it comes to a large investment like replacement windows, customers want to know they’re going to be treated right. Universal Windows Direct has a reputation for providing excellent customer care, with a 95 percent customer satisfaction rating, according to customer reviews. This is a good indicator that the brand knows how to deliver exceptional customer service and earn its customers’ trust.
While the brand only offers vinyl replacement windows, Universal Windows Direct does offer a wide range of window styles, including double-hung, casement, bay and bow, picture, and sliding windows. The company can install sliding glass and patio doors as well. Universal Windows Direct also offers UniShield window glass, which is an energy-efficient proprietary material that can reduce energy bills and make homes feel more comfortable.
Universal Windows Direct customers can schedule their in-home consultation online or over the phone. Once the work is done, the company offers a lifetime warranty on components and labor, ensuring Ohio customers are satisfied for years to come.
Specs
- Consultation: In-home
- Scheduling: Online or phone
- Financing: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on components and labor
Pros
- Reported 95 percent customer satisfaction rating
- Eco-friendly UniShield window glass offered
- Sliding glass and patio doors offered
Cons
- Only vinyl windows offered
Best Aggregator
Angi
Why It Made the Cut:
Angi vets pros and puts customers in touch with them to fulfill their window replacement project needs.
Angi is an aggregator, which means that the company vets and works with a network of service providers and puts customers in touch with them. This allows the company to cover all of Ohio, as well as other areas throughout the country. That can be extremely helpful for customers in remote areas of the country, but also to folks who want to shop a few different quotes before landing on a pro for their window replacement project.
Using Angi is easy. Customers can filter their results by the area and the project type. The website is streamlined and user-friendly, as there is a comprehensive resource center full of blog posts and other articles written to help homeowners make decisions. While customers will have to provide their contact info and may receive persistent follow-up emails, they’ll be able to schedule their window replacement appointment online at their convenience.
Specs
- Consultation: Varies by provider
- Scheduling: Online
- Financing: Varies by provider
- Warranty: Varies by provider and window manufacturer
Pros
- Customers can filter by project and choose from local professionals
- Streamlined and user-friendly website
- Comprehensive resource center organized by project type
Cons
- Name, phone number, and email are required to browse local services
- Persistent follow-up emails
Our Verdict
Renewal by Andersen is our top choice for the best replacement windows in Ohio thanks to the brand’s advanced materials and dedication to environmental consciousness. However, folks looking for replacement windows with a bit more tech to offer may want to consider Pella’s selection of smart home–enabled replacement windows.
How We Chose the Best Replacement Window Companies in Ohio
Choosing a list of the best replacement window companies in Ohio wasn’t just an open-and- shut project. We had to draw upon all of our experience both in shopping for and actually installing replacement windows to ensure we knew what customers would be looking for.
Once we narrowed down the important features that customers are likely to be looking for in a window replacement company, we compiled a list of companies we thought could meet our criteria. We then performed extensive research, comparing styles, materials, technology, eco-friendliness, and warranties to ensure that each company offered plenty of value. Those that didn’t were removed, and those that did were given awards based on their strengths.
Before You Hire One of the Best Replacement Window Companies in Ohio
Before undertaking a window replacement project, it’s important for homeowners to understand that replacement windows sit inside an existing window frame. If the window frame itself isn’t in good condition, the window might not be a candidate for a replacement window. If this is the case, the contractor might have to cut back or remove the siding on the outside of the home, install a new-construction window, and patch everything back together, which will likely be more expensive.
Also, in historic homes, replacement windows might not be an option. These homes may be protected by a historical society, and the original wood and plate glass might need to stay put. In these cases, installing a storm window may be the best option; however, this type of window doesn’t do much for efficiency.
One other thing for homeowners to know before hiring a replacement window company is that replacement windows often offer less visible light. Since these windows have frames of their own, the individual sashes are smaller, which means the panes of glass are usually smaller. This means less light transferring into the home into the home and slightly reduced view.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Replacement Window Companies in Ohio
Hiring a company to install replacement windows isn’t cheap. In general, it costs about $564 per window, with a range of $180 and $2,100, depending on the window type and size. For example, the cost of double-pane windows will be higher than the cost of single-pane windows, and egress window costs will be more substantial than the cost for a basic window. These costs can add up, especially since to truly benefit from the insulation of a replacement window, the entire home’s windows will likely need to be replaced.
There’s good news, though: The more windows being replaced, the less they’ll cost on an individual basis. The contractor may offer special pricing for each window purchased, too, such as buy two windows, get two free, or special interest rates based on the number of windows purchased.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Window Replacement Companies in Ohio
DIYers who don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to installing a replacement window could actually make their situation worse. Professionals know what they’re doing and will ensure that the replacement windows are installed correctly for the best possible results.
Measuring accurating for replacement windows before ordering is crucial. While it’s possible that a pro could make a measuring mistake, this is significantly less likely than a DIYer who might not understand the ins and outs of window ordering.
Finally, using the best window replacement companies in Ohio ensures that customers will have the most appropriate windows for their particular needs. They can order the correct configurations for windows on different sides of the home, as well as the best windows for the climate. A local pro knows exactly what to look for.
- Replacement window installations require a bit of experience; otherwise, DIYers could actually be making their situation worse.
- It’s important to measure accurately for replacement windows before ordering. While it’s possible a DIYer can handle the job, a pro is less likely to make a mistake.
- Window installation professionals know exactly which windows to install where, as well as the configurations that make the most sense for the climate.
FAQs
Even with all of the above information about the best replacement window companies in Ohio, homeowners might still have some additional questions that need answering. The following are some of the most common questions and answers on the topic.
Q. What is the most cost-effective window replacement?
Generally speaking, the most cost-effective replacement windows are made from vinyl or fiberglass. These are inexpensive materials that can do a better job of insulating than a home’s original window.
Q. Which replacement windows last the longest?
Fiberglass and composite materials will generally last the longest. However, metal can also last if taken care of.
Q. What is the best brand of windows for a home?
Our pick for the best overall replacement windows is Renewal by Andersen. The company offers a wide variety of products in modern materials and makes the shopping process easy with augmented reality tools.
Q. What are the most popular windows for a home?
Without question, the most popular style of window for a home is the double-hung window. These windows open from the top or the bottom and allow the homeowner to clean them easily and safely. Homeowners can compare single-hung versus double-hung windows to see which best suits their needs and budget.
Q. What type of window is the most energy efficient?
Casement or awning windows are generally the most energy efficient; they create the best seal when closed. However, homeowners may also want to look into triple-pane windows costs to see if this energy-efficient option might fit their budget better.
Q. Is it cheaper to replace all your windows at once?
Replacing all of a home’s windows at once can be cheaper in the long run on a per-window basis. The contractor won’t charge the same amount per window when replacing multiple windows as they would when replacing one, as they’re already on-site, set up, and working.
Q. What time of year is best to replace windows?
The best time of year to replace windows is generally in the spring or summer, when the weather is relatively stable and comfortable. However, contractors are busy during these seasons, so it can be difficult to book one.
Q. Is it worth replacing 20-year-old windows?
Many experts believe that a window’s age is one of the best indicators of when it needs to be replaced. However, 20-year-old windows will likely need to be replaced, as their seals will begin to deteriorate and leak.