Ratings Methodology for Window Companies

Our comprehensive rating system evaluates providers across 72+ data points to help you find the best windows for your home.

8+ providers reviewed

9+ categories assessed

72+ data points analyzed

Methodology, broken down by category

We assess six weighted categories and 9 subcategories for all providers. We give rating factors a weight toward the overall score based on which features are most important to consumers and impact the consumer experience the most. Here’s how we weight these categories.

5.0

Overall score

We consider the 10 most popular window styles. These styles are awning, bay/bow, casement, custom, double hung, picture, single hung, skylight, sliding and transom. If a provider offers all ten of these styles, it earns the highest rating. If a provider has six or fewer, it earns the lowest rating in this category.

Warranty (20%)

For this category, we consider the window warranty length in years. We also factor in whether the warranty is limited by window parts, and whether the warranty is transferable to new homeowners. Providers with transferable lifetime warranties that aren’t limited by part earn the highest ratings. A provider with a limited warranty of up to 10 years earns the lowest rating.

Installation and additional services (20%)

Some providers offer other home services in addition to windows. These include doors, garage doors, siding, shutters and sunrooms. If a provider offers four or more added services, it earns the highest rating in this category. If a provider only offers windows, it earns the lowest rating. We also gave higher ratings to providers with in-house installation services. We gave lower ratings to providers that offer third-party installation through partners.

Energy efficiency (15%)

Energy Star is an energy-efficiency program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. If a window company is a registered Energy Star partner, it earns the highest rating. If a provider sells Energy Star-certified windows but is not an Energy Star partner, it earns the next-highest rating.

Customer support resources and reviews (15%)

For this category, we considered avenues and times for ideal customer service. If a provider has 24/7 support, online chat, an online support request form, and online product guides or tutorials, it earns the highest rating in this category. If a provider has one or none of these features, it earns the lowest rating. If a provider has a score above 4 from Trustpilot, a consumer review site, as well as an accreditation and an average grade of A or A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it earns the highest rating. If a provider has a Trustpilot score below 1, has a BBB grade below C or is not BBB accredited, it earns the lowest rating.

National coverage (10%)

If the provider offers windows and installation services in 45 U.S. states or more, it earns the highest rating in this category. If the provider has national coverage in 15 states or fewer, it earns the lowest rating.

Data collection and review process

NerdWallet reviews several companies that provide replacement windows for U.S. customers. We assessed top companies by search volume that offer national coverage. Providers with regional coverage were not evaluated. We collect data from window company websites and contact companies directly as needed. The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.

Data accuracy

Our writers and editors review providers on an annual basis. Throughout the year, we may maintain contact with providers and update any changes to their offerings.

The review team

The review team includes writers and editors who cover a wide range of home services topics. Our team has more than 30 years of experience in finance. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial integrity. The combined expertise of our team is infused into our review process. We do this to ensure thoughtful evaluation of products from the customer's perspective.