Ratings Methodology for Window Companies
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for window providers are weighted averages of ratings in the following categories:
  • National coverage: 10%.
  • Window selection: 20%.
  • Warranty: 20%.
  • Energy efficiency: 15%.
  • Installation and additional services: 20%.
  • Customer support resources and reviews: 15%.
    • Data collection and review process
    NerdWallet reviews several companies that provide replacement windows for U.S. customers.

    We collect data from providers and do firsthand testing as necessary. Our process starts by gathering information from the provider’s website and contacting providers for further information where needed. This information makes up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance.

    The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
    Information updates
    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.
    Factor weightings
    The weighting of each rating factor is based on our team’s assessment of which features are most important to consumers and which ones impact the consumer experience in the most meaningful way.
    The review team
    The review team is composed of writers and editors who cover home services. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

    The combined expertise of our team is infused into our review process to ensure thoughtful evaluation of products and services from the customer's perspective.
    National coverage
    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.
    Window selection
    We consider the 10 most popular window styles: 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
    For this category, we consider the window warranty length in years, 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.
    Energy efficiency
    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.
    Additional services
    Some providers offer home services in addition to windows, including doors, garage doors, siding, shutters and sunrooms. If a provider offers four or more additional services, it earns the highest rating in this category. If a provider only offers windows, it earns the lowest rating. We also factored in installation, giving the highest rating to providers with in-house installation services, a lower rating to providers that offer third-party installation through partners, and the lowest rating to providers that don’t offer installation.
    Customer support
    For this category, we considered avenues and times for ideal customer service. If a provider has 24/7 support available (typically by phone), an online chat feature, 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.
    Customer reviews
    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.
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