Windows Replacement in Alaska

What You Need to Know About Windows in Alaska

As the northernmost state in the country, Alaska is prone to frigid temperatures year-round. Average highs can be only in the 50-degree F range throughout the summer and routinely dip well below freezing in the winter.1 Heating homes in Alaska takes an immense amount of energy, especially if your windows aren’t energy-efficient. Not only can old or damaged windows needlessly use more resources, but you’ll also spend far more money on energy to keep your home comfortable, as electricity rates are the third highest in the country.2

The average price to replace a single window in Alaska is around $750, above the national average of $600. Your total will vary based on the factors below:

• How large is your window is
• The type of window you need replaced
• The window materials you need
• The installer you choose
• The time of year when you need your window replaced

But because energy costs are higher in Alaska than in most states, you stand to save more money over time by making the move to more efficient windows. Energy Star estimates that replacement windows in Alaska will save up to $366 per year in heating and cooling costs, and given the extreme temperatures in the state, your savings may be higher.3

Most Alaska homeowners choose full-frame window replacement to get the most energy efficiency benefits. However, if your window frames are in good condition you can choose a pocket installation, which is more affordable up-front and will still likely have a significant positive impact on your energy usage and costs.

3 Best Window Replacement Companies in Alaska

1. Renewal by Andersen of Alaska

Since 1995, Renewal by Andersen has serviced all states except Hawaii. While it offers many unique windows, it is best known for its patented Fibrex window material, which is two times as strong as vinyl and performs better in extreme temperatures — very important for Alaska homeowners facing brutal winters. Another bonus is that the material resists rot, decay, and fungal growth, which are all concerns for anyone in areas with a lot of precipitation. 

Overall, this provider is by far our top choice for its exceptional customer service, robust Fibrex windows, and many ENERGY STAR-certified windows. (1)  Renewal by Andersen even has the Green Seal approval for sustainability, reinforcing its dedication to creating products with less environmental impact. Green Seal estimates that Americans would save up to 2.5% in energy consumption if all windows were as energy-efficient as the ones crafted by Andersen. (2) 

Services & Coverage

Renewal by Andersen offers many services, including replacement windows, doors, and patio doors. It services a wide variety of cities in Alaska, with showrooms located in Fairbanks and Anchorage. As a whole, this provider has completed 12,153 projects in Alaska. (3) Personally, I’d choose its ENERGY STAR-certified windows for my replacements, which come with Low-E4 glass, its exclusive Fibrex material, and expert installation by one of its technicians. These energy-saving windows can make a huge difference in how expensive your energy bills are by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.  

Customer Reputation

This BBB-accredited provider has an excellent 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews, with many reviews sharing that they were impressed with the courteous, well-prepared technicians. Many said they experienced above-and-beyond coverage, and the windows were of fantastic quality (I especially liked seeing reviews praising technicians for leaving the client’s home as clean as when they arrived). As with any company, there will always be negative reviews. Most negative reviews pointed out that they experienced long wait times for updates on when their new windows or doors arrived or felt the prices were a rip-off. 

2. Alaska Window Installers 

Alaska Window Installers is a locally owned window replacement provider with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. Where this provider shines is its extras, such as its partnership with a local blinds company, and its more unique services, like repairing leaky or icy windows and handling window enlargements. Window replacement companies don’t always offer these services, so this can save you time coordinating several companies working on your home. 

Services & Coverage

Alaska Window Installers specializes in replacing inefficient windows and doors in residential homes, giving me a lot of confidence in the quality of its work. This family-owned business also handles rot repair from leaky or icy windows and window enlargements. Another bonus of working with this company is its partnership with Budget Blinds of Fairbanks, which can outfit your shades, blinds, shutters, or curtains to fit your new windows. If you need these services, this can be a great way to work with one team rather than juggling multiple companies simultaneously for your project. Overall, Renewal by Andersen is my top pick, but Alaska Window Installers is a strong choice if I need blinds or curtains with my new windows or rot repair addressed. 

Customer Reputation

While the Better Business Bureau has not accredited it, Alaska Window Installers receives an excellent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has zero complaints (4). Positive reviews highlighted the attentive, professional service they received from the company, along with the high-quality installation. I particularly like seeing the many reviews that shared that the technicians were always on time, as many contractors get a bad reputation for being late. This company is on the smaller side, and I couldn’t find enough negative reviews to summarize what frustrated customers most effectively. 

3. JELD-WEN 

JELD-WEN has been an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998 and sells a huge number of windows and doors that exceed ENERGY STAR standards. It also specializes in vinyl windows that JELD-WEN manufactures, using up to 15 percent of vinyl waste, making them a more sustainable product (5). All these are considerable benefits to any environmentally conscious Alaskan homeowner, especially because this company is a leader in reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, meaning fewer toxins are released in the air during manufacturing (6). 

Services & Coverage

JELD-WEN has the best coverage out of the three providers on our list, with locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Kodiak, Sitka, and Juneau, just to name a few. This availability is a massive advantage over Renewal by Andersen, which only has locations in Fairbanks and Anchorage, limiting the number of Alaska homeowners its team can service. If I were in Wasilla, Sitka, or another Alaska city, I’d look at JELD-WEN for its top-notch coverage. The downfall to working with JELD-WEN is that you’ll rely on a local contractor rather than a JELD-WEN technician to install your windows, as this isn’t part of its services. However, the provider shares plenty of installation and finishing instructions so you can DIY the installation or hire a contractor to tackle the job confidently. 

Customer Reputation

This provider has a perfect A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and nearly 65 years of experience in the industry (7).  Many customers praise this company for its lifetime manufacturing defect warranty on its windows — a very unusual and valuable offering that most window companies don’t have. However, negative reviews criticize issues with installation and longevity, with the products looking quickly worn out. Still, many positive reviews said the opposite of this, praising JELD-WEN for excellent craftsmanship, materials, and finish, so take these reviews with a grain of salt, as many customers enjoyed their experience and the customer service. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do replacement windows cost in Alaska?

Replacement windows in Alaska cost around $750, which is greater than the national average of $600. However, the cost of replacement windows in Alaska varies significantly based on the brand, window material, installer, window size, time of year, and the project’s complexity. For example, replacing a bay window, which comprises two or more smaller windows, is much more expensive to replace than a simple double-hung window. 

How to measure for replacement windows in Alaska?

Measuring for replacement windows in Alaska requires a few simple steps. Start by identifying the window width from trim to trim with a tape measure. Then, measure the window’s height (although this depends on the window type, standard double-hung windows require the full height, but a sliding window measures the height in the middle). Exact measurements are critical to ensure your replacement window fits the space properly, so take your time and don’t be afraid to ask the company you’re working with for advice, especially when dealing with more complicated windows like a bay or bow window. 

How to replace windows in Alaska?

When replacing windows in Alaska, you’ll want to gather the necessary tools and materials, like a cordless drill, hammer, utility knife, caulk, minimal expanding foam, and more, depending on the project. Then, clean the window opening, apply flashing tape, and make sure the existing sill is level. Place the window, then use the caulk. If this sounds overwhelming, we recommend contacting a professional like Renewal by Andersen for the installation. Remember, the downside to DIY window installation is that it’s easy to end up with a crooked, damaged, or poorly insulated window, which can look terrible and cost you a ton of energy bills.