Looking to replace your windows in Wisconsin but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone. With our harsh winters and humid summers, finding the right windows isn’t just about looks—it’s about comfort and saving money.
From figuring out what type of glass works best to finding installers who won’t leave you hanging, this guide breaks it all down for you. I’ve helped countless Wisconsin homeowners navigate this process, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to find top-quality replacement windows that can stand up to our wild Wisconsin weather without emptying your wallet. And trust me, your heating bills will thank you come January.
Types of Replacement Windows Best Suited for Wisconsin
Wisconsin throws some serious weather our way. From those -30° winter nights to those sticky 90° summer days, your windows have to work overtime. The right windows can cut your energy bills by up to 25% according to the Department of Energy, so picking the right type matters a whole lot.
Double-pane vs. Triple-pane Windows
Double-pane windows used to be the gold standard around here, but things have changed. They have two glass panels with a space between them that’s filled with air or gas. They’ll run you about $300 to $850 per window installed, depending on size and quality. Not bad for keeping out the cold, but they’re just the starting point these days.
Triple-pane windows are what I recommend to almost all my Wisconsin friends. Yeah, they cost more upfront—usually $500 to $1,100 per window.
But man, the difference you’ll feel on those January mornings is night and day. Triple-pane windows can boost your insulation by 20-30% over double-pane options. When it’s -20° outside and your windows aren’t frosting up inside, you’ll know it was worth every penny.
I had a client in Green Bay who switched from old single-panes to triple-panes last year. She called me in February just to say her gas bill dropped by $78 that month. Think about that—the windows start paying you back right away.
Frame Materials
The frame material can make or break your window’s performance in Wisconsin weather.
Vinyl frames are what most folks go with nowadays. They run about $250 to $600 per window and they don’t conduct cold like metal does. They never need painting and stand up pretty well to our freeze-thaw cycles. Just make sure you’re getting thick, quality vinyl—the cheap stuff can crack when it gets really cold.
Wood frames look amazing and offer great insulation. They’ll cost you more—usually $400 to $1,200 per window. But nothing beats the charm of wood, especially in older Wisconsin homes. The downside? You’ll need to keep up with maintenance every few years to prevent rot.
Fiberglass frames are the premium option that’s worth looking at. They’ll set you back about $500 to $1,300 per window, but they’re practically bulletproof. They don’t expand or contract much in our crazy temperature swings, which means less air leakage over time. They can also be painted any color without affecting performance.
Composite frames combine wood fibers with polymer plastics. They look like wood but perform more like fiberglass in terms of durability. Expect to pay $400 to $1,100 for these hybrid options.
Aluminum frames? Just say no for Wisconsin. They conduct cold like nobody’s business, which means condensation and heat loss. Save those for the folks down in Arizona.
Low-E Glass and Argon/Krypton Gas Fills
Low-E glass has an invisible coating that reflects heat. In winter, it bounces heat back into your home. In summer, it keeps the sun’s heat outside where it belongs. It adds about $40-$60 per window but cuts energy costs by around 10%. Absolutely worth it in Wisconsin—I wouldn’t install windows without it.
As for gas fills, most quality windows now come with argon gas between the panes. It insulates better than plain air because it’s denser and moves around less. Krypton gas works even better but costs about $30-$40 more per window. If you’re already investing in triple-pane windows, throwing in krypton gas is smart money spent.
A study by the University of Wisconsin showed homes with these features saved an average of $350 yearly on heating costs. That’s a lot of cheese curds you could be buying instead.
Top-Rated Window Replacement Suppliers in Wisconsin
If you’re in the market for new windows, Wisconsin has several excellent suppliers. The following companies offer the highest-quality products and style selections, expertise in energy savings, competitive pricing, and superior installation services to help you find the best home window replacements.
Asher Lasting Exteriors
Asher Lasting Exteriors has been in business for over 50 years, selling premium windows by Renewal by Andersen. Whether you’re looking for double-hung, casement, sliding glass or specialty styles, they carry almost everything. Additionally, all Renewal by Andersen windows come with Energy Star-rated glass and low-E coatings to decrease heat transfer.
The brand promises outstanding customer service and a commitment to quality. Having completed 985 projects in 2024 alone, Asher Lasting Exteriors’ 98% rating speaks to its reputation for excellence. Other key offerings include a free 90-minute consultation to discuss options and recommendations with an expert installer, 24-hour service and support, and 100% financing for qualified buyers. Asher also has a customer referral program where you can earn $200 in cash when you recommend the business to family and friends.
This local Wisconsin business services most of Northwest Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Menomonie, Medford and Onalaska. However, you can find out if they work in your area specifically by plugging your zip code into the online form on the website. Additionally, Asher has two showrooms in Eau Claire and Onalaska, where you can view their products in person.
When you’re ready, call 715-448-8379 to schedule an appointment. If you move quickly, you can take advantage of the spring sale.
Infinity Exteriors
Infinity Exteriors is another local Wisconsin enterprise that sells some of the best replacement windows for homes in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and other parts of the state. Since opening in 1997, Infinity has installed over 4,110 new windows, with 15 types from reputable brands like Brilliance, Pella and Marvin. Marvin windows, especially, boast optimal energy efficiency.
This window installer offers free 60-90-minute estimates you can book through the website. You can also estimate the costs of new windows by using Infinity’s online window cost calculator. Just fill in the type of window, size and amount you’ll need, and receive general pricing information for the most common products.
Infinity Exteriors has one- or 10-year financing options if you cannot pay upfront for your window replacement project. The different window brands also offer various warranties to protect your investment. For example, Brilliance has a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, while Marvin’s limited warranty covers glass parts, hardware, and exterior cladding and interior finishes.
Infinity also provides a 100% workmanship warranty. Once you’ve read the reviews and looked through Infinity Exteriors’ gallery of completed projects, you can call 262-235-5090 to speak with a representative.
HomeSealed Exteriors
HomeSealed Exteriors is a reputable window installation business for those in the Milwaukee area. It only sells Energy Star-rated Okna products — a recognized entity for eco-friendliness and long-lasting durability. Per HomeSealed’s claim, its window replacements are 2,000% more airtight to protect your home interiors from Wisconsin’s cold winters.
Okna has a wide selection of window types you can choose from, including awning, bay and bow, fiberglass, double hung, and triple pane. There are also customizable options for specialty projects. Energy-efficient windows, in particular, have insulating tempered glass, ultraviolet-resistant coatings and vinyl frames with foam insets.
Customers can book a free consultation to review their requirements and get an accurate quote. HomeSealed also provides financing with 0% interest for 12 months and triple-warranty protection covering manufacturer and workmanship defects and glass damage.
Depending on when you decide to purchase windows from HomeSealed, you may be eligible for a special offer — currently, the 20% off Mother’s Day sale is running until May 31. Schedule an appointment with a HomeSealed professional by completing the online form or calling 262-300-4433.
How To Find Top-Rated Window Replacement Options for Wisconsin
Now that you know what kind of windows work best here, let’s talk about finding someone to install them properly. Because even the best windows won’t do squat if they’re installed wrong. And trust me, I’ve seen some horror shows where the drafts were worse after “professional” installation.
Check Certifications and Licenses
Always check if your installer has proper certification. Look for AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) certification. This means they’ve been trained specifically on proper window installation.
Wisconsin doesn’t require a specific license for window installers, but they should have a general contractor license. Ask to see proof of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Without these, any accidents during installation could become your financial nightmare.
I know Asher Lasting Exteriors, that has been in business for over 50 years, selling premium windows by Renewal by Andersen.
Whether you’re looking for double-hung, casement, sliding glass or specialty styles, they carry almost everything. Additionally, all Renewal by Andersen windows come with Energy Star-rated glass and low-E coatings to decrease heat transfer.
Energy Star Partnerships and Product Ratings
The Energy Star program rates windows based on their efficiency in specific climate zones. Wisconsin falls into the Northern Climate Zone, which has the strictest requirements. Look for the blue Energy Star label that specifically mentions qualification for the Northern Zone.
Good Wisconsin windows should have a U-factor of 0.27 or lower. The U-factor measures how well a window keeps heat from escaping. Lower is better, and anything above 0.30 isn’t ideal for our winters.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) matters less in Wisconsin than down south. But a number between 0.30 and 0.45 gives you good winter heat gain without summer overheating.
A company that’s an Energy Star partner usually takes efficiency seriously. They can also help you apply for utility rebates, which can knock $200-$500 off your project. Wisconsin Focus on Energy often offers rebates for efficient window replacements.
Go Through Customer Reviews and Case Studies
Check Google reviews, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau. But go beyond the star ratings and actually read what people say. Look for comments about how the windows performed after a full Wisconsin winter. Anyone can be happy with windows in September—it’s February that tells the truth.
Watch for patterns in negative reviews. One bad review might be a fluke. Three complaints about the same issue? That’s a trend you should worry about.
Ask companies for case studies or references specifically from your area. Windows that work great in Milwaukee might not perform the same in the colder northern parts of the state. Local examples matter.
I always tell folks to ask their neighbors too. Wisconsin people are usually happy to brag about home improvements that actually worked out well. Those neighborhood Facebook groups are good for something after all.
Local Experience and Reputation
Companies with at least 5-10 years of Wisconsin experience understand our unique challenges. They know how to deal with our old housing stock, which often has non-standard window openings. They also understand the importance of proper flashing and sealing for our freeze-thaw cycles.
Local companies have a reputation to maintain in the community. They can’t just mess up and move to another state. Plus, if warranty issues come up, you want someone nearby who’ll actually show up.
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau can tell you how long a company has been around. Ask how many window installations they’ve done specifically in Wisconsin homes. Experience with commercial buildings doesn’t always translate to residential know-how.
Visit Trade Shows or Home Expos in Wisconsin
The Madison Home Expo happens every January at the Alliant Energy Center. The Milwaukee NARI Home Show is usually in February. These shows let you touch and feel different window options and talk to multiple companies in one day.
Bring measurements of your windows and photos of your house. This helps companies give you rough estimates on the spot. Ask to operate display windows yourself—they should move smoothly and lock securely.
Trade shows often have special pricing, but don’t feel pressured to sign anything that day. The best companies will honor their expo pricing if you need time to think. Any outfit pushing hard for same-day decisions might be desperate for business, which is a red flag.
I met a couple from Eau Claire who found their window installer at a local home show. They were able to compare five different companies side by side and picked one that specialized in historical homes like theirs. The results were gorgeous and they avoided the headache of endless internet searches.
Comparing Quotes
Get at least three quotes for your window project. Make sure each quote breaks down:
- Window material and brand
- Glass package specifications (Low-E, gas fills, etc.)
- Labor costs
- Removal and disposal of old windows
- Any necessary carpentry work
- Warranty details
The cheapest quote isn’t always the worst, and the most expensive isn’t always the best. Look for value—where quality and price meet. Be suspicious of quotes that are dramatically lower than others. There’s usually a catch, like subcontracted labor or lower-quality materials than promised.
Wisconsin window quotes can vary by 30-40% for the same job. That’s why comparing apples to apples is so important.
In-Home Consultations
Always get an in-home consultation before signing anything. What looks straightforward online can get complicated once someone sees your actual windows. Many older Wisconsin homes have settled over time, leaving window openings that aren’t perfectly square.
Good consultants will measure each opening individually. They’ll check for existing damage that might need repair before installation. They should discuss options specific to your home’s architecture and your needs.
Ask the consultant to bring actual window samples, not just brochures. Feel the operation, check the locking mechanisms, and see the glass and frame up close. A good consultant will spend at least an hour at your home answering questions.
During my neighbor’s consultation, the window guy found hidden water damage that would have caused big problems later. That discovery alone was worth the time invested in getting multiple consultations.
Ask for Clear Contract and Timeline
Once you’ve chosen a company, make sure your contract spells out everything:
- Exact window specifications
- Total price with no hidden fees
- Payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront)
- Installation timeline with start and completion dates
- Who’s responsible for any necessary permits
- Details of the labor warranty (separate from the window product warranty)
Window lead times in Wisconsin can vary seasonally. Spring and summer installations might require ordering 6-8 weeks in advance. Fall is the busiest season for window replacement, so expect even longer waits. Winter installations are possible but less common due to weather challenges.
Get the warranty information in writing—both for the windows themselves and the installation work. A good installation warranty should cover at least two years. Product warranties range from 10 years to lifetime, depending on the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Finding the right windows for your Wisconsin home takes some homework, but it pays off every month in your energy bills and comfort level. Triple-pane windows with quality frames and the right glass coatings make all the difference when those north winds start howling.
Don’t rush the process of finding an installer. Check their credentials, read those reviews, visit some showrooms, and get multiple quotes. Your windows are a long-term relationship—you’ll be living with them for 20+ years.
Remember that proper installation matters just as much as the windows themselves. Even the fanciest window will fail if it’s put in wrong.
Wisconsin weather doesn’t mess around, and neither should your windows. Take your time, do your research, and you’ll end up with windows that keep you cozy without breaking the bank. Your future self will thank you next winter when your house stays warm and your heating bills stay low.
And hey—if you’ve already gone through this process, share your experience with your neighbors. We Wisconsin folks need to stick together against these brutal winters, one well-insulated home at a time.
