
Learn Helpful Tips for Buying Replacement Windows
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So, you have made the decision to buy new windows - Congratulations! Typically, window replacement is something done only once to a home while you are living in it. It is also a more expensive project than simply replacing other products within your home.
So, you have made the decision to buy new windows - Congratulations! Typically, window replacement is something done only once to a home while you are living in it. It is also a more expensive project than simply replacing other products within your home. Since this project happens so rarely, it is understandable to feel some uncertainty about selecting and installing the right product for your needs. To make this process easier, the experts at ENERGY STAR have compiled some tips to help you navigate the process of purchasing and installing new windows:
Preparing to buy
Before you call any contractors or installer companies, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want. Most homeowners want attractive windows that are easy to use and clean, have a great warranty, perform well in various weather conditions, and will help save money on energy bills. Most modern, energy efficient windows come with at least two layers of glass, also known as “double pane”. Typically, Argon - a safe, non-toxic gas, is used to fill the space between glass panes because it improves the insulating power of the window, is inexpensive, and lasts throughout the life of the product. Other features may be good to discuss with a salesperson. Here are some additional features to consider:
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Frame Material: There are several options available, including wood, vinyl, and fiberglass window frames. Wood typically provides a more traditional look, whereas color and finish warranties are typically longer for vinyl and fiberglass products.
- Frame Color: Most products come prefinished and you only need to pick a color. You can even have different colors on the inside and outside of the frame.
- Operating Style: It is most common to replace the same style of window with the style currently in place. The most common type in the Eastern U.S. is a double-hung window, also called a vertical slider. On the U.S. West coast, horizontal sliders are common. There are also window types that open outwards with a crank called casements, awnings, and hoppers which open from the side, top, or bottom, respectively.
- Window Grids: Originally, window grids were used to secure smaller, separate panes of glass together. Today, including grids in your window design is an aesthetic choice. The grids are often set between-the-glass which makes the windows much easier to clean and dust and to re-create the appearance of smaller panes of glass. Some companies offer grids that clip on the interior of the window to give a more traditional look to the window from the inside.
- Energy Efficiency: Ask your salesperson or contractor for ENERGY STAR certified windows that are suited for your climate zone to ensure your windows are high-performing and energy efficient. ENERGY STAR’s efficiency experts have done extensive analysis to specify windows that are designed to be the most efficient and cost effective for the climate zone you live in – Northern, North-Central, South-Central, or Southern regions of the U.S. You can find your ENERGY STAR climate zone using the Climate Zone Finder Tool.
If you are unsure of the types of windows you want, it is a good idea to browse window company websites to understand styles and colors before talking to a salesperson.
Finding a contractor or windows installer
Most replacement windows are sold through an in-home sales visit by an installer who can see your home and measure your current windows. Since prices can vary widely for similar products, get quotes from at least 3 installation companies. It is a good idea to screen each contractor by looking up their BBB business profile and checking their State or regional contractor license listed in their ad. Sometimes your local utility has pre-screened lists of installers that also know about local rebates. If you know a window installation contractor or know someone who has had a good experience with a contractor, that is a good place to start. If you do not know any contractors, ask your neighborhood list serve for suggestions. Before calling, also check the installer company website to see if they offer products you are interested in. If they install certain window brands, check those manufacturer websites, also. Not all companies sell all types of windows, so browse ahead of time to see what looks appealing for your needs. When contacting a company to discuss window options, prepare to ask several questions to ensure a productive conversation:
- Do they sell the products you want? Ask if they have the specific window material or operating style you’re looking for, and if they could show you window examples so you can experience them before purchasing. Also ask them to bring actual samples of the color you want. If they have a showroom, plan to go there to see what they offer. We recommend not buying windows without seeing the exact color and (at least) touching the frame of what you want. Often the salesperson can bring a corner-cut or example of the window for you to touch and examine.
- Who manufacturers the windows? The installer you are working with may offer products from multiple companies, or they may be private-labeling products from a manufacturer. If you know the manufacturer, you can also look up ENERGY STAR product lines in the ENERGY STAR Product Finder.
- Can they provide a demonstration? Salespeople often offer demonstrations on the benefits of special coatings on the glass to block or reflect solar heat. You can find many of these demos on YouTube by searching for “window low-e coating demonstrations”.
Talking to a Salesperson
When a salesperson comes to your home for a sales visit here are some things to remember when purchasing new windows:
- ENERGY STAR Certification: Tell the salesperson you are interested in product models that meet the ENERGY STAR criteria in your location. Again, you can find the right windows for your climate zone by using the Climate Zone Finder Tool.
- U-factor and SHGC: This is a bit technical, but reputable companies should be able to provide this information easily. The U-factor is the rate of heat transfer (heat loss) through the window. A lower U-factor means less heat loss. If you live in the North, ENERGY STAR recommends windows with a U-factor that is 0.22 or lower. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the amount of solar heat that can enter through the window. A lower SHGC means less heat can enter. If you live in the South, ENERGY STAR recommends windows with an SHGC that is 0.23 or lower. Check out the ENERGY STAR windows website for additional buying guidance.
- Federal Tax Credits: You can get a Federal Tax Credit of up to $600 for replacing with windows that meet the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition criteria.
- Product warranty and installation warranty: There are three different warranties associated with replacing windows and each can have different time periods. A decent residential window product manufacturer’s warranty should be at least 10 years and preferably 20 years or ‘lifetime’, however that is defined. Next, the glass seal warranties should be at least 10 years and preferably 20 years. The glass warranty should specifically cover both seal failure and some types of breakage. Finally, the warranty for the installation is typically less than 5 years.
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Who performs the installation: Are the installers part of the company or subcontracted? Will they be available if you find an installation problem? Is their installation covered by the warranty?
- Interior and exterior double-strength glass: Ask for 3mm double-strength glass. It is twice as strong as annealed glass and should not cost much extra. Some glass breakage warranties only apply to double-strength glass. For even stronger glass, ask for tempered glass. Tempered glass is 4x stronger than annealed or impact glass – important for high-wind or coastal hurricane locations.
- If the home was built before 1978, ask if lead paint protocols will be followed. Following lead paint clean-up protocols is good for your home because they require the installer to catch any lead paint chips or dust that may fall during removal of the old windows, to clean up the site with extra care when the job is completed, and to dispose of the old windows correctly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has excellent guidance on lead paint issues here.
Signing your Contract
Once you decide to buy windows, you will have to sign a sales agreement or contract. Here are some important things to remember:
- Do not sign any document unless you are ready to buy to the windows. It is not wise to sign a contract if the salesperson says to sign the document and you can always cancel in a day or so.
- When choosing products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, make sure your contract states that: “The windows will be ENERGY STAR certified for the installation location climate with an ENERGY STAR and NFRC label.” Some companies will install windows that are ENERGY STAR certified – but for the wrong climate zone. Make sure your contract specifies “ENERGY STAR” so you have legal documentation if the company sells you the wrong product. Check your climate zone here.
- Ensure the exact U-factor and SHGC of each window is noted in the contract. Reputable companies will provide this information.
- Try to avoid “same day” signing specials. Reputable companies will give you a cost estimate that is good for at least 15-30 days to allow you time to review and consider their offer.
- Make sure the warranty language is clear and comes with the contract for all three warranty types: the basic product, glass unit breakage/seal, and installation warranties.
- Get a copy of the signed agreement (both parties) with all the additional requirements and provisions you agreed to explicitly written out.
- Delivery Timing - Understand that it is typical for high-performance windows to take 6-8 or even 12 weeks to be delivered after ordering – so plan ahead! Windows are commonly made-to-order and require custom built products.
The day of installation
Here are some important steps to take on the day of the installation:
- When the installer arrives, the first thing you should do is check to see if the windows to be installed are the windows you ordered and include both ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels. This may mean cutting or unwrapping each window to see the labels attached to the glass surface. It is recommended to check the labels before any of your current windows are removed.
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Tell the installer to keep the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels on the window so you have an exact record of what was installed. A quick solution is to get a picture of the label on each window being installed. Use Post-It’s to note which window is in each location. You may need that record to qualify for utility incentives or for Federal Tax Credits. The stickers also document exactly what products were installed – which can be beneficial for your warranty and when selling your home, since installing energy efficient windows can improve the value of your home. IMPORTANT: Try to also get the actual labels from the contractor before they leave.
- Before the installer leaves, open and close each window to be ensure that the windows are not twisted or installed unevenly. Casements should crank open easily and vertical and horizonal sliding windows should slide easily. Inspect the caulking on each window to be sure there are no gaps and all the work is neatly done.
After the job is done, sit back and enjoy the savings, comfort, and beautiful views from your new windows!