What you need to know before you choose energy efficient replacement windows: the best choice is not always the leading brand and most expensive product.
Are You Prepared for This Coming Winter?
Sept. 28, 2009 (Bloomberg) The U.S. Northeast may have the coldest winter in a decade because of a weak El Nino, a warming current in the Pacific Ocean, according to Matt Rogers, a forecaster at Commodity Weather Group.
Nationally Advertised Window Brands Are Not Necessarily Your Best Choice
Window replacement in Boston, Massachusetts and other northeastern regions offers a way to stay warm and comfortable while actually cutting energy costs. But before you pick a nationally advertised brand for your energy efficient replacement windows, keep in mind that a big advertising budget is not always associated with a quality product. Not only are you paying top dollar for brands like Anderson Renewal, Marvin and Pella (typical costs for each double hung window is $1200 each), but features, functions and quality are not as good as less well known brands. Because Anderson Renewal is the best known among the three leading brands, we will focus on facts about Anderson windows.
The Anderson Renewal promotional brochures promotes three selling points, $1500 tax credit, Fibrex frame and the Smart Sun Low E 4 glass. Glass and its insulating system make up 80 of a replacement window value in providing energy savings and warmth benefits in your home. But the important warm values such as the U value and R factors are not even mentioned in the Anderson Renewal literature. Anderson s Fibrex frame, although innovative, is warranted for only 10 years and the glass is warranted to be free from defects in manufacturing for only 20 years. Anderson brochures are smart and professional but a smart consumer will be looking for the R factors, U values, NFRC ratings, AAMA structural tests and warranties.
Getting Better Value and Quality in Energy Efficient Replacement Windows without Paying Top Dollar for Nationally Advertised Brands
Whether for Boston window replacement or other region with oppressively cold weather, there are many reasons to hire a general contractor who installs quality windows without the fancy price tag. A reputable window contractor will look out for your best interests when it comes to energy efficient replacement windows. They may offer you windows that are every bit as beautiful as Anderson but even better in terms of quality. When you are shopping for energy efficient windows, the following comparison of window features will help you to be a smart shopper and get a much better value for a lower cost.
Comparison of Anderson Windows with Less Known Quality Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Feature: Factory warranty certificate
Anderson: Included
Other manufacture: Included
Feature: Federal tax credit
Anderson: Included
Other manufacture: Included
Feature: Green approved
Anderson: Included
Other manufacture: Included
Feature: Energy star approved
Anderson: Included
Other manufacture: Included
Feature: Licensed trained installers
Anderson: yes
Other manufacture: yes
Feature: Insured
Anderson: yes
Other manufacture: yes
Feature: Referrals
Anderson: not mentioned
Other manufacture: available
Feature: Typical job
Anderson: 1 day
Other manufacture: 1 day
Feature: Warranty period glass
Anderson: 20 years from manf. defect
Other manufacture* limited lifetime (any failure)
Feature: Warranty period frame
Anderson: 10 years
Other manufacture: *limited lifetime
Feature: Custom sizes available
Anderson: not stated
Other manufacturer: made to the 1/16 of an inch
Feature: Glass insulating System intercept & Superspacer
Anderson: not stated
Other manufacturer: yes
Feature: Insulated frame
Anderson: not stated
Other manufacturer: yes
Feature: Total U value rating
Anderson: not stated
Other manufacturer: **U.019
* to the original homeowner
**among the lowest/warmest values in the entire industry
*A study of identical homes comparing Low E4® glass with ordinary dual pane glass showed a 25 savings on cooling bills and 10 on heating with ordinary dual pane glass. Savings may vary geographically.
The Best Time to Consider Energy Efficient Replacement Windows is Right Now
Energy improvements that include quality replacement windows by a reputable general contractor in cold climates like Boston, Massachusetts, is a wise investment decision that will pay off in comfort and energy bills for years to come. Current government tax rebates make window replacement even more affordable but these incentives may not remain available for long. Consider the comparative information in this article when choosing a energy efficient window installation company.
Author Resource:
John O'Brien of MASTERCRAFT is a licensed and insured contractor / Installer in the Greater Boston and the South Shore, Massachusetts area since 1986, providing roofing, siding, windows, bathroom remodeling and trim services. Learn more at http://www.mastercraftnewengland.com or call: 781-829-2222.
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