Here are 5 Tips When Shopping for New Windows
In the window industry, there can be a lot of hype about who has the best windows, which has given rise to some widespread myths. So that you can choose the windows that best suit your needs, we want to share a few tips when you go window shopping.
1. With windows, more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
There are excellent window replacement solutions that are far less expensive than the competition yet are almost identical in terms of quality and energy efficiency! While they are essentially identical windows, some window replacements in our area have been sold for hundreds of dollars more than windows from The Window Source of Morgantown.
The truth is most windows are produced using the same materials, procedures, and specifications at the same facilities! The vendor sets a large portion of the price, and many may attempt to deceive you into believing that their windows are more expensive or unique than they actually are.
The distinction is this — in addition to our first-rate customer service and superior design abilities, we believe that our affordably priced windows are simply of higher quality. Get a free estimate from us today.
2. Read the NFRC label.
The great equalizer in the window industry is the NFRC label. When comparing products, the NFRC label is the most crucial factor to consider.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), an impartial body that rates windows, accepts product submissions from major window manufacturers. The NFRC ranks each window based on four parameters (mentioned below). Use an NFRC label that is printed with those details to evaluate windows fairly and consistently.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
- U-Factor
- Visible Transmittance
- Air Leakage
3. Don’t be swayed by high-pressure sales tactics.
It’s important to be cautious of high pressure sales techniques whether you’re purchasing a car or making improvements to your home. Even though they are not as popular as they once were in the 1980s and 1990s, these sales techniques are still being used today.
The urgency element is regularly used in high pressure sales techniques. For instance, “We just sold 250 windows to a neighborhood condominium association. If I order your windows at the same time as these windows, the manufacturer will give me a bulk discount, which I’ll pass on to you. But I’d need to know right away.”
Whatever your plan, it’s important to look around for the very best price and have confidence in the business and the team you’ll be working with on your project.
4. Triple-pane windows are not the best fit for everyone.
Although triple-pane windows frequently offer superior insulation and soundproofing than double-pane windows, they might not be the ideal choice for you. Why? because the additional increase in insulation or decrease in outside noise may not be necessary, and the higher cost may outweigh the advantages.
Triple-pane windows are ideal for the Northern Environment Zone, but they might be too much for our West Virginia environment. Energy Star®published a chart with the recommended U-Factors for various locales. A U-Factor of.25 or less is typical for triple-pane windows; the lower the U-Factor, the more energy-efficient the window.
5. Most important – make sure you get a quality installation.
The most crucial step would appear to be choosing the proper window, and after you’ve selected a window with sufficient insulation, everything should work out.
You might be surprised to learn that the installation is just as crucial as the window itself!
Your total energy efficiency may suffer if a window is not installed properly, and gaps are not properly sealed. Your installation professional should use low expansion spray foam to cover any gaps between the frame and the wall.
Our experts can perform an inspection for you if you suspect that your windows may not have been installed properly or you’re concerned that your heat or cool air is leaking. We are more than willing to look for leaks to help out our neighbors.