“A window is a window is a window, right?” Sophie Jorges looked up from her computer and shook her head. “That’s what I thought when I started researching home replacement windows. Nothing could be further from the truth!”
Comparing vinyl replacement windows can seem tricky. After all, Sophie’s a talented insurance executive, used to wading through dense statistics. But when faced with pages of U-ratings and Low E descriptions, not to mention all of the style and size options, she gave up in despair. “What I need is a place to objectively compare vinyl replacement windows — that doesn’t require me to get an engineering degree!”
Luckily, websites that do objectively compare vinyl replacement windows do exist. Consider the following:
The National Fenestration Rating Council www.nfrc.org
Energy Star www.energystar.gov (You’ll want to click on Home Improvement)
The Efficient Windows Collaborative www.efficientwindows.org
You may also want to consider traditional consumer protection sites, such as:
Consumer Reports www.consumerreports.org
Each of these resources will help you get started comparing vinyl replacement windows. Manufacturers contribute to and help support some of these sites, yet all appear to be remarkably free from bias. Take your time to read through the sites and look over the statistics provided. Not all home replacement windows work equally well in all environments, so you’ll want to consider the data presented in the light of how it would apply in your own home.
This can be tricky. That’s why the next step in comparing vinyl replacement windows may require getting you off of the web and talking to your friends and neighbors, not to mention local home replacement window dealers.
Begin your journey by talking to people you know well and trust. Ask them how their vinyl home replacement windows have performed. Are they pleased with their choice? Would they, having lived with the windows for a while, still choose this particular brand of home replacement windows? If they’ve had problems, what are those problems?
Some of what you hear will mirror what you’ve read online, while other things may be wildly different. This is to be expected. You’ll want to weigh the information you’ve gathered carefully, and then, having done your research, talk with a local home replacement window dealer.
Most home replacement window specialists pride themselves in doing a good job for their customers. They spend a great deal of time learning about the products on the marketplace, changing window technologies, and what products work best in their region. Ask them for recommendations. It is true that window replacement specialists are in business to make money — but they won’t stay in business by making poor recommendations! They have to know what products perform well and stand up to local conditions. Compare what they tell you with what your research and personal interviews have yielded, and you’ll be well prepared to make the right decision regarding your vinyl home replacement windows.
To complete the circle, you should be prepared to share your home replacement window experience. Other homeowners will be in the same spot you’re in now. Your objective opinion can help someone else make the right decision and start enjoying the increased comfort home replacement windows can deliver today!
How does the Easton Windows compare to other Windows
I’d have to go along with with you one this subject. Which is not something I typically do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!