Beware the $179 Replacement Window

By , Woodstock Patch

You see them everywhere. They come as flyers or as coupons in a Pak or a post card in the mail. Brand new vinyl replacement windows "$179 ANY SIZE INSTALLED!!!!" They even come with the statement “Save up to 30-40% on your utility bills.” Sounds like a great deal doesn’t it? But upon closer examination, maybe not.

First and most damning would be the industry statistic that the $179 installed replacement windows make up about 2 percent of all replacement window sales.  This means companies hook you on the cheap windows and either up sell you on a different window or hit you with “extras”. “Oh, you want us to remove the old ones? Well that will be an additional charge.”

The other problem is that these replacement windows (and most of them for that matter) are installed in the original window frame. This means the gap between the old window frame and the studs in the wall will still be there after the new windows are installed. This greatly reduces the overall efficiency of the window. This gap is often the actual problem and can only be fixed by removing the old window frame and all.

Remember the old saying “You get what you pay for?” Well, it can’t be more accurate than here. In actuality a better quality vinyl replacement window that’s installed properly is going to run you at least twice the $179 amount if not more and a high quality window will run three times as much.

Finally, do yourself a favor, before you spend big bucks on new windows, make sure they are really what your house needs. Having an energy audit performed will help to determine if they are actually the real cause of comfort issues and high utility bills. Because if they’re not, your utility bills are only going to drop 10 percent maybe, and your house is still going to be uncomfortable. As always, “Don’t throw money at your problems, throw knowledge, it’s a lot cheaper”.