Window replacement is an important home improvement project. It can help you save on energy bills and enhance the look of your home. However, it is essential to choose the right company for your replacement. There are several important factors to consider, including ENERGY STAR certifications and BBB accreditation.
Steel windows provide sleek aesthetics and durability. They are available in a variety of frame colors and meet energy-efficient standards.
ENERGY STAR
The blue ENERGY STAR label is your assurance that your home’s windows, doors and skylights meet rigorous energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also means you’ll save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights shrinks energy bills by an average of 12 percent nationwide.1 Plus, ENERGY STAR’s low-emissivity coatings help protect fabrics, wood floors and other valuables from sunlight damage. *Homeowners can expect savings to vary by location and climate.
NFRC
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization that facilitates certified energy performance ratings for windows, doors, and skylights. The ratings help consumers understand a window’s energy efficiency, so they can make informed purchase decisions.
There are four main components that a consumer can look for in an NFRC label: U-factor, Visible Transmittance, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Air Leakage. A lower U-factor score means better insulation. A higher score for VT indicates more natural light will enter a home, while a low air leakage rating will reduce the amount of cold or hot outside air that can enter a home.
AAMA
The right windows and doors play a major role in the aesthetic and functionality of your home or commercial space. They should complement the architecture and offer a range of benefits, including improved energy efficiency and security.
AAMA-certified window companies adhere to strict environmental guidelines and offer windows that meet modern energy efficiency standards. These include independent testing of a window’s U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible transmittance. They also test the window’s structural strength by simulating wind pressures.
BBB Accredited
The BBB accreditation process requires businesses to fulfill a set of standards that include building trust, advertising honestly, telling the truth, honoring promises, safeguarding privacy, and embodying integrity. Companies also pay annual dues to support the organization.
The organization also publishes details of customer complaints (minus personal information) and promotes businesses that follow ethical practices. This allows customers to find businesses that are reliable and trustworthy. BBB accreditation can boost customer loyalty and increase online visibility. Businesses can also use the BBB seal for marketing purposes.
Marvin
Marvin offers a wide range of wood, fiberglass and aluminum windows. These are ideal for a variety of design styles and climates. Their aluminum products resist corrosion and are eight times stronger than vinyl.
ENERGY STAR®-certified glass options reduce energy costs by reflecting heat, keeping homes cool in summer and warm in winter. They meet strict national energy-efficiency guidelines and comply with local building codes.
Visit a showroom or consult an expert to learn more about design and performance options. These experts will provide guidance from start to finish, including evaluating your existing windows and doors, selecting new ones and helping you get the project underway.
Jeld-Wen
Jeld-Wen windows are energy-efficient and help to lower homeowners’ heating and cooling bills. They also reduce the amount of UV rays that enter the home, which can cause furniture to fade.
These windows are available through big box retailers and local builders. They offer a variety of window styles, from double-hung windows to awning windows.
Pricing varies depending on the type of window ordered and material used. Generally, off-the-shelf windows are cheaper than custom orders. However, JELD-WEN’s warranty program is less competitive than other window providers.
Simonton
Whether you’re replacing outdated windows or building a new home, Simonton has a window collection to suit your needs. Their products are backed by impressive warranties that provide peace of mind for homeowners.
Their advanced glass packages maximize energy efficiency and thermal performance to meet ENERGY STAR standards for the climate where you live. This means lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
These windows are perfect for a traditional home and come in several frame styles. They can also be customized with different colors and finishes.
Milgard
Milgard offers a variety of window styles and types, including casement windows that open like doors. These windows are great for any room of the house and offer more ventilation than picture windows. They are also available with argon and krypton gas options to provide extra insulation.
The company’s windows represent a strong tradition of quality and are affordable for many homeowners. They also have a full lifetime warranty that transfers to the next owner of the home.