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For years the general public has been getting duped on replacement windows.  This industry has been flooded with hot-shot companies with their hot-shot salespeople who make all kinds of false claims just to steal your money with over-priced windows.  When talking to most victimized homeowners, all I hear is, “But, he was such a nice guy”! I wish I had a dollar for every person who said that to me.

You should only consider window replacement if:  It feels real cold next to the window; you hold a match or candle up to the edge of the window and the flame blows out; you’re tired of the cleaning hassle; or there’s wood rot around the window.  Most windows can be re-glazed or have the glass replaced for the same efficiency, and at a fraction of the cost.

If you have good, old growth wood windows, the best alternative is to simply install storm windows.  Single pane windows with a storm are generally more efficient than a double pane. Plus, in a double pane, if the seal is broken between the panes, the window is shot.  This can’t happen with a storm window.

My next suggestion: Don’t buy from a window/roofing/kitchen/bathroom company.  These companies are notorious for the 3-hour, in-home “demonstration” where all “decision makers” must be home.  These are just selling machines that are out to charge you $850 – $1,200 for an average sized window.

PLEASE don’t fall for how much you’ll save on energy.  What a bunch of baloney. The energy savings payback on expensive replacement windows is usually calculated in decades! You are far, far, far better off getting your insulation and whole home envelope (doors, fans, etc.) evaluated by a qualified expert.

If you do, in fact, need new windows, I would call a good, trustworthy carpenter.  Not only will this save you a ton of money, but it will guarantee you a good install, which is absolutely paramount!  Some of these slick window companies pay their installers per window, so you can imagine the poor quality when the installers just want to hurry and know they won’t even be around for the complaints.

The replacement window industry is a tough racket that, in my opinion, should be heavily regulated and monitored.  In the meantime, do your homework and please don’t buy windows just because, “He was such a nice guy”! 

Jim Edwards is the Home Advocate.  His clients love how he tells it like it in in the home renovation world.  He has seen it all, fixed it all and helped homeowners get the best bang for their buck with their home renovations, windows included.  Jim can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (608)480-1057.