Doors and Windows - Is a window just a window

I had a salesman here today about replacing my windows, he told me that a window is a window, it all depends on how its installed. He was trying to sell me the Monda window, the cheapest one they had. Saying its efficiency depends on the installation. What are your thoughts on that statement.

Thanks

Honestly, I don't know where to start...

First, I have never heard of Monda, which really isn't too surprising since there are something between 700 and 1000 window companies in North America.

Second, if I were you I would lose that salesman in a real big hurry. Either heis ignorant or else he is trying to con you. Either way, you can do much better.

There are potentially huge differences among various windows. These differences run thru brand names and even within different offerings from the same company.

I would be glad to answer any specific questions you might have concerning new windows...and there are other very knowledgeable folks here as well who can help make this process a bit less painful for you.

Good luck and looking forward to a few questions. :thumbup:

That was my suspicion - sometimes the sales folks have you secong guessing yourself. Thank you for confirming my original thoughts. What is your opinion of Atrium windows if your familiar with them. I'm having 7 windows replaced, I was quoted by a second company at 275.00 per window installed. Sound reasonable to you? Thanks again for your response! (PS I'm in NY)

I agree with Oberon. Saying a window is a window is like saying all cars are the same. Yugo, Datsun, Cadillac, BMW. Which would you prefer to drive? Which can you afford? Which features do you need, which can you do without? Windows are available with so many options, if the salesman doesn't offer you any options, he's really not doing you any favors, other than trying to get the sale as quickly as possible so that he can go sign up the next sucker.

Regarding your 2nd estimate, $275 per window (installed) sounds extremely cheap. 2 men and a van could hardly drive to a house for that. I'd recommend you go to a store or home show, look at a lot of displays, actually compare windows that you can see, touch and feel, and make a decision based on that. As Oberon mentioned, there are literally 1000 different window brands out there, and most of them make their windows as CHEAPLY as possible. That's how they make money. Unless it's all you can afford, do you really want a cheap window?

My turn to agree with XSleeper. $250 installed sounds very inexpensive.

Also, I think his idea of visiting a home show is great! This is homeshow season, and you would have an opportunity to compare a number of brands and also to get some information about what is available in replacement windows.

I'm not all that knowledable on windows, but I did some comparisons at a recent Home Show and had a company come out and give me a quote...

Damn was I in for a shock for "good quality" window replacements. Windows were trippled paned glass, krypton gas filled, and coated. I guess the windows provide almost the same insulation rating as a typical wall and the company provides a guarantee of 40% reduction in heating costs with a full install...

Anyways, making a long story short, the cost to replace 12 windows (including a kitchen atrium style window and a sliding door) came to roughly $ 28,000 after various rebates. I mean, I was really impressed with the whole presentation, including BBB, but I never figured it would be that much for windows... and windows isn't something I'd cheap out on.

Hope this helps, and I'd suggest you keep looking.

If you are planning to stay in your house for a long time you do not want to skimp out on windows. Quality windows will make a huge difference in your heating/cooling bills. Shop around and do your homework.

I am in the process of replacing the windows in my house and first went directly to the manufacturer (they have an office in my town) for a quote. The price was way more than I expected. So I will be using a contractor who replaced a set of sliders for me. The quote is much more reasonable and he is able to get the same windows for a much better price. Sometimes the all in one places can be much more expensive. You can save money piecing it together on your own.

A window is probably the thinnest, most vunerable, least insulated part of the home. Good, quality, energy efficient windows aren't cheap. I wouldn't considered anything less than double pane, gas filled, Low-E windows, preferably with vinyl frames (they transfer less thermal). Where you go from there on window types and features just increases the price.

The noisier the area you live in, the better windows you want.