Month: May 2022

Gentek 1700 Series Windows Reviews

Here we have Gentek 1700 Series windows reviews. First, it’s important to note that this is the cheapest new construction window from Gentek which means it’s not going to be as nice as the other options.

If you’re looking for a budget new construction window this could be a decent choice, but if you were looking for a nicer solution you might want to look at something else. Gentek does make the nicer 1900 Series and you can even get the top of the line Signature Elite model with a nail fin for a new construction application. Those options will be nicer, but they’ll also be more expensive.

Here is the Gentek 1700 series new construction window in an arch top single hung configuration.

What are the advantages of the Gentek 1700 Series windows?

These windows will have all of the features that are pretty standard these days like virgin vinyl, welded corners, etc. That stuff is pretty common.

Less common features are the upgraded block and tackle balances which will allow the windows to operate better and last longer than cheaper options.

These windows are also available in a wide range of configurations including all common styles, except double hung. Interestingly this model is only available in a single hung and if you want a double hung window you’ll need to upgrade to the slightly more expensive 1900 series model.

One nice feature is the clean and simple design. Below you can see a picture of the single hung window.

This is the frame and structure of the Gentek 1700 series single hung window.

As you can see, the frame is slim and the glass area is large. Some other windows will use much bulkier or more cluttered designs and the simplicity of this model is nice.

What colors are available for these windows?

Here are the interior and exterior colors for the 1700 series windows.

These are the interior and exterior color options for the Gentek 1700 Series windows.

As you can see there is a pretty wide range of colors available, including the popular black exterior. The interior colors are much more limited, just three options. There are no interior woodgrain options for these windows, but those are more commonly used in older houses so perhaps that’s not a big deal.

What are the drawbacks to the Gentek 1700 Series windows?

One drawback to this model is the warranty. It is MUCH more limited than the warranty on the nicer Gentek window models. The 1700 and 1900 series get the new construction window warranty which is called a “lifetime warranty”, but the devil is in the details. The insulated glass is only covered for 20 years, the moving parts are only covered for 10 years and the labor to fix a warranty issue is only covered for 1 year.

Beyond the warranty, another drawback is the air infiltration rate. Like most new construction windows the focus seems to have been on keeping the cost down rather than providing top quality. As a result, the air infiltration rate on this model is 3x – 4x higher than you’ll see on the nicer Gentek models.

What’s the bottom line?

Overall, this window is perfectly decent when compared to other new construction windows. You should note that new construction windows are typically the bottom of the line windows so that comparison isn’t saying much.

This product appears to have been designed to sell to builders who are very focused on price. If you wanted a nicer option you can find that elsewhere in the Gentek window range.

For a budget focused new construction windows this can be a solid option. Just be sure you understand that you’re not buying a top of the line window.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy.  Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Gentek 70 Series Windows Reviews

Are the Gentek 70 Series Windows the best choice for your home? Probably not. They go have some good uses so let’s see when it might make sense to use these windows.

It’s important to note that the Gentek 70 Series windows are a basically the bottom of the line window from Gentek. Now, it’s also important to note that Gentek tends to make nicer windows so the bottom of the line from Gentek is still nicer than many other window models out there.

If you’re comparing the 70 Series to another option I’d recommend looking at the Gentek 80 Series windows which are pretty similar, but a little nicer.

Gentek 70 series windows frame and structure.
Here you can see the frame of the 70 Series.

What is good about the Gentek 70 Series windows?

Similar to the 80 series, the 70 series offers decent efficiency options in the Barrier XP packages and they offer decent style options too.

While the color and style options can be a little limited compared to many nicer replacement windows they do tend to offer the most popular styles.

One advantage to the 70 Series is that they use very slim frames for maximum glass area. A while back I was talking with a customer who had an unusually small sliding window. The window was very short, maybe 11″ tall. In a window that small the glass area will be very limited. I suggested the 70 Series window to her to try to maximize the glass area in that tiny window.

Another reason someone might pick the 70 Series is the jamb depth is very small. It’s only 2-5/8″ deep which is thinner than most windows. That means it can work better in a prefabricated house or a mobile home. It can also sometimes make for an easier replacement window if the original window had a similarly shallow jamb depth.

Here you can see the available interior and exterior colors.

How does the price and warranty compare?

The pricing is usually relatively low for this model compared to the upgraded Gentek models. The warranty is the same as the other models which is also a nice feature.

You get a lifetime warranty that is transferable when you sell the house and it covers labor too. You get all of that and it’s backed by a billion dollar company. Overall the warranty is a selling point and the prices are generally very competitive.

What are some downsides to the Gentek 70 Series windows?

In addition to the limited style options I mentioned earlier, the shallower jambs also limit the efficiency. There is no triple pane glass option for these windows and, similar to the 80 series, the air infiltration rates are higher than you’ll see from nicer Gentek options like the upgraded Signature Elite model.

Gentek 70 Series sliding window.
Here is a 70 Series sliding window.

What’s the bottom line?

If you need something very specific like a very shallow jamb depth or a 7/8″ nail fin or absolute max glass area for a very tiny window then this option could make sense. Otherwise, I’d suggest looking at one of the nicer Gentek models like the Signature Elite which is one of my favorite options.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy.  Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Gentek 80 Series Windows Reviews

Are the Gentek 80 Series windows the best choice for your home? Let’s find out.

First, it’s important to note that the 80 series windows are designed as a new construction window but they can be used in replacement applications as well. The downside to using a new construction window is that they are generally designed to be lower cost options. That can be bad if you’re looking for a better than average solution.

Now, the Gentek 80 Series windows are generally some of the nicer new construction windows out there. That means they’ll often be a better choice than more commonly used, and lower end, windows.

Here is the frame of the Gentek 80 series windows.

What are the best features of the Gentek 80 Series windows?

I’d say the best features are the efficiency options. These windows come with a 1″ insulated glass package and many of the Barrier XP efficiency packages that are available throughout the rest of the Gentek line. They are available with triple pane glass or double pane glass and they’re also available with the upgraded Super Spacer (although you must specify that when ordering).

Beyond the efficiency packages the Gentek 80 Series windows are also available in a wider range of colors than a typical new construction window.

These are the available interior and exterior colors for the Gentek 80 series windows. Note they do now offer a black exterior which is very popular.

In the picture above you can see the interior and exterior color options for these windows. You certainly can find other window products with many more color options, but these tend to be some of the most popular options.

What other style options are available?

Below you can see the options for grids which are the main style option. They’ll have all of the popular patterns, including craftsman grids. These are pretty common styles that you’ll see from most manufacturers. There’s nothing too special here, but it does accomplish what most people are looking for.

These are the grid options for the Gentek 80 Series windows.

What is the warranty for the Gentek 80 Series?

These windows come with a lifetime warranty that is transferable to the next owner. This is pretty common among nicer vinyl windows. It’s a great feature to have but it’s not a huge differentiator since it’s offered by many companies.

One aspect of the warranty that is often overlooked is that it also covers labor to fix a warranty issue. That is something that all companies do not offer and it’s a great feature.

What are the downsides to these windows?

There are a few downsides to this model. For example, we mentioned earlier that the style options are a little limited. For example, there aren’t many colors available, there are no options for upgraded hardware and no option for exterior grids or blinds in the glass.

Those limitations aren’t too unusual for a new construction window, but they might be important to you.

Beyond the style, the air infiltration rate is also a little higher with this model than we would like. That measures how much air can get through the window when it’s closed and locked.

The air infiltration rates for the single hung 80 Series varies between 0.17 and 0.20 in the standard configuration. To be fair that’s good enough to get the AAMA Gold Seal so it’s not horrible. That said it’s also not nearly as good as the nicer Gentek Signature Elite window that we’ll be reviewing shortly. As a point of comparison, the Signature Elite has a significantly better air infiltration rate of 0.04. If air infiltration is a concern for you we might suggest looking at the upgraded model instead.

What is the bottom line?

Overall the Gentek 80 Series is a decent new construction window. It’s available with a stucco fin or a nail fin or as a box frame for a replacement application. Some of the style options are a little limited but that won’t matter if the styles they do offer work for your project.

This isn’t the nicest window Gentek makes, but it’s a perfectly decent choice for many projects. And, the warranty is pretty solid as well.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy.  Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Gentek 5100 Sliding Door Reviews

If you’re thinking about a Gentek 5100 sliding door you may want to think about a different option instead. We recently reviewed the newer Gentek Sanctuary door and you may find it to be a better option.

If you are still considering the 5100 sliding door you’ll want to be clear about the reason. Overall this isn’t a very great door, but there might be a reason that it could still make sense for you.

Why isn’t the 5100 sliding door any good?

For starters this is a very old design. I worked for the parent company of Gentek, Associated Materials, back in 2004 and this model was not new then. It’s old.

Old doesn’t necessarily mean bad, but this was a low end option back then and it hasn’t gotten any nicer with the passage of nearly 20 years.

Here’s the picture from the cover of the 5100 sliding door brochure. Seriously.

Just in case you didn’t believe me when I said this was an OLD design, here is the picture from the cover of the brochure. Look at the TV in that living room. This is not a recent picture. I would guess they last updated this picture about 20 years ago.

Ok, but what are the real downsides?

One drawback is that this door is pretty flimsy. It comes with the vinyl frame assembled and it’s about the most wobbly thing you’ve ever seen. In my experience the door doesn’t seal very well and it really does feel cheap.

What colors are available?

Hardly any. You can only order this bad boy in white or beige. No other colors are available.

Can you get blinds in the glass in this sliding door?

No.

Why would someone pick this model?

The one redeeming characteristic of this door is that you can get custom sizes that are not too expensive and they come in quickly.

If you need a custom sized door for a flip house or a lower end rental this could be a fine option. Otherwise I’d look for the nicer Gentek models.

What’s the bottom line?

Gentek makes some very nice products. They make a nice patio door called the Sanctuary and if you’re in the market for a sliding door that’s the option I would suggest. The Sanctuary door is pretty nice, but this 5100 model door is not.

If you’re enticed by the low cost custom sizes that are available just know that you’re getting into so you’re not disappointed later.

Other posts you might find helpful:

Gentek Sanctuary Sliding Door Reviews

The Sanctuary sliding door from Gentek is the nicest sliding door option that Gentek produces. Is it a nice enough door for your home? Let’s find out.

As readers of the site will know I tend to be a fan of many of the Gentek products and as a result my company does offer them in some markets. Of course there are Gentek products that I’m not a big fan of, like the Concord Plus window. Luckily the Gentek Sanctuary sliding door is a pretty decent option and here we’ll look at it in more detail.

For starters, the Sanctuary sliding door is available in three configurations.

This is a little unusual, but this door can be ordered with a typical 3″ wide sash, a wider 5″ sash or it can be ordered in a French style.

That terminology may be a little confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Below you can see a few pictures that will illustrate the differences.

Gentek Sanctuary sliding door in the contemporary style with 3" rails.
Here is the Sanctuary sliding door with 3″ rails. When we’re talking about the size of the rails we’re talking about the parts that are circled in this picture.

As you can see above this is the door style that is designed to maximize light. When we’re saying this model has 3″ rails we’re talking about the parts that are circled in the picture. They call this the contemporary style.

You can see the Classic style in the picture below. This option uses 5″ rails for a more substantial look. The downside is that the glass is a little smaller due to the thicker rails.

Here is the Sanctuary door in the classic style with 5" rails.
Here is the Sanctuary sliding door with 5″ rails. The difference is only a style thing. One style isn’t better than other, some people just prefer different looks. There is something wrong with this picture. If you can spot it post a comment below and you’ll win the prize.

As you can see in the picture above the thicker rails of the Classic style do give the door a nice look. This option is a little more expensive and it does have less glass area so you’d need to decide which you prefer.

What about the French style sliding doors?

This is the Sanctuary door in the French style sliding door configuration.
This is the French style of the Sanctuary door. You can see the thicker rails which are designed to look like a French door but operate like a sliding door.

Here’s the French style door and you can see how it has a thicker bottom and top rail to look more like a French style door. This Sanctuary door still opens by sliding which means it doesn’t take up space when it opens and it seals very well.

This is a bit of an unusual style. To my knowledge Gentek copied this style from Andersen. It’s not the most popular option but the people who order it tend to be very happy with it.

What about the energy efficiency?

The Sanctuary doors are available with all of the same Barrier XP glass packages that you can get in the Gentek windows. That means there are hundreds of available packages. You can get just about any configuration that you’d like or your dealer can probably make a recommendation or two.

These are the common efficiency packages, called Barrier XP, for the Sanctuary door.

Here are a handful of popular packages. You can see U-Factors are available down to 0.20 with triple pane glass and common double pane packages are at 0.27.

What colors are available for the Sanctuary sliding doors?

There are a wide range of color options available. Here you can see the interior and exterior color options.

These are the color options for the Sanctuary sliding door.

It’s important to note that all color combinations are not available so you’ll want to talk to your dealer about the availability. Also, custom colors are NOT available at all. For most folks this isn’t an issue, but something to be aware of.

What are the other popular features?

You’ll get make great standard features with this door like multi-point locks, extruded screen frames, powder coated hardware, durable rollers, etc.

Then, there are a range of optional features available like a foot lock for added security or an exterior key lock. You can also get upgraded decorative interior handles, shown below. The standard hardware will be color matched to the door.

Here are the hardware options for the Classic and Contemporary Sanctuary door.

Can you get blinds in the glass?

Yes you can. The blinds for this door are a little unique in that they come with a 20 year warranty. Most other manufacturers only offer a 10 year warranty on blinds so that’s a pretty big difference. The blinds raise and tilt and you can still get efficiency packages with the blinds, also a little unique.

What sizes are available?

These doors are available in 2, 3 and 4 panel configurations from 4′ wide to 12′ with custom sizes also available. They’re also available in 8′ tall models which is not the case with every door. If you have a challenging door opening this could be a great model. Just be aware that custom sizes can get a little expensive and they can take a long time to come it. Gentek tells us they’re working to improve lead-times for custom doors, but we’ll believe that when we see it.

What’s the bottom line?

This is a good quality door with great efficiency options, many common color and style options and a lifetime warranty to back it all up. It doesn’t have some of the newer features like a top hung screen or an additional locking bolt at the top of the frame, but those are features that are often more fluff anyway.

Overall Gentek has a very solid door option in this Sanctuary model.

Other posts you might find helpful:

How can you find a great window company?

This part is easier than some people thing. If you’re looking for a great window company you can find recommendations all over the country right here. We list companies that we know and my company too so you can make the process of getting new windows just as easy as possible. 

Let us know how it goes.

Gentek Sequoia Select Windows Reviews

Readers of the site will know that I tend to think Gentek windows are some of the nicest windows out there and the Sequoia Select is a very nice window model.

I do think this is the second nicest window that Gentek products so it’s worth considering. That’s also why my company decided to offer it. You may also want to look at the newer Signature Elite model that is also a great choice.

Here is a Gentek Sequoia Select sliding window.

What are the advantages of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

There are a few aspects of the Sequoia Select windows that separate them from other options out there. For example, they’ll come standard with upgraded block and tackle balance mechanisms that are nicer than the cheaper constant force balances you’ll see in many windows.

best replacement window balances
Here is a quick list of the advantages of the nicer block and tackle balances.

This is the part of the window that allows it to open and close and prevents it from slamming shut. Often times companies will use cheaper components here because customers don’t know much about them. Almost all higher end products will use higher end components like this so it’s a good indication of quality.

Next, the Sequoia Select model is available with dozens of efficiency packages that they call Barrier XP. This means you can pick a package that makes sense for your house rather than being forced to pick from two or three choices.

Here are the common efficiency ratings of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows.
Here are some of the common packages. Remember there are dozens more available.

The trick there is that often times the in-home salesman won’t understand the choices. That means they’ll sometimes struggle to explain the options. If you get someone who knows what they’re talking about this won’t be an issue.

In addition, the Sequoia Select windows are designed with very strong vinyl frames and copious amounts of weatherstripping to make sure they hold up and keep the elements out.

Overall, this is a pretty good quality product.

What colors are available?

These windows are available in a wide range of interior and exterior colors. Below you can see the available colors as of today. Keep in mind the color palette does change over time.

You’ll see they do offer a black exterior which is a very popular option lately but there is no option for a black interior.

We commonly see customers get a little crossed up when picking color combinations. The easy way to think about it is to start with the idea that the windows come either white, beige or clay. Then, another color can be applied to the interior and/or the exterior.

So you can get a white window and then apply the black exterior to have a window that is white inside and black outside.

If you’re not sure about the options it’s always easiest to check with the company offering the windows. They should be able to help make picking colors easier.

What is the warranty on the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

The warranty on this model is pretty solid as well. The original buyer gets a lifetime warranty that covers the frames, the sashes, the glass, hardware and the screens.

The warranty is also transferable when you sell the house so you can use that as a selling point.

It is important to note that the glass breakage warranty is optional so your dealer needs to include it in your original order. Overall I’d say the warranty is a good selling point for this model.

What are the downsides of the Gentek Sequoia Select windows?

The main downside to this model is the bulkier frame. In the past, manufacturers would make their “top of the line” model with thick frames so they could talk about strength.

Many years ago earlier vinyl windows were thought of as flimsy so manufacturers focused on strength in their marketing. The result was the nicer windows in the market had thick frames and then people decided they didn’t like that.

Now, most manufacturers are moving to a slimmer frame design, but there are still thicker framed windows out there. The Sequoia Select falls into that category. This isn’t a huge issue if you have larger windows, but if you have smaller windows it can be more of a concern.

Other than that there aren’t a lot of downsides. This is a pretty solid all around window.

What’s the bottom line?

Ultimately, the Gentek Sequoia Select model is a decent choice. The warranty is good, the available options compare well with the competition and the efficiency ratings are solid.

As a result, this is a product that my company offers, but it’s not always our most commonly recommended option. If you’re considering this model you might also want to look at the newer Signature Elite model where you might find a little more value.

How can you find a great window company?

This part is easier than some people thing. If you’re looking for a great window company you can find recommendations all over the country right here. We list companies that we know and my company too so you can make the process of getting new windows just as easy as possible.

Let us know how it goes.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Gentek Concord Plus Windows Reviews

If you’re thinking about buying Gentek Concord Plus windows you might want to look for a nicer option. It’s true that Gentek makes some of the nicer vinyl replacement windows on the market, but the Concord Plus model is their lower end option.

It’s a fine window but it traces its history back quite a while and I think you’ll be happier with the nicer Gentek Signature Elite or Sequoia Select. Ultimately the price difference between the lower end Concord Plus and the nicer models is not too huge. It’ll be worth the added cost to get the nicer window models.

Here is the frame of the Gentek Concord Plus.

What is the history of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

Many years ago Gentek made a model called the Signature that was very popular. There were many thousands of these windows sold and installed and it was a big hit.

As time marched on, the Signature model started to get a little long in the tooth. Gentek then came out with a new model called the Signature Elite and they basically rebranded the old model the Concord Plus.

So, the Concord Plus window is based on a very popular option, but it’s an older design that just isn’t as nice as the newer options.

What are the advantages of the Gentek Concord Plus window?

I don’t mean to be too much of a Debbie downer, there are nice aspects to the Concord Plus windows. For one they’ll use slim frames which will maximize glass space.

If you have small window openings and you want to maximize the glass area in your new windows this might be a model to consider. It will provide more glass area than many other models in the same size opening.

Unfortunately that’s about where the advantages to this model end.

The Gentek Concord Plus windows use Barrier XP glass packages.

What are the downsides to the Gentek Concord Plus window?

This list will be a little longer. For example, this window model comes with thinner single strength glass and it uses cheaper constant force balances vs the nicer block and tackle balances used on other Gentek models.

The Concord Plus model will use a cheaper type of roll formed screen frame and the air infiltration rate is higher than the newer models as well.

What’s the bottom line?

Gentek makes some great windows, really some of the best windows on the market today. Unfortunately, the Concord Plus isn’t the best option they make and it’s one we would suggest you avoid.

If you’re looking at Gentek windows look at the much nicer Signature Elite and Sequoia Select models and you’ll be much happier.

How can you find a great window company?

That part is easy. Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country. There’s no better way to get new windows.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Why You Should NEVER Buy Simonton Windows!

If you’re considering buying Simonton windows you’ll want to read this post. Here we’re outlining the reasons that anyone should avoid Simonton windows.

To be fair you’ll find that a window salesman will always tell you why you shouldn’t buy this brand or that brand so you’ll want to take this with a bit of a grain of salt. We’re playing devil’s advocate here a little bit, but these are the reasons a competing salesman will tell you to avoid Simonton windows.

Remember, if you think I’m wrong about something post a comment below.

First, they’re lower end or “contractor grade” windows.

This is something you’ll always hear about Simonton windows. There is a little truth to it as Simonton is widely distributed and typically sold by smaller contractors who are more focused on price than quality.

The terms like “contractor grade” are always a little silly since they don’t really mean anything. The nugget of truth here is that they do use lower end components and older designs. That’s why you generally don’t see nicer window companies selling Simonton windows.

Next, Simonton windows use lower end components than other brands.

This one is mostly true. You’ll see Simonton windows use the lower end constant force or coil balances. Higher end products will generally use the upgraded block and tackle type balances that are tested to last longer and operate better.

best replacement window balances
Here you can see the main differences between constant force (used in Simonton windows) and the nicer block and tackle balances.

This is something that most customers don’t really know anything about. You can’t really see the balances when you’re looking at the windows. That means it’s an easy way for a manufacturer to cut a corner.

Simonton is owned by Ply Gem which also makes higher end brands like Great Lakes. They don’t want to interfere with the high end window sales so they keep Simonton windows a little cheaper. That makes sense from a business standpoint.

Simonton windows have higher air infiltration rates.

This is a common line used against Simonton windows and it’s worth considering. The air infiltration rates will be different with different Simonton models so there isn’t one answer. In general Simonton windows do have higher (worse) air infiltration rates than you’ll see from higher end manufacturers.

For example, most newer window designs will have air infiltration rates under 0.05. With some common Simonton models the air infiltration rate will be 2x or 3x that rate. Some new construction windows will be even worse.

That means more air can get through the windows when closed and locked. This is a common complaint about windows, so it’s something to consider.

Finally, the thicker frames will block more light.

This is another one that people sometimes don’t consider until it’s too late. Some popular Simonton windows like the 5500 series will use thicker frames than many other models. That means the same size window will provide less glass area than you’d get with a different window model.

Now, that’s not true with every model. For example the Impressions 9800 or the Reflections 5500 models do tend to have thicker frames but the Daylight Max or 5050 series will use slimmer frames.

The trick is that the slimmer models from Simonton tend to be their lower end designs so you give up other features when switching to those models.

So, you can get the nicer windows and features but you have to take the thicker frames. Or, you can get the slimmer windows with more glass are, but you get lower end windows. That’s not a great trade off if you ask me.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Keep in mind that a salesperson will typically tell you all about the downsides of any window model. The issues listed above are generally based in reality, but only you can decide how important they are.

It is true that most larger window companies don’t sell Simonton windows. They’re usually sold by smaller handyman or jack of all trade type of operations. That’s one indication that they’re not the best windows out there and they’re not a product my company would typically offer.

How can you find a great window company?

That’s easy. If you’re considering a window project you can check this section for recommendations for window companies all over the country. That’s the best way we know of to find a great local window company.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton ProSolar Packages – Explained!

When ordering Simonton windows picking out a ProSolar package is VERY important to the overall success of the project. This can be a tricky step because most folks aren’t window experts. Frankly, most in-home window salespeople aren’t window experts either.

We routinely see people get bad advice from window salespeople, either to drive up the cost of the project or just because they don’t understand what they’re selling. Luckily it doesn’t need to be too hard to pick out a good package.

Replacement window efficiency ratings.
Here you can see the Energy Star ratings for windows in different parts of the country.

How can you pick the right Simonton ProSolar package for your home?

Don’t worry, we can help.

You’ll hear window salespeople telling all sorts of stories about low-e glass, gas fills and types of spacers.

This can all feel a little complicated but it’s really not as complicated as you might think.

The Simonton ProSolar packages will all involve combinations of these factors, the low-e coating, the gas fill and the spacer.

Step 1: Decide what you’re trying to accomplish

This may sound obvious but it’s a step people skip all the time. If you’re in the north you probably want a package that emphasizes cold weather performance. If you’re in the south, protection from the sun might be most important.

Then, there may be factors that are unique to you or to your house. For example, I once lived in Baltimore with large windows that faced south. It would get HOT in that house in the afternoons almost all year round. For me, reducing the heat from the sun on that side of the house was pretty important even though Baltimore isn’t exactly the deep south.

Step 2: Define success

At this stage it’s important to keep in mind that lower efficiency ratings aren’t always better. We often see customers struggling to compare the options. These customers will sometimes be inclined to just go for the lowest efficiency ratings thinking that must be the best choice.

That’s not really how it works. For example, the lowest SHGC rating means less heat from the sun gets into the house, but it also means the glass will be darker. In addition it means that you won’t benefit from the heat from the sun in the winter. If you’re in the north this can be pretty important.

We typically recommend using the Energy Star guidelines from the US Department of Energy as a starting point. That way you’ll know you’re looking at options that are at least pretty good. Note, the Energy Star map is shown above.

Pick your Simonton ProSolar package

Simonton ProSolar package.

The basic ProSolar package is shown here. It’s a pretty solid choice for someone in the middle of the country where it’s not too hot or too cold. If you are in a more extreme climate this package probably won’t be the best choice.

Simonton ProSolar Shade package details and info.

The ProSolar shade package, shown above, will be designed for high sun areas. If you’re in the south or if the sun is the main problem you’re trying to solve this package might make sense. It uses a heaver type of low-e coating on the glass to block more solar heat.

The downside to this package is that it will make the glass a little darker than other options. That might be a tradeoff that you’re willing to make, but it’s something to be aware of.

Simonton ProSoalr Sun Package explained.

The Simonton ProSolar Sun package is designed for cooler climates where you want more heat from the sun. This package will have a lighter low-e coating. In addition to more solar heat it will also allow more visible light which is attractive to many people.

What about spacers and gasses?

Once you’ve picked a basic package you can still change the type of spacer in the package and the type of gas fill. These factors will have a much smaller impact on the overall efficiency so it’s important to weigh the increase in cost vs the difference in benefit.

Luckily this is pretty easy to do. All windows will have published efficiency ratings for all options. If the salesman is trying to tell you that he only recommends windows with Super Spacer because it’s the best, you’ll want to ask about the ratings and the cost difference with a lower cost spacer.

Usually the difference in ratings from a spacer is only 0.01 or 0.02 in the U-Factor. If the cost difference is small that might be fine, but if he’s charging you $50 per window more for that option you can probably skip it. You’re not likely to notice a difference that small.

What’s the bottom line?

There are a lot of available efficiency options but it’s not rocket science. Start by identifying what problem you’re trying to solve, then define success then pick a package that will achieve success.

Lower ratings are not always better, in fact they can sometimes be worse. It’s important that you don’t just focus on the numbers without considering what those numbers actually do for you.

How can I find a great local window company?

That part is easy. You can check this section for recommended window companies all over the country.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Simonton Impressions Inovo vs 5500 Inovo Patio Door

If you’re looking for the differences between the Simonton Impressions Inovo vs 5500 Inovo patio doors you may have some questions. Luckily we have answers.

First, these two Simonton patio doors are the same.

They’re the exact same. The Simonton Impressions Inovo and Simonton 5500 Inovo doors are identical. You can find our full review on the Simonton Inovo patio door here.

This offers you a great opportunity to see if your salesperson is being honest with you.

Typically the Simonton Impressions 9800 window line is sold at a higher price than the lower cost Simonton 5500 windows. That means the salesperson selling the more expensive windows may also want to charge you more for the door.

To find out if your Simonton salesman is being honest, ask them for a quote for the other door.

If he already quoted you the impressions door ask for a quote on the 5500 model. If he tells you the two doors are identical then he’s being honest with you and you can probably trust his other answers as well.

However, if the salesman raises or lowers the quote on the other Inovo patio door then you can be confident they’re trying to manipulate you and you can cross them off of your list.

Ultimately Simonton only makes one Inovo patio door and if the salesman tells you anything else he’s trying to trick you.

What should you do if you think I’m wrong about this?

Post a comment below and let me know. You’ll see many folks do that all over this site every day so feel free to join in. It’s always our goal to be accurate so if we’re actually wrong about anything we’ll update it and if you’re wrong we’ll let you know. It’s fun.

How can I find a great window company?

That part is easy. Check this section for recommendations of local window companies (including my company) all over the country. This will be the best place to get started.

Other posts you might be interested in: