Now Offering Gentek, Revere & Alside Windows (almost) Nationwide!

In the fall of 2015 we started testing a program offering both Alside windows and Revere windows with and without professional installation in several cities across the country. Thanks to our fantastic readers this program has been a HUGE success. As a result, we’ve expanded to 37 markets nationwide and launched our new brand, Window Universe Express.  We’ve even added the upgraded Gentek product line in many markets.

If you’re looking for new windows for your home this is the easiest possible way to get there and I’ll show you why. Check out our FAQ (link below) for even more info.

widow dog replacement windows
Here’s the window dog hard at work with the team at a home and garden show. He has to earn his kibble around here!

First, we’re offering a wide range of window options from Alside windows and Revere (and now we’ve added Gentek). Our most popular options have been the Alside Mezzo and the Revere Berkshire Elite and there are many others to choose from. We’re also offering all styles of windows including casements, bay windows, garden windows, sliding patio doors and much more.

Next we’re offering top quality installation with a local project manager and top quality installation crews to make sure everything is done right. You can also install the windows yourself if you’d prefer.

Best of all, if you’re in an area covered by this program, we can get you a complete itemized quote for your project without ever inviting a salesperson to your home.

That’s right, you could spend several evenings inviting salespeople into your home to give you their sales pitch, walk you through their predetermined “price drops” and try to close the deal with their 50% off today only special after calling the manager for a special deal 3 times. Or, you could exchange a few emails with our industry experts to get your project moving along quickly and easily.

It’s up to you…

So who is Window Universe?

window universe replacement windows

Window Universe is the company we founded many years ago. We’ve grown from one small business operating out of an apartment to a multimillion-dollar business with 16 stores in several states and more on the way.

With our Window Universe Express brand we have the same top-quality products and services that we offer through our retail stores.

How does this all work?

It’s pretty simple, which is why I love it. When you’re ready to get a quote for your replacement window project just fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with the most helpful email we can write as quickly as we can.

You’ll see we don’t need the sizes of the windows to get you a quote. This seems unusual to some folks, but even in markets where we have stores our reps don’t measure the windows.   It’s just not necessary to get a quote in the vast majority of projects. We’ll get the windows measured before the manufacturing begins, but it’s not needed yet.

The basic info we’ll need is how many windows you want to replace, how do you want them to open, what color window frames do you want, etc. Just the basics.

If there is anything about your project that you think is unusual just note it and we’ll address it when we get back to you. The whole process is really easy.

What have our customers been saying about this program?

 Here’s one example:

If you don’t want to DIY your windows but pride yourself in being an informed consumer, Window Universe Express is the way to go! After sitting for hours listening to people tell me why their windows were the best, I couldn’t figure out why the window packages I was being presented with were so expensive ($10 – 12k for 7 slider windows)…

We are so pleased with the windows, the installer, and the process… Window Universe Express has created a great way to inform yourself as a consumer and be able to get real numbers. No games, gimmicks or “guess what your price is going to be if you buy it today!”

I rarely write reviews for products/services, but I was so impressed with the process, price and product, I told Dan that I would be happy to endorse them!

–Excerpt of an Angie’s List review from Andrea in Seattle, WA

Here’s another.

Every aspect of this window experience was excellent. They didn’t give a sales pitch, but instead provided links to specific information about all different types/brands of windows with ratings and specifications, so I was able to make an informed decision. 

He then provided a very detailed quote so I knew exactly what I was paying for, and was able to add or remove options and see the price impact of these changes. The accountant in me loved this approach.  Once we agreed to the window specs, I was given a final price and the measuring was scheduled. 

The gentlemen who came to measure the windows arrived when scheduled and was quick and efficient.  The windows were promptly ordered and once the windows were ready, the installation was scheduled.  The installation crew arrived on time and got right to work.  They put down tarps on my carpets since the install was on the 2nd floor and it was wet and snowy outside.  They installed the windows in a few hours and cleaned up afterwards.

–Excerpt of an Angie’s List review from Lisa in Philadelphia, PA

Here’s a bit more feedback from Austin in Dallas.  You get the idea.

Folks love it.

Why are the prices so great?

Ha.  Good question.  Window Universe Express is a completely different kind of window company.  We’re able to offer top quality products and expert level service at a very low price because we don’t spend our money on things you don’t care about.

Most traditional window companies spend tons and tons of money on sales and marketing.  It’s not unusual for a company to spend 30%-40% of their total sales dollars on things that you don’t care about like sales commissions, marketing and advertising.  Paying people to walk around neighborhoods knocking on doors is expensive, so are tv commercials and billboards.

Another company may be able to get to a similar price by offering cheap windows or by using cheap subcontractors.  That’s a low price, but it’s not a great value.

A typical company offering the products and services we do would charge $10k for a project while we would charge $7k or less.  It’s just a great deal.

I have more questions

Great! I love it when folks ask great questions. I’ve been emailing with many people about this program since we launched. I’ve noted most of the questions we get and put the answers all in one place for you.

On our FAQ page you’ll find answers to all sorts of questions like:

  • Will the price change after the windows are measured?
  • Who does the installation?
  • What is the warranty on these windows?
  • Are these the right windows for my climate?

How do I get a quote?

That’s the easiest part. When you’re ready to get a detailed itemized quote for your project just fill out the form below and we’ll send you back an email just as quickly as we can.

If you don’t know the answer to any of the questions or if you’re not sure about something just make a note of it and send in the form as complete as you can. It’s ok if you don’t know all of the terms for these things. We don’t require you to be a window expert.

What if I don’t know the window terms?

Don’t worry about it.  If you’re unsure about something just take your best guess and let us know you’re not quite sure.  We can always revise the proposal later.

What cities are included in this program?

Here is the list of cities where we are currently offering this program. We’ll surely be adding more soon so if your city isn’t on the list check back often.

Don’t see the area you’re looking for, try here.

If you’re within about an hour of any of these cities and you’re ready to finally get those new windows just fill out the form right here. We will get back to you asap and we will NEVER share your information with anyone.

Have more questions?  Don’t be shy, just ask!

To see if we can help with your project just fill out this form and you’ll receive an email with the next steps within 24 hours.






Get your completely FREE project quote by email.  

Energy Star Windows Have CHANGED

Energy Star windows and doors will need to meet a tougher criteria effective October 23, 2023. We’ll explain the details right here.

The requirements have gotten tougher to meet, especially in the North and North Central zones.

What are the new requirements for Energy Star windows?

Here you can see the old requirements for Energy Star windows compared to the new requirements.

Requirements for Energy Star windows effective late 2023 into 2024.
Here you can see the old and new efficiency requirements for Energy Star windows.

For any window to be Energy Star certified it will need to have a U-Factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient at or below the numbers listed.

The requirements are more stringent in all climate zones with the Northern and North Central numbers being harder for many companies to achieve with double pane glass. Most companies can reach these ratings with triple pane glass, but that will increase the cost of your project.

Is there a tax credit for Energy Star windows?

Not anymore. There is a new federal tax credit for windows, but the requirements have changed. In the past windows needed to be Energy Star certified to qualify, but now they need to meet the Energy Star Most Efficient criterial which is different.

Requirements for Energy Star Most Efficient windows.
Here are the Energy Star “Most Efficient ratings by climate zone. More info on the Energy Star website here.

That can be a little confusing and you can find more info on tax credits for energy efficiency windows here.

Are the Energy Star requirements the same for windows and for doors?

Yes. The requirements are the same, but the tax credit requirements are a little different. The short story is that the regular Energy Star levels do qualify doors for tax credits, but windows need to meet the more stringent “most efficient” criteria.

Refer to recent post about the federal tax credit for replacement windows for more info. It is a little tricky, but it’s a government program so what do you expect?

Does it matter if my new windows are Energy Star rated?

Not really. It can be a helpful benchmark to determine how efficient your new windows will be, but in reality a difference in U-Factor of 0.01 can make or break an Energy Star rating but doesn’t really make any difference in overall performance of your new windows.

A larger difference in efficiency ratings can make a real difference in the performance so it’s important to understand window efficiency ratings. This will help you compare one option to another. Window salesmen will often make all sorts of claims that aren’t based in reality so understanding the real ratings will go a long way to helping you make the right decision.

If you’re looking for a great window company in your area you can find our recommendations for local companies all over the country here.

Tax Credit for New Windows and doors EXPLAINED

The federal tax credit for replacement windows and doors is back! But, the requirements changed substantially in 2023, the potential benefit has gotten better and the whole thing is a little more complicated.

Many window salesmen don’t understand these programs so it’s important to make sure have the real information. We’ll get to the bottom of it right here.

Topics we’ll cover are:

  • Changes to federal tax credits for energy efficient windows
  • Requirements for tax credit for energy efficient doors
  • Tax benefit for purchasing energy efficient windows and doors
  • Cost increase for windows that qualify for the tax credits

Changes to federal tax credit for energy efficient windows and doors

Effective Jan 1, 2023 the requirements for tax credits for installing new efficient windows and doors have changed. The requirements are a more strict, meaning more efficient windows are required to get the tax credit.

In the past the windows just needed to meet the Energy Star criteria, but now the windows need to meet the Energy Star “Most Efficient” criteria which are substantially different.

Energy Star Most Efficient criteria for federal tax credits for replacement windows.
Here you can see the requirements for windows to meet the Energy Star Most Efficient criteria for eligibility for federal tax credits effective in 2023 and beyond.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Energy Star most efficient criteria are different in the different climate zones. This makes sense because someone in Arizona has different efficiency needs than someone in Maine.

In all areas of the country windows need a U-Factor of 0.20 or less to qualify. For most windows this means they’ll need to have triple pane glass. Even with triple pane glass many products still won’t qualify. They’ll likely need other upgrades as well.

The other criteria is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or SHGC. That number needs to be at or below 0.20 in the Northern climate zone, 0.40 in the North-Central, 0.25 in the South-Central and Southern regions.

If you’re looking at new windows that meet both of those criteria then you’ll qualify for the new federal tax credit. You can find details about how much money you can save on your taxes below.

Tax credit requirements for doors are quite a bit different

Doors, including sliding patio doors, only need to meet the Energy Star 7.0 criteria as of October 23, 2023. Doors do not need to meet the Energy Star Most Efficient levels in order to qualify for tax credits.

Does the terminology seem a little confusing? It’s a typical government program, but it’s easy enough to figure out.

Energy Star 7.0 requirements for windows and doors.
Here are the Energy Star 7.0 criteria for windows and doors. Doors that meet these criteria will qualify for tax credits but windows that only meet this criteria will not. Windows need to meet the more stringent criteria called “Most Efficient”.

Doors only need to meet the Energy Star criteria, but effective October 23, 2023 those requirements are changing and getting a little harder to meet. Find more info on tax credits for doors from the Energy Star website here.

In the graphic above you can see the difference between the old Energy Star 6.0 criteria and the new Energy Star 7.0 criteria for doors. There are a few ways to meet this criteria in the Northern climate zone. The other zones are a little more straightforward.

What is the tax benefit for installing energy efficient windows and doors?

What do you get back from Uncle Sam when you buy energy efficient windows and doors? If you purchase qualifying products you’ll be eligible for federal tax credits for 30% of the cost of the new windows and doors with a $600 annual max for windows and a $500 annual max for doors.

As an example, let’s look at someone who bought 10 windows and a sliding patio door for $12,000. You’ll need to get an itemized invoice from your window company that will break out the cost of the door from the windows and separate the labor.

Let’s say the windows were $6,000, the door was $2,000 and the installation was $4,000.

This person would be eligible for 30% of the cost of the windows ($6000 x 0.30 = $1,800). The max would limit the tax credit to $600 for the windows. The door would be eligible too ($2,000 x 0.30 = $600). They’d be limited to $500 for the door so this project would max out the tax credit and the person in our example would save $1,100 on their taxes that year.

This is a tax credit not a deduction so it’s real savings. Of course you should contact your tax professional with any questions, but it’s a relatively simple program.

It’s important to note that the max is annual meaning you could buy some windows this year, more windows next year and you can get the $600 for both years. I imagine some people will spread out projects to maximize tax credits, but many will probably just max it out one year and be done with it.

What is the cost of windows that qualify for tax credits?

The criteria windows and doors need to meet to qualify for tax credits has gotten more stringent. The cost has also gone up. You’ll need to order a more efficient glass package in order to qualify. The cost of that package will likely exceed the tax credit that you’ll receive.

That means you’ll pay more for the upgrade than you’ll get back. That’s not ideal, but it does offset the cost of getting a more efficient result.

In the example above the person bought 10 windows and 1 sliding door and qualified for $1,100 in tax credits. The cost of that upgrade compared to a more common efficiency package is likely to be in the range of $2,000.

In that case you’d be paying $2,000 in order to get a tax credit of $1,100. The net result is you paid $900 more and got windows that are much more efficient.

So, you’re not going to get new windows for free as a result of these tax credits, but it does offset the increased cost that comes with an efficiency upgrade.

That efficiency upgrade will make your home more comfortable and lower your utility costs for decades so it’s definitely something to consider. Especially with Uncle Sam paying part of the bill.

What else to know about window and door tax credits?

It’s important to note that you’re only eligible for these tax credits if the windows and doors are installed in your primary home. Rental houses don’t count.

You don’t need a professional to install the windows. You could install them yourself. However, it’s unlikely you’ll find windows efficient enough to qualify on the shelf at Home Depot. It takes higher end window to qualify. Products like that are typically sold through dealers or window companies.

Some manufacturers likely won’t have products that can meet these standards. The requirements are pretty strict. Some will also likely only have very expensive ways to qualify. This is because some companies will need to use krypton gas between the panes and that’s an expensive solution.

If you’re considering ordering windows it’s worthwhile to understand the cost difference involved in the upgrade that would qualify so you can make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a window company you can find our recommendations for local window companies all over the country right here.