The model home windows program is one of our favorite window sales scams. If you’ve ever seen the movie Tin Men with Danny DeVito and Richard Dryfus you know this one. The fact that this trick is still frequently used has always surprised me. As is the case with all of these window maneuvers they wouldn’t still exist if people didn’t buy them so watch out!
The basics of this maneuver come back to the idea that if a company wants to sell you something at a price above the market price they need a way to entice you to make an irrational decision. The irrational decision in this case is to pay more for something than you need to.
Now remember, paying more than you need to doesn’t refer to a comparison with the absolute cheapest company in town. When you buy a remodeling project you’re buying the quality of the products, the quality of the service the strength of the warranty, etc. All of these things have value and they’re all worth something. When we say these companies are trying to entice you to pay more than you need to we mean after factoring all of these components into it, they’re still charging more than their competitors.
How can I be sure these companies are trying to charge you more than their competitors would?
Because it’s not my first day in this business…and also because they’re lying to you.
Remember we started this post talking about the model home discount. This is when a company offers to sell you their products and services for an incredibly low price so they can use your house as an example of the great work they do. They’re expecting all of your neighbors to see how great your house looks and they’re expecting to sell your neighbors windows too.
This sounds like a real win-win situation. You get great new windows. You know they’re going to do a great job because they want to show off their work at your home. They’re only offering this deal to one house in the neighborhood so you’d better sign up now to take advantage right? NO. This is never a good deal.
In reality they’re telling you this because it’s a good story. They need to get past the universal human tendency to be cautious. You see we evolved over millions of years to be leery of risky situations. This is how we as humans survived all these years. Now they want you to sign a contract and fork over thousands of your hard earned dollars without so much as a google search? Forget about it. You’ll never do it….unless it’s a really fantastic deal.
You see these companies know that another universal human tendency is to LOVE a great deal and to HATE missing a great deal. You love telling your friends about that great shirt you found at TJ Maxx or the steal of a deal you found on the clearance rack, right? How did I know that? Because everyone loves that. It’s human nature. In this case the remodeling company is attempting to use one tendency to overcome the other.
“I wouldn’t fall for that” you’re probably saying. I know, of course you wouldn’t. Nobody in their right mind would over pay for some sales scam. Surprisingly these companies do millions of dollars in business each and every year. People are going for it every day. Nobody every buys something because they think it’s a bad deal. These companies do a great job explaining it and you ‘re left thinking you got the deal of the century. My what a great consumer you are!
Just remember, a model home discount is NEVER a good deal. The price offered today will still be good tomorrow or the next day or the week after that. If you compare your options and decide that you liked that first company then go for it, but don’t let them talk you into signing up on the spot. You should also remember that if they take the deal next week (as I guarantee they will) then they’re telling you that all that talk about model homes was a lie. Do you really want to work with a company that started out by lying to you?
I wouldn’t recommend it.
In extreme cases we’ve even heard these companies telling you to keep the prices secret so your neighbors don’t know what a great deal you got. You know the real reason they want you to keep the price a secret? Because your neighbor got the same price as you or maybe even better.
The big takeaway? As soon as you hear a company tell you that you’re getting a great price because they want to use your home as a model for the neighborhood just picture Danny Vevito and Richard Dryfus in your front yard yelling about putting your home in Better Homes and Gardens as the “before” house. Don’t be that sucker.
Here we’ve compiled our old reviews for discontinued Alside window models including:
Alside Excalibur
Sheffield
Ultramaxx
Centurion
Geneva
These models are gone but not forgotten. If you have any of these windows in your house you may be interested in the Alside window warranty and you can find info on that on our Alside windows page along with reviews of models that are still available.
If you’re looking for an Alside window that you can’t find listed anywhere it may be a private label window created for a specific contractor. Post a comment about it and we’ll be happy to help you make sense of it.
Now on to the old reviews.
Alside Excalibur window review
The Alside Excalibur window was the most popular window produced by Alside for many years. Millions of these windows have been installed all across the country. The Alside Excalibur window is slated to be discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the newer Alside Mezzo window.
The Alside Excalibur window has been a popular option because it meets the needs of most homeowners at an affordable price. This window came with standard features that we’re available options on competing models.
Standard features on Alside Excalibur windows:
Double strength glass
Heavy duty screen frame
Steel reinforced sashes
DP50 rated for strength
Sloped sill
Despite the list of standard features, the Excalibur window was often criticized online. This had a lot to do with the fact that it was sold by Window World under the Comfort Word 4000 brand at very low prices. This made the competition offering similar products at higher prices uncomfortable.
Not all criticism of the Alside Excalibur was unfounded. The design was a little past its prime and several elements were due for an upgrade. In addition the manufacturing tolerances weren’t as tight as they could have been which led to inconsistent quality.
What about the Alside warranty?
The warranty from Alside was always pretty solid and that was certainly the case with the Excalibur windows. The warranty covers the glass seal, the windows and the hardware for as long as the original purchaser lives in the home and it is transferable when the house is sold.
Alside Sheffield Reviews
Here we’ll be taking a look at the Alside Sheffield windows. The Sheffield windows used to sit near the top of the Alside window line. Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Ultramaxx and Comfort World 6000 series. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better window than the Alside Excalibur or the Alside Mezzo (their other common offerings), but it does mean it will likely cost more.
In comparison to the newest window in the Alside line, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently), the Sheffield doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations. For example, the Alside Sheffield window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not when initially launched. The Mezzo window now has this feature available so that leaves one less reason to buy the Sheffield model. Obviously this only matter to you if you’re a triple pane kind of person.
Another point of differentiation is the fact that the Sheffield window has a few extra pieces of weather stripping. This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better. This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Sheffield isn’t doing you much good. It provides the salesperson a nice story to tell, but it doesn’t do much else.
The biggest drawback in my mind is that the Alside Sheffield window uses a much thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably. If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thick frame, especially the sill, and decide if that’s what you want in your home.
Alside Sheffield vs Ultramaxx
The Alside Sheffield and the Alside Ultramaxx share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts. There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products. One is the type of sill. The Sheffield uses a sloped sill that allows water to run off and the Ultramaxx uses a pocket sill that drains water out through weep holes in the frame. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems.
The Alside Sheffield and Ultramaxx models are almost exactly the same product.
The second difference between the Sheffield vs the Ultramaxx is the lift rail on the sash. The Sheffield has a lift rail at the very top and at the very bottom. The Ultramaxx adds another in the middle of the window. Having trouble visualizing what I’m saying in this section? Don’t sweat it, these two windows are essentially the exact same product with different names.
To sum up the Alside Sheffield review I’ll say if you’re getting triple pane glass it’s a fine option. If you’re not this window does’t really make sense and you’ll be better off saving a few bucks with the Alside Mezzo.
Alside Ultramaxx Reviews
For our Alside Ultramaxx window review we’ll compare the Ultramaxx to the other Alside window products. The Ultramaxx windows sit near the top of the Alside window line. Very similar products are sold under various brand names including Alside Sheffield and Comfort World 6000 series. When we say they sit near the top of the line that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better product than anything else, but it does tend to cost more than some other products out there.
When comparing and reviewing Alside windows, the Alside Mezzo window (which we reviewed recently) stacks up pretty well. The Ultramaxx doesn’t compare very well except in a few specific situations. For example, the Alside Ultramaxx window is available with triple pane glass while the Mezzo window was not available with this option when initially launched. The Mezzo model does now offer this option so there’s one less reason to pick the Alside Ultramaxx window.. Obviously this only matter to you if you’re interested in triple pane glass.
Another difference is in the weatherstripping that the Ultramaxx window comes with. This sounds good and the salesperson might tell a great story to go with it, but if you compare the air infiltration ratings you’ll see the Mezzo is typically better. This tells you the extra weather stripping on the Alside Ultramaxx isn’t doing you much good.
One important factor to consider is that the Alside Ultramaxx window uses a substantially thicker frame which reduces the glass area considerably. If you’re looking at samples in person take a look at the thickness of the frame, especially the sill at the bottom. Only you can decide if that’s what you want in your home, but it will reduce the visible glass area and reduce the visible transmittance rating.
Alside Ultramaxx vs Alside Sheffield
The Alside Ultramaxx and the Alside Sheffield share the same frame and ALMOST all of the same parts. There are only 2 two differences between these 2 products. One is the type of sill. The Ultramaxx uses a Pocket sill that allows water to run down through the frame and the Sheffield uses a sloped sill that lets water run down and out. There are advocates for both designs, but at the end of the day they’re pretty similar. Even the Sheffield here doesn’t use a true sloped sill, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day.
Alside Geneva Windows Reviews
The Alside Geneva window is a bit of a strange bird. It’s a hybrid unit that has welded sashes and a mechanically fastened frame. This is a bit of an unusual design. In fact, we’re not aware of another window still on the market that is built like this.
The pitch for the Alside Geneva window was that the mechanically fastened frame allows it to be more easily installed in old out of square openings while the welded sashes provided the strength needed.
Here’s a glamor shot of the Alside Geneva windows.
In reality it’s just an old design that is on it’s way to the glue factory. The Geneva window, along with the Alside Centurion window are being discontinued and replaced with the Alside Fusion window.
This is a worthwhile change as the Geneva window was long past its prime. These older windows have still been sold recently with a rather large following in Boston for reasons that can’t really be explained. Regardless, the end of the Geneva window won’t disappoint too many people.
If you’re looking into replacement windows in 2025, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Preservation Windows. They’re marketed as premium, energy-efficient, and custom-built — but are they really worth the higher price tag?
In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you need to know before signing a contract — including prices, warranty details, energy efficiency, common complaints, and how Preservation stacks up to ProVia, Alside, and Simonton.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Preservation Windows are a premium vinyl window line owned by Associated Materials (AMI) — the same company behind Alside and Gentek. They’re sold as a higher-end product through exclusive dealers, focusing on long-term durability, energy efficiency, and custom aesthetic options.
They perform well, look great, and come from a reputable manufacturer — but as with most premium vinyl products, value depends heavily on the dealer, installation quality, and price transparency.
Category
Score
Notes
Quality
88
Premium-grade vinyl; solid frame construction
Energy Efficiency
92
Excellent when upgraded with ClimaTech® glass
Options & Aesthetics
86
Great finishes and decorative styles
Warranty
90
Strong limited lifetime coverage
Price
78
Higher than average for vinyl
Overall
87 (B+)
High quality, but shop carefully for pricing
Bottom Line: Preservation offers high-end vinyl performance and great looks for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term. You’ll pay more than you would for mid-tier vinyl like Alside Mezzo or Simonton Reflections 5500, but the step-up in design and efficiency is noticeable.
Preservation window salespeople often make high commissions which inflates the retail prices without adding much value at all.
To find a better value look for the Gentek Signature Elite product line. The Signature Elite model is made by the same parent company, uses the same type of upgraded hardware and components and is now offered by national dealers using an online sales model at better prices.
Who Makes Preservation Windows?
Preservation is manufactured by Associated Materials (AMI), a long-established U.S. building products company that also owns Alside and Gentek. While Alside focuses on mainstream affordability and Gentek caters to higher end customers looking for a better value, Preservation serves as AMI’s premium vinyl window brand — often sold through select authorized dealers which can cause prices to be high relative to the value they provide.
That matters because AMI’s size and stability mean stronger warranty support, consistent manufacturing, and access to replacement parts for decades to come.
Preservation windows are built from premium, multi-chambered vinyl engineered for both strength and insulation. You’ll notice cleaner welds and smoother operation compared to more basic vinyl windows.
Key design features include:
Fusion-welded frames and sashes for rigidity
Reinforced meeting rails to prevent warping
Sloped sill design for drainage and air control
ClimaTech® insulated glass systems (Low-E + argon)
Optional decorative grids, woodgrain interiors, and hardware upgrades
Overall, the build quality is excellent for a vinyl window. If you’re comparing them side-by-side with Alside or Simonton, Preservation feels heavier and more solid.
Energy Efficiency & 2025 Federal Tax Credits
Preservation windows are ENERGY STAR® 7.0 certified when properly configured and can qualify for the 2025 Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) — worth up to $600 per household per year.
Their ClimaTech® glass options use combinations of Low-E coatings, argon gas fills, and warm-edge spacers to minimize thermal loss.
If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want a U-factor under 0.27. In hot regions, look for a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) below 0.30.
Preservation windows are priced above mid-range vinyl lines due to their dealer-exclusive nature and higher-end features. Expect quotes to vary significantly based on dealer markup and upgrades.
Here’s a glamor shot of some Preservation windows with an interior woodgrain finish.
FAQs: Preservation Windows 2025
Are Preservation windows good? Yes. They’re high-quality vinyl windows offering excellent insulation, appearance, and durability — backed by a strong warranty.
Who makes Preservation windows? Preservation is owned by Associated Materials (AMI), the same parent company as Alside and Gentek.
How much do Preservation windows cost? In 2025, most Preservation windows cost between $950 and $1,500 installed per window, depending on style and region.
Do they qualify for the 2025 federal tax credit? Yes, when ordered with ENERGY STAR®-qualified ClimaTech® glass packages.
What’s the warranty like? Preservation offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers vinyl, glass, and hardware. Labor depends on your installer.
Preservation vs. ProVia — which is better? ProVia Endure has slightly better efficiency and color customization. Preservation offers comparable quality and is often easier to get through local dealers.
Find the Best Window Companies Nationwide
If you’re considering Preservation windows — or just want honest, pressure-free pricing — the best move is to find a reputable, transparent installer.
We maintain a list of recommended window companies all over the U.S. — companies that treat customers fairly and explain pricing upfront.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
We’ve been writing about replacement windows for over a decade. Our goal is simple: to give homeowners clear, honest, and accurate information — without the sales pressure.
If you believe anything in this post is incorrect, please contact us with supporting details. We’ll verify and update the post right away.
We’ve included Gorell windows here to make a point. Gorell is a brand that was consistently praised by some of the “experts” online. They were often on a very short list of recommended brands and folks reading that sort of information would have thought that Gorell windows were a fantastic buy.
Today the old Gorell company is bankrupt and all the folks who listened to that advice and purchased Gorell windows have no warranties and no access to new parts.
The Gorell name was purchased by Soft-Lite windows and they still made products under that brand, but they are not the same products made in the past. Perhaps more importantly the warranty liability rests with the bankrupt company so those folks who bought those old Gorell windows are out of luck.
We’ve seen this happen dozens of times. Republic windows and Schuco windows are two more example of this same risk. When considering replacement windows for your home it is important to consider who the manufacturer is and how likely they are to be around for the long haul. After all, you’re expecting these new windows to be in your home for 20 or 30 years. If you need warranty service you’ll expect the company to be around to live up to their responsibility.
There are several other very small manufacturers out there now that are very highly regarded online. Some of them do actually make a fine product, but the inherent risk in working with a company that small shouldn’t be discounted.
I’m not saying you need to work with Andersen windows or Pella windows because you’ve heard their names. In fact, their products aren’t right for a lot of folks. I am saying there is more to a good product than good ratings and a fancy brochure despite what some “expert” might tell you.
When considering your options consider the product, the ratings, the warranty and the company. All are important parts of the puzzle. While nothing is certain in life, a manufacturer that is large, well established and well financed is much more likely to withstand the test of time. Nobody wants to be the last person to order Gorell windows, but somebody was.
Like most things in the window business stc rated windows or sound transmission class windows are often misunderstood or misrepresented by salespeople. We’ve heard all sorts of stories and explanations regarding sound control windows. The truth rarely gets out there, but here we will cut through the fluff to explain how the various options will work for you. We’ll look at what these ratings mean, where you will get the best bang for your buck and common mistakes people make when trying to keep their home quiet.
There are standard stc rated windows that can increase the efficiency of your home with specific options and then there are specially designed stc rated windows that are designed for very high noise applications around airports, railroad tracks, or busy city centers.
We’ll start with typical replacement windows.
It is very common to hear a salesperson tell a customer that triple pane windows are a great way to reduce sound transmission. That seems plausible as 3 panes of glass would likely be better than 2, but in fact it is not the case. Triple pane windows have smaller air chambers than double pane windows and they sometimes use thinner glass as well to reduce the weight. As a result, triple pane windows will sometimes be worse than a typical double pane unit and will almost never be better.
An easy way to get a better stc rated window is to add dissimilar glass. This means one pane of glass is thicker than the other. A common way to accomplish this is to use laminated glass. Laminated glass is like the windshield of your car. It’s actually 2 pieces of glass with a piece of plastic in the middle. In a double pane window like this, one of the panes will be thick because it’s laminated and the other pane will be thinner because it’s not.
This is typically the best way to take a regular residential replacement window and make it a better stc rated window. The rating will increase by up to 20% using this method.
So what do these ratings mean?
It’s always hard for folks to get their head around what does a rating of 27 mean or if another product has a rating of 33 how much better is that? One way to visualize this is to consider that a typical exterior wall with siding on the outside drywall on the inside will have a rating around 34. A wall with brick instead of siding will be a bit better.
Imagine being in a room with no windows, say a closet in your bedroom. If a firetruck pulled up outside with it’s sirens blaring you’d still hear it. Double pane windows are better than single pane windows, and double pane windows with laminated glass will be better than that, but none of these options are sound proof.
Are there better options?
Yes, there are better stc rated windows, but when you go too extreme the windows start to look a little unusual. This isn’t really an issue if you like on the side of the highway or the approach path to O’Hare, but if you’re just trying to block out the noise of those pesky kids next door you might want to weigh your options. The Quiet Line from Milgard. It uses 2 sashes to provide an extra layer of sound insulation.
Notice how this window has 2 bottom sashes. It achieves excellent stc ratings, but the sacrifice is that it is a relatively unusual configuration.
What are the common mistakes people make when trying to keep their home quiet?
The number one mistake we see folks make is to install fancy new triple pane windows in an effort to reduce the sound transmission. As discussed above that is typically a waste of money.
The other common mistake is to think that after installing new windows their home will be completely silent. The fact is that’s just not the case. New stc rated windows can make a substantial improvement in the efficiency of the home, but sound is getting in through your walls, your ceiling and your floor. Depending on how your home is built, there may not be an easy way to completely block out those pesky kids next door after all.
If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country. You can find it right here.
Design pressure or dp rating is a measure of the strength of a window. It will tell you how well a product will stand up to high winds. The higher the dp rating the stronger the window. It does not relate to energy efficiency, but dp rating is still an important factor to consider.
What’s a good dp rating?
Typically you’ll see residential replacement windows with ratings from 15 to 50. Higher is better. It makes more sense to focus on dp rating when you’re in a situation where wind is of particular concern. For example we if you live on the water or up high on a hill where you’re exposed to the elements this can be important. In those situations I’d suggest going with at least a dp 30 and a dp 50 might be an even better choice. There’s really no need to go any stronger than that unless you’re in a high rise or a hurricane zone.
How can understanding dp ratings help me?
A common sales ploy is to show folks a cutaway view of a thick window next to a thin window and tell them that the thick windows is “strong” and the thin window is “weak”. This is intuitive which makes it an effective way to sell the thicker windows.
We can tell if a potential customer has seen this maneuver when they ask how many chambers are in a specific window or when they ask to see a cutaway.
As you’re considering these options keep in mind that everything in life has tradeoffs and everything in the window business can be measured so you don’t need to use a gut feeling. The thicker window will have a lower vt rating because that thick frame blocks a substantial amount of light, and the thinner window, if well built, could easily have a higher dp rating meaning it’s actually stronger.
So how do you avoid getting sold on something that you don’t necessarily need?
Just like always, avoid taking someone’s word for it and ask about the dp rating. If it’s higher it’s better. The window doesn’t need to be thick to have a higher rating and a thick window without a higher rating is blocking light for no purpose other than to say it’s “better”.
Remember that the cutaway sample really doesn’t show you anything. It gives you an idea, but the rating tells you for sure. There’s no need to guess when it’s so easy to be sure.
If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country. You can find it right here.
Air infiltration or air leakage ratings are an important factor to consider when comparing energy efficient replacement windows. In this post we’ll look into how these ratings are often misinterpreted, what is considered to be a pretty good rating and what to watch out for as you’re comparing the options.
To understand the rating you’ll first need to understand what the number actually represents. The unit of measure for air infiltration is cubic feet per minute per square foot. That is how many cubic feet of air can pass through the window in a minute at a constant 25 mph wind divided by the total window area. I know, the unit itself is a little tricky.
How are air infiltration and air leakage ratings misinterpreted?
Manufacturers are always looking for a way to tell folks that their products are “better” than another. Focusing on air infiltration ratings is an increasingly common way to do that.
For example, the manufacturer Soft-lite uses a chart in their Elements window brochure that some customers could easily misinterpret. It tries to put air infiltration in terms of how many milk jugs or pop cans of air can get through the widow. Unfortunately, it clearly leaves out the size and the style of the window being tested.
Since the unit of measure for these ratings has the total window area in the denominator the size of the window affects the rating. There are also several options offered by manufacturers that do change the ratings. For one company to say that they’re rating is XX is oversimplifying the situation.
It’s also worthwhile to consider how often your home is hit with a constant 25 mph wind. I’m not much of a sailor, but I’m aware of the wind enough to know that doesn’t happen by my house very often.
Manufacturers do this to try to separate themselves from their competition and there’s noting wrong with that, but trying to say a 0.01 difference in anything will make or break a project is pretty silly.
So what is a good air leakage or air infiltration rating?
Obviously the rating of how much air can get through the window is important. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) says that any residential window that achieves a rating below 0.30 cfm/sqft meets the requirements for their gold rating. This is the best rating they offer. This is also the minimum air infiltration rating for the energy star program. In fact, many of us in this business expected this minimum rating to be reduced with the 2015 energy star program, but it was not. I expect we will see changes to this standard in the years to come.
High quality vinyl replacement windows consistently achieve ratings MUCH lower than this standard. For a vinyl double hung window anything below 0.05 is pretty darn good. Casement windows and picture windows are typically even lower while sliding windows are often the worst of the bunch.
On the other hand, wood, fiberglass and composite windows typically cannot achieve as tight of a seal. These products typically have much higher air infiltration ratings. The fact that wood, fiberglass and composite windows typically have substantially worse air infiltration or air leakage ratings should be weighed when considering those options.
What should I watch out for when looking at air infiltration ratings?
Typically it is wise to avoid putting too much weight into statements from folks who are drastically over simplifying things. For example if a salesperson tells you his windows achieve a rating of 0.01 and that everything else is worse and any other window will make your house drafty he’s not telling you the truth (he’s probably the guy using the chart above).
Remember for vinyl windows anything below 0.05 is pretty darn good any you’ll likely never know the difference. In fact, the National Fenestration Rating Council or NFRC doesn’t even give ratings below 0.10 because they don’t believe the air infiltration measurements are accurate below that point. If the major independent testing body in our industry doesn’t recognize ratings below 0.10 that’s probably a good sign that you don’t need to worry about it below that point.
Important points to remember:
Air infiltration or air leakage is just one factor to consider as you sort through window ratings
It’s pretty easy to compare the differences between models
Lower is better, but below a certain point there is not much difference
Wood, composite and fiberglass options will typically have higher ratings than high quality vinyl
All types of windows are available below the 0.30 threshold
Not all types are available below the 0.10 level
If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country. You can find it right here.
So you picked out your new windows after doing all of your research. You ordered them then waited a few weeks for delivery and installation. The morning after the big day you’re walking around drinking a warm cup of coffee in your slippers admiring your fancy new windows. Then you notice that it feels a little darker in here than it used to. Is it cloudy outside? No, that’s not it. It turns out the glass area of your new windows is quite a bit smaller than your old windows and it looks like those fancy triple pane windows are also a little bit tinted. You hadn’t expected that, but there isn’t much that can be done about it now. This happens all the time and it’s exactly why visible transmittance is an important rating to consider.
The visible transmittance (or VT as it’s known) is a measure of how much light gets through the window. This is typically determined by the thickness of the frame and sash, but the coating or tint on the glass and any grids or muntins will also affect the ratings as they block some of the light.
Take a look at this picture of two relatively popular window models. These 2 windows are the exact same size and when they’re ordered with the same options they have the same efficiency ratings.
Notice the difference in visible transmittance in these two replacement windows and consider how it will affect the look and feel of your home.
One of them sure does block a lot of light and I’d bet many of the folks ordering that product aren’t aware that they had another choice.
Why then would a company promote that thicker model if it’s not more efficient? As always is the case in life the answer isn’t as simple as you’d hope. That thicker window does allow for heavier triple pane glass where the thinner model can only offer double pane. For the customer who wants triple pane glass that represents a pretty good option. For the customer who wants double pane it makes no sense at all.
What’s the tricky sales tactic?
Unfortunately when there’s a good reason for something there’s typically also a bad reason. Some salespeople will use a cutaway piece of that thicker window to sell you on “strength” they’ll show you how it has 37 air chambers in the frame and talk about those “other” windows that use thinner weaker frames.
As you’ve probably guessed by now there is absolutely no reason that you’d need to take their word on something like this. The “strength” of a product is measured by the design pressure which will be covered in another post. Does this thicker window have a better/higher design pressure than the thinner one? Nope. They’re exactly the same.
So how do I compare the options?
In order to compare you’ll need to know what you’re comparing. Options like types of glass or grids will affect the ratings. One company might give you the rating with grids between the glass and another might give you the rating without. If you don’t know what you’re comparing you’ll be likely to misinterpret the information.
To make things relatively simple (everything is relative right?) I’d suggest comparing options without grids and with the glass option that you’re leaning towards. Taking the grids out of the equation will give you the info based on the frame size and the glass coating alone. If you will be ordering your windows with grids they will typically be almost exactly the same from one manufacturer to another so they won’t make much (if any) difference.
So what’s a good or a great rating?
Assuming you’re comparing energy star rated double pane windows a pretty good option will be in the range of 0.54 or better. Great options will be as high as 0.56.
Triple pane options will reduce the VT rating as the light needs to pass through 3 panes of glass and typically 2 low-e coatings. They will also often have thicker frames as shown in the pic above. A pretty good triple pane window will offer a VT of 0.42 or better, but some will go as low 0.30 depending on the window and the glass option. Remember a lower number means a darker living room so be sure you understand what you’re picking.
Getting a more efficient window does sometimes result in a lower VT so that’s a trade off you’ll need to consider. For me it’s a big deal as I love the sunlight, but other folks don’t care. It’s your house not mine; get whatever makes you happy!
If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country. You can find it right here.
My trusty hound dog and I have decided to start this blog to provide a little real world info to folks considering a replacement window project for their home. I’ve spent years working in the window business everywhere from a 400,000 square foot manufacturing facility in North Carolina, to a corporate headquarters in Ohio, to running a $10,000,000+ wholesale distribution center in Virginia and I’m the founder of a multimillion dollar window company offering windows and installation services across the country. Hopefully I can use all of that experience to help people make sense of this business.
Why bother spending time writing about windows online? For starters, I just got back from the home show in Indianapolis (if you live nearby I highly recommend this show) where I repeatedly heard folks say that they just can’t make sense of the different products out there. They don’t know who to believe and they struggle to find worthwhile, unbiased information online. Every company says their products are “the best”, but that doesn’t seem possible.
Over the years I’ve seen folks make bad decisions based on inaccurate or misleading info they came across online. While most salespeople in our business are good people trying to make a living they don’t always have all of their facts straight and there is simply no good place for the consumer to get the real information.
That’s why we’re here. As we get started we’ll be posting in five general categories, replacement window reviews, window ratings explained, tricky sales tactics exposed, installing your own windows and selecting an installation company. The goal is to provide real concrete information to help folks figure all of this out.
I’m sure folks will have questions on other topics and we might even find other window pros who disagree on some points. That’ll be fun. Post a comment on anything or request more info and I’ll do my best to write back as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
So why The Window Dog? Because this is a big purchase and it’s important that you get the real info, but it’s just windows. We’re not going to war or building the space shuttle. Remember to have fun in life and avoid taking things too seriously. Here’s the window dog all dressed up for the Fourth of July last year.
He’s not much of a water skier, but he sure does love a good boat ride in the summertime!
