Sunday, May 16, 2010

Buying New and Retrofit Windows in Denver

You really only need to know two words on this topic: Window World

Call and ask any company how much they charge for installed windows, they'll say, "let us send out someone to measure, and we'll give you a quote". Fair enough, but you've just committed to one hour with some likeable guy who doesn't value your time that much.

With Window World, just count your windows, then multiply by $250. That's awesome. Of course, they have some options, some of which you need in order to receive the 30% federal rebate. Note that they don't even care about the size. Some windows are bigger, and some smaller, they figure.

As good as they are, you may find confusion when it comes to that all important SHGC number I keep harping on. (Some other guys have started major harping as well )

It just doesn't matter that much. You need some affordable windows NOW that actually go up and down and close tightly. Your south windows are shaded by your neighbor's trees anyway.

So I say go with whatever you can afford.


3 comments:

  1. Kevin, Has anyone tried to use software like at the window collaborative www.efficientwindows.org
    and RESFEN 5 from Lawerance Berkley labs?

    I energy modeled my home located in zone 5A of southeast SD(7000HDD and 1000CDD). The lowest engergy and cost is obtained using with both software has all windows with high SHGC. Where as, all of the green building advocates stress using high SHGC only on the south walls,low SHGC on all other walls. Has anyone seen this and what is one to do--order windows from Canada with High SHGC or do what is commonly recommended? Cardinal and Pilkington (LOF) offer Hard coats but I have not been able to get a window manufacturer with fiberglass frames to get me glazing with the hard coat like 180 and the new i81. Marvin is factory rep passed the buck and refused to help Pella had no help either and so far Milgard Ultrax fiberglass seems like a possiblity with their PPG 500 offering--waiting for an Omaha lumber yard quote to come in the email box. Otherwise if Milgard doesn't work out, I am planning to use Inline,because of their high ER ratings.

    Thanks for the blog!

    Mark Dahlhoff
    Vermillion, SD

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  2. Mark,

    Since you don't have much for CDD, it doesn't surprise me that High SHGC is best all-around for you. But don't hold your breath waiting for a lumberyard quote for hard coat windows. Canada is your best hope. I think I got High SHGC windows from Hurd, but darn it if they weren't mislabled when they arrived.

    Pella, Milgard, Andersen and Marvin are definitely clueless on the issue.

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  3. Nice blog Kevin! I've enjoyed reading.

    Do you know about Fibertec? We're a Canadian Fiberglass Window Manufacturer that is used in a lot of Passive House and Zero Energy Homes. We've had more than a few projects around Colorado over the years.
    www.fibertec.com I'd love to hear your opinions.
    Kind regards,

    Josh

    ReplyDelete