The Myth of the $189 Replacement Window

$189 Windows Won’t Really Save You Energy

If a homeowner were to purchase a $189 replacement window, they might be a bit disappointed the next time their utility bills are due. While replacement windows can certainly save homeowners a lot of energy—over $400 per year in some cases—don’t expect much from the $189 window.

This is because the $189 window does not include any energy saving features such as argon or krypton gases. These gases are a key component to increasing the energy efficiency of your home, resulting in exceptional energy savings throughout the year.

Furthermore, $189 windows don’t include low-e glazing. Low-e glazing is designed to reflect interior temperatures back inside, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

If you want to include any of these features in your new windows, the price will substantially increase.

Without including these key features, it doesn’t make sense to replace your windows. Aside from reducing drafts, windows without gases or glazing won’t offer maximized energy savings. If you’re attracted to a low-performing window due to price, a quality window company like Universal Windows Direct, will have an efficient window to fit any budget.

$189 Windows are Low Quality

In the world of replacement windows, you essentially get what you pay for. Another reason why $189 windows are so cheap is because their vinyl contains filler ingredients. These ingredients allow manufacturers to drastically reduce the cost of the window—but this spells trouble for homeowners.

Replacement windows that contain a lot of filler wear out much faster than high quality vinyl windows. What should you look for? Replacement window frames made of 100% pure virgin vinyl. You’ll get a much longer lifespan for your new windows, to the tune of roughly 20 years.

Meanwhile, $189 vinyl windows will perform for roughly 5-7 years as a lower quality product.

In addition to a short lifespan, here are additional signs that you have low quality replacement windows on your hands:

• Vinyl frames that quickly lose their color.
• Frames that are peeling, chipping, or warping.
• Foggy windows that won’t wipe away, indicating seal failure.
• Your windows are difficult to operate.
• Mold and mildew growth.
• Your energy bills are high, even after new window installation.

With quality windows, you can see and feel the difference. Window samples that demonstrate distinctive quality are usually provided during your in-home estimate.

$189 Windows are Not as Attractive as the Price Tag

When you are given the price of a $189 window, that price represents the cost of a plain window with no upgrades or features. Not only is the window missing energy saving features, you aren’t getting any style options either.

These are several aesthetic options and upgrades that will impact the price of your windows:

• You’re ordering really big or really small windows. Size matters with pricing.
• You want a window style that’s a bit more elegant and intriguing. For example, large windows such as bay and bow, require a different type engineering than a single double hung window. With a more complex process for these windows, as well as, for uniquely -shaped windows, the price will increase accordingly.
• You’re considering different frame materials. Vinyl is the most affordable material while wood is the most expensive.
• You’re looking to add custom grid and window trim options.
• You want to complete your window with a decorative glass design.

One of the best parts of replacing old windows is that you can get new, beautiful windows custom designed exactly how you want them to look.

There are countless combinations of glass styles, grid options, paint colors, and wood finishes that you can choose with your home in mind. These aesthetic features can transform a home, but will never be an option for only $189.

Even though aesthetics play a big role in window prices, there are other aspects of window replacement that influence the total cost such as:

• Adding a new window into the wall where there was no existing window previously.
• You ordered a new window that’s wider or taller than the existing window, so space needs to be created in the wall in order to fit the new window.
• You want the best in energy savings, so you decide to upgrade to triple pane windows over dual pane.
• The installation team detects lead paint that needs removed from old frames.

$189 Windows are an Advertising Tactic

The reality is that companies advertise $189 windows to get their foot in your door, with the overall goal to upsell you on various features. Once you add energy saving glass packages and custom aesthetic designs, your $189 window will be significantly more expensive.

How does this happen? One of the biggest factors is window style. With $189 windows, only select styles are included. Often, it’s the double hung window. If you had your heart set on another style such as a big bay window, you might be disappointed at your final quote.

What About Window Warranty?

Don’t forget, a warranty is built into the cost of your windows as well. A $189 window implies that there is no warranty at all. This is a dangerous gamble. You may need follow-up services to address a variety of potential issues a cheap window might induce.

A warrantied window will cost more, but you’ll have protection for many aspects of the window—-including the details you don’t think about, such seal failure, pieces and parts of the window.

FYI: Not all window advertising is misleading. Sometimes you can legitimately save money during special promotions or offers. You could even make a quick buck by referring a friend.