Champion 365 windows
#1
09-17-05, 01:23 PM
Champion 365 windows
Are the Champion windows- Comfort 365 series,really more energy efficient than regular low e windows? My quote was around $634 per window.
I am very interested in keeping my home more comfortable and lowering the cost of utilities.
I am very interested in keeping my home more comfortable and lowering the cost of utilities.
#2
09-20-05, 04:29 AM
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Marti,
I was hoping a contractor would answer your question. I can not say for sure but I believe Champion may be telling you that their glazing is better which I find hard to believe. The glass is manufactured under the same process that all manufacturers adhere to. There are some bells and whistles that are optional and these options do make the windows more efficient; but these options are offered by most window manufacturers.
But its not just the glazing that makes a good window. Its the quality of construction of the window and the type of material used. There's wood, vinyl and aluminum. I prefer wood myself after having a bad experience with vinyl. After four years, my vinyl windows seals on the double glazing failed and all my windows felt like single pane glass in winter. Also the part at the top of the windows ( I think its called a stile or rail) where the locks are, all had bow's, making it impossible to lock them.
What you need to do to compare windows is to go to the manufacturers website and download the construction details and specifications. I would give consideration to the manufacturer who can supply the most information. After you check the glazing specifications, then check out whether the manufacturer tests his product for air leakage through the area around the perimeter of the sash.
Have you gone to any "Lowes" or Home depot stores to check out either "Pella" or "Anderson" windows? If you need to order custom made sizes, they could be expensive, but your getting quality. I have seen Champion advertizements on TV and I think they are dealers and not the manufactuer of the window. If you were quoted a price for vinyl replacement windows at over $600.00 per window, then it does appear too pricey, unless you need extensive work to cover the exterior frames. Make sure you get at least 3 quotes for the same type of window that you are considering.
I just replaced my double hung replacement windows myself which I purchased from a "Pella" store and I am happy with them. They are triple pane, low E glass with an option to add a blind or shade between the 3rd and 2nd panes. But they are costly at about $100.00 per sash. For a double hung, thats $200.00 per window. I installed interior shades at $50.00 each instead.One last thing. Make sure you know what you are getting. The most popular choice is called a "replacement window". This window is designed to fit into your old existing window frame. A full window replacement is one which the old window with frame is removed. This in most cases, is the more expensive choice.
I was hoping a contractor would answer your question. I can not say for sure but I believe Champion may be telling you that their glazing is better which I find hard to believe. The glass is manufactured under the same process that all manufacturers adhere to. There are some bells and whistles that are optional and these options do make the windows more efficient; but these options are offered by most window manufacturers.
But its not just the glazing that makes a good window. Its the quality of construction of the window and the type of material used. There's wood, vinyl and aluminum. I prefer wood myself after having a bad experience with vinyl. After four years, my vinyl windows seals on the double glazing failed and all my windows felt like single pane glass in winter. Also the part at the top of the windows ( I think its called a stile or rail) where the locks are, all had bow's, making it impossible to lock them.
What you need to do to compare windows is to go to the manufacturers website and download the construction details and specifications. I would give consideration to the manufacturer who can supply the most information. After you check the glazing specifications, then check out whether the manufacturer tests his product for air leakage through the area around the perimeter of the sash.
Have you gone to any "Lowes" or Home depot stores to check out either "Pella" or "Anderson" windows? If you need to order custom made sizes, they could be expensive, but your getting quality. I have seen Champion advertizements on TV and I think they are dealers and not the manufactuer of the window. If you were quoted a price for vinyl replacement windows at over $600.00 per window, then it does appear too pricey, unless you need extensive work to cover the exterior frames. Make sure you get at least 3 quotes for the same type of window that you are considering.
I just replaced my double hung replacement windows myself which I purchased from a "Pella" store and I am happy with them. They are triple pane, low E glass with an option to add a blind or shade between the 3rd and 2nd panes. But they are costly at about $100.00 per sash. For a double hung, thats $200.00 per window. I installed interior shades at $50.00 each instead.One last thing. Make sure you know what you are getting. The most popular choice is called a "replacement window". This window is designed to fit into your old existing window frame. A full window replacement is one which the old window with frame is removed. This in most cases, is the more expensive choice.
#3
09-20-05, 04:47 PM
marti,
No, there is probably nothing about a Champion window that is going to justify them being twice the price of anybody else's windows.
rjordan392 mentions Pella windows. They are a good window, but they are right up there with Sierra Pacific, Andrsen, etc. when it comes to price.
Energy savings that you will realize by replacing a single pane, aluminum framed window with a dual pane vinyl or clad window is about 20% to 25% tops. That's good. But you'll get about the same savings whether you pay $400 per window or $1,000. The time required to recoup the cost of the windows is going to be a lot longer if you are paying $800 to $1,000 per window.
COMPARE WARRANTIES!! And compare WHO is backing that warranty. Somebody who has been building windows for 30 to 100 years, or more is probably going to be there if you have a problem. A 5 year old company -- WHO KNOWS!!
No, there is probably nothing about a Champion window that is going to justify them being twice the price of anybody else's windows.
rjordan392 mentions Pella windows. They are a good window, but they are right up there with Sierra Pacific, Andrsen, etc. when it comes to price.
Energy savings that you will realize by replacing a single pane, aluminum framed window with a dual pane vinyl or clad window is about 20% to 25% tops. That's good. But you'll get about the same savings whether you pay $400 per window or $1,000. The time required to recoup the cost of the windows is going to be a lot longer if you are paying $800 to $1,000 per window.
COMPARE WARRANTIES!! And compare WHO is backing that warranty. Somebody who has been building windows for 30 to 100 years, or more is probably going to be there if you have a problem. A 5 year old company -- WHO KNOWS!!
#4
09-21-05, 02:59 AM
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Marti,
For residential use, here are the most important criteria to consider when shopping for windows:
1. Air Infiltration
2. Water Penetration Resistance
3. Double or triple pane
4. U Value
5. Solar heat Gain Coefficient
6. Outdoor/Indoor Sound Transmission
Here are some numbers to use as a guide for a quality window.
These are numbers from "Pella Windows" for their double hung precision fit designer windows.
Air infiltration = 0.30 cfm. The lower the number, the better.
Water penetration resistance = 4.5 psf. The higher the number, the better.
U value = 0.29. The lower the number, the better.
Solar heat gain coefficient = 0.26. The lower the number, the better.
Outdoor/indoor sound transmission = 23. I believe the higher the number is better. you will need to check this.
The air infiltration number seems like a lot but the number was calculated using a wind pressure of 50 mph. You will need to check other manufacturers criteria as to what wind pressure they use for testing for air leakage. "Pella" uses two wind speeds; casement windows are tested at 25 mph and all others are tested at 50 mph.
For residential use, here are the most important criteria to consider when shopping for windows:
1. Air Infiltration
2. Water Penetration Resistance
3. Double or triple pane
4. U Value
5. Solar heat Gain Coefficient
6. Outdoor/Indoor Sound Transmission
Here are some numbers to use as a guide for a quality window.
These are numbers from "Pella Windows" for their double hung precision fit designer windows.
Air infiltration = 0.30 cfm. The lower the number, the better.
Water penetration resistance = 4.5 psf. The higher the number, the better.
U value = 0.29. The lower the number, the better.
Solar heat gain coefficient = 0.26. The lower the number, the better.
Outdoor/indoor sound transmission = 23. I believe the higher the number is better. you will need to check this.
The air infiltration number seems like a lot but the number was calculated using a wind pressure of 50 mph. You will need to check other manufacturers criteria as to what wind pressure they use for testing for air leakage. "Pella" uses two wind speeds; casement windows are tested at 25 mph and all others are tested at 50 mph.
