How To Choose a Window Company in Enfield
It's essential to find a window installer that aligns with your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following points during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the sizes, materials, and styles of windows you choose, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. An installer can guide you through choosing the products that fit your needs.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $240-$1473 |
| Awning | $347-$967 |
| Bay | $800-$5937 |
| Custom | $356-$989 |
| Casement | $277-$1605 |
| Double-hung | $129-$835 |
| Egress | $237-$592 |
| Glass Block | $47-$600 |
| Picture | $208-$1539 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1583 |
| Skylight | $118-$1429 |
| Sliding | $272-$1385 |
| Storm | $56-$391 |
| Transom | $290-$606 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1583 |
| Composite | $571-$1284 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$800 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1781 |
| Wood | $285-$1605 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Speak with a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
While Connecticut doesn't require contractors to carry licenses, they must still register with the state's Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and there are still restrictions on what jobs they can perform. Most residential window installers are categorized as "minor contractors" and can only work on single and multi-family houses. If a company performs glasswork, it must have a Glazier license from the DCP.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Browse a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Ask people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Enfield
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By investing in new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which measures how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which evaluates how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
