I would like to get new windows for my home in michigan. what are your experiences?
Question:who are companies to seek out? who are companies to stay away from?
Answers:
We bought Andersen replacement windows for our house a few years ago. They are made for the kind of weather we get in the upper midwest. They are a little pricier than some other brands, but we were really happy with them and the technicians they sent out to do the replacements did a great job. It was the middle of the winter and they popped out the old ones and put the new ones in so fast the house never even got cold!
The windows tilt in for cleaning, which I really liked, but they were kind of sticky and hard to open until I started using a little shoe silicon spray on them. Once I figured that out, they worked great.
pella windows, anderson are very good .
I can't answer specifically enough about companies-- but I can give you my method and results.
I live in Oklahoma. Winter is more really cold winds than the ice and snow you have. Summers are hot and or humid and air conditioning I consider a necessity.
I first insulated my ceiling to R+ what was recommended here.
I then made a spread sheet with questions I wanted answered-- how made, time to install, components, costs and so forth-- pretty usual. Then I made a list of the window manufacturers and installers and called for appointments at my home. I had each measure my job, answer all the SAME questions, and asked them which of their products they would buy for their home. I also asked them what I had NOT asked that they thought was important.
I then evaluated the information-- and bought what I thought was the best product AND their representative. I told each of them I'm quite verbal and if there was a problem-- I would be spreading the word widely and frequently-- with facts and figures.
I did not buy the cheapest or the most expensive. I learned that the gas they push for between the panes is gone in 5 years-- I learned the titanium is necessary in this warmer climate only on the south side of the house ( and saved money that way, too). More of course.
So, the windows were bought and installed in two segments-- spread the cost 6 months apart-- did the South side first-- with summer coming-- and the North side before those cold winter winds-- Yes, they were expensive. Yes my utilities are down even with the increases in power and natural gas. Yes I'm happy with my purchase. My heat is more even, my air conditioning is more even and I'm comfortable. Which is, after all, the point of the purchase.
good luck
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