Nationally Advertised Brands Are Not Necessarily Your Best Choice for Energy Efficient Window Replacement

Posted on May 25, 2010 in Windows

Before you pick a nationally advertised brand for your replacement windows, keep in mind that a big advertising budget is not always associated with a quality product. Not only are you paying top dollar for brands like Anderson Renewal, Marvin and Pella (typical costs for each double hung window is $1200 each), but features, functions and quality are not as good as less well known brands. Because Anderson Renewal is the best known among the three leading brands, we will focus on facts about Anderson windows.

The Anderson Renewal promotional brochures promotes three selling points, $1500 tax credit, Fibrex frame and the Smart Sun Low-E 4 glass. Glass and its insulating system make up 80% of a replacement window value in providing energy savings and warmth benefits in your home. But the important “warm values” such as the U-value and R-factors are not even mentioned in the Anderson Renewal literature. Anderson’s Fibrex frame, although innovative, is warranteed for only 10 years and the glass is warranteed to be free from “defects in manufacturing” for only 20 years. Anderson brochures are smart and professional but a smart consumer will be looking for the R-factors, U values, NFRC ratings, AAMA structural tests and warranties.

At MasterCraft, we look out for your best interest when it comes to replacement windows. Our windows are every bit as beautiful as Anderson but when you compare our feature list against Anderson, you will see the benefit in choosing MasterCraft replacement windows everytime. See how we compare with Anderson windows below:

Features	MasterCraft Windows	Anderson Windows
Factory warranty certificate	Yes	Yes
Federal tax credit	Yes	Yes
Green approved	Yes	Yes
Energy star approved	Yes	Yes
Licensed trained installers	Yes	Yes
Insured	Yes	Yes
Referrals	Yes	?
Typical job	1 day	1 day
Warranty period glass	* limited lifetime (any failure)	20 years from manf. defect
Warranty period frame	*limited lifetime	10 years
Custom sizes available	Made to the 1/16″ of an inch	not stated
Glass insulating System-intercept & Superspacer	Yes	?
Insulated frame	Yes	?
Total U value rating	**U.019	not stated
Typical installed cost Double hung	$400-$600 / window	$1200 / window
* to the original homeowner **among the lowest/warmest values in the entire industry

*A study of identical homes comparing Low-E4® glass with ordinary dual-pane glass showed a 25% savings on cooling bills and 10% on heating with ordinary dual-pane glass. Savings may vary geographically.

MasterCraft can assist you with Thermal Industries window and patio door replacement that will save you a bundle on window costs and installation while maximizing your comfort and reducing your energy bills for years to come. MasterCraft can also assist you in the selection of qualified products that may allow you to receive a federal tax credit up to $1500 in 2010.