Choose home windows, installers with care
Choosing the right windows and window installer are important decisions for a homeowner, whether it’s for a new build or remodel.
Beyond bringing light into your home, windows can also be a major source of heat loss or gain.
Keep the following in mind when choosing your new windows:
» NFRC label: Look for windows that carry the Energy Performance Ratings label from the National Fenestration Rating Council. By using the information on the label, homeowners can reliably compare windows to make informed decisions.
» Insulation: The U-Factor determines the degree of insulation in the window and it ranges from 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.
» Temperature: The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rates how much solar radiation is admitted through the window. SHGC is a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.
» Brightness: Visible Transmittance indicates the amount of visible light transmitted through the window. VT is a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.
» Draft: Heat loss and gain occur by Air Leakage through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.
» Condensation: The higher the Condensation Resistance rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. CR is a number between 1 and 100.
Once you’ve decided on materials, design elements and window type, it’s time to find an installer. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips:
» Check with the BBB. Visit BBBHouston.org to check the company’s complaint history and read any customer reviews on file.
» Research the business carefully. Ask questions and verify the company’s information, including address, etc. Also, ask for references from the business and then call them to find out what their experiences were working with the company. You also can check estimates with at least three companies before making a decision.
» Insist on a written contract. Obtain a detailed written contract before work begins. Contracts should include all contact information for the company, start and completion dates, total to be paid and a list of specifications and materials. Make sure all verbal agreements are included in writing.
» Have a payment schedule. Do not pay more than one-third to one-half of the contract in advance. Set up a payment plan based on the total cost, to be paid as work is completed. If possible, do not pay in cash.
Instead, consider using a credit card to take advantage of protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@ bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.