Weather has certainly been making the headlines this year in Dover, Ohio, with the non-stop rain in the spring, sweltering temperatures in July and earthquakes in August. Hurricane Irene, as well, made national news, and while we may not have gotten any backlash from her high winds and torrential rains, it brought the weather back to the forefront of our minds.
Summer is finally coming to a close, as well, and in its wake will come a glorious fall and then the first snowflakes of winter. With winter will come….sub-zero wind-chills, ice and snow, and out of control heating bills for many homeowners.
There are many strategies to reduce your heating bill in your home in Dover, Ohio, that can save you a good amount of money. Putting wind resistant plastic over your windows is one way to reduce drafts, although it can also reduce visibility and can look less than festive when decorating for Christmas! Others will turn to alternative heating means, such as oil heaters, electric heaters and other devices. While these devices may keep your home warmer, they are by and large not safe, and they will run up your bills in electric and gas as well.
Investing in replacement windows in Dover may be the best alternative for you. But you are going to want to make sure that you choose a solid, reputable company for your window installation. There are many companies out there that offer cheap windows at unbelievable prices, but there is a huge difference between a window that you can get for a bargain basement price and a window that will last 25 years in your home. One of the keys to a good window that will last is how it is installed.
Here are some things to look for in a good replacement window company.
First of all, you want a company that is highly recommended. Not just a company that has happy customers, but a company that has raving fans! Look for full length testimonials, not just a sentence or two, and talk to your friends and neighbors about their experiences with companies you are considering.
Secondly, you must make sure that the replacement window company has trained, experienced installers. This is key to a window that will last in your home. Only 10% of all window installers have any formal education or certification–this is especially true in Ohio where there are no licensure requirements for window contractors. Find out if the company you are considering has InstallationMasters™ training. This is the most rigorous credential in the window industry. A reputable window replacement company should have installers with extensive construction experience so they can deal with most any issue that may come up during removal of the old window.
Most windows have a warranty on the materials should they fail in the future, but most have a clause that voids the warranty in the case of poor workmanship.
Third, you need to understand the labor warranty offered for your replacement windows in Dover, Ohio. A window warranty is only as good as the company that installed the window. If you have a problem with a window in the future, you need to know that the company that installed it will take care of having the manufacturer replace it if it is defective. If the company is out of business or only warranties their labor for a short time, you will have to deal with the manufacturer yourself–a slow & involved process. A lifetime labor warranty from the window contractor that covers you as long as you own the home is the minimum you should accept.
A fourth feature you should look for in a replacement window company is a company that employs a dedicated service technician, who will make repairs and process warranty claims. Some companies require the original installation crew to deal with service issues–or they are not dealt with at all, but since crews are busy withnew work that they are paid for, your issue may be their last priority.
Fifth – the company you select to replace your windows should be capable of full frame replacement. Many window companies only sell window replacement, which means they will only put a new window in the existing opening.If the window’s existing frame is rotting or in poor condition, or you want to change the size or shape of the window or you want more attractive trim that fits your decor, you need a company that has expertise in full window replacement–usually by a finish carpenter or someone with extensive construction experience. This is not a job for your typical window installer! It will involve custom carpentry inside and precise cladding, or wrapping, of all exposed wood with aluminum or steel on the outside of the window frame. The installer will also insert insulation into the window opening & make sure the opening is tightly sealed all around the opening– between the new window frame. The most expensive window can still waste energy if cold air can leak in around it.
Lastly, look for reviews on third party sites. Any window company you work with should have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews on sites like Angie’s List . Look for chamber of commerce memberships, local home builder associations, and more. Good reviews by a third party confirm that the company is reputable. On the other hand, if you see a lot of negative feedback or scam reports, move on to another company.
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