Why Replacement Windows

Energy Savings

One of the most important benefits you will gain by replacing your old windows is improved comfort and energy savings. If you buy smart and buy quality, research shows the many energy-efficient technologies of the window and the glass pack will result in less energy consumption. Winchester set a standard of superior energy savings and comfort long before the government Energy Star requirements were developed. While many manufacturers had to scramble and redesign, Winchester’s products were and continue to be well above the Energy Star standards.

 

Cooling and Heating Savings

Low-E coatings, gas-fills, and insulating spacers and frames can significantly reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain.

Improved Daylight and View

Compared to older tints and films, with the use of new Low-E coating, solar heat gain can significantly be reduced with minimal loss of visible light.

Improved Comfort

In the summer and winter, occupant comfort is increased, window temperatures are more moderate, and drafts are virtually eliminated. Discomfort from strong summer sunlight is reduced. 

Reduced Condensation

Frame and glazing materials that resist heat conduction do not become cold, resulting in less condensation.

Reduced Fading

Coatings on glass or plastic films within the window assembly can significantly reduce the ultraviolet (UV) and other solar radiation, which causes fading of fabrics and furnishings.

Lower Mechanical Equipment Costs

Using windows that significantly reduce solar heat gain means that cooling equipment costs may be reduced.

NFRC

In the early 1990’s The National Fenestration Rating Council was developed and committed to advancing continuous improvements to making buildings more comfortable and energy-efficient. The NFRC is a non-profit, public/private organization created by the window, door and skylight industry. Representatives from product manufacturers, trade organizations, state energy officials, utilities, testing labs, energy consultants, representatives from the code industry and government agencies are all part of this valuable organization. The NFRC Certified Products Directory lets you locate a manufacturer and their window ratings. The NFRC label helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in the following categories: 

  • U-Factor measures how well a product can keep heat from escaping from the inside of a room. The lower the number, the better a product is at keeping heat in. Range: 0.20-1.20 Look for: Low numbers
  • Visible Transmittance measures how well a product is designed to effectively light your home with daylight, potentially saving you money on artificial lighting. The higher the number, the more natural light is let in. Range: 0-1 Look for:High numbers
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how well a product can resist unwanted heat gain, which is especially important during the summer cooling season. The lower the number, the less you’ll spend on cooling. Range: 0-1 Look for: Low numbers
  • Air Leakage measures how much air will enter a room through a product. The lower the number, the fewer drafts you’ll experience. Range:  ≤ 0.3  Look for: Low numbers

Window Basics

When considering the purchase of replacement windows, our dealers will assist you in understanding the different styles and features. Replacement windows are a major home investment and you should compare The Differences that will guarantee you a product that will not only continue to look good but will perform for your lifetime. Winchester’s product are designed and engineered to assure that you will never need to replace your windows again. It always pays too compare but never settle for standard when difference is affordable. Never compromise quality for price!
 
There are many features to replacement windows and doors that are not viewable by just looking at them.  For this reason, Winchester’s exclusive dealers will take you on a detailed tour of the inside view while explaining that these features are needed to guarantee you the performance and operational ease you deserve. The benefits that our exclusive features and superior craftsmanship will bring are unsurpassed in the industry.

Window Types

Double Hung

In double-hung units, both sash slide vertically. The ventilation area can vary from a small crack to an opening of one-half of the total glass area. Both sash tilt-in for easy inside cleaning. Multiple double-hung units can be factory mulled.

Slider

Both sash slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Maximum ventilation and easy cleaning with swing-in style sliders configurations are in 2 or 3-lite units.

Casement

Casement windows are hinged at the sides. Casements are extremely airtight and have internal screens. Casement windows project outward, providing significant ventilation. 

Awning

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. Screens are placed on the interior of the window unit. Awning styles can include a transom for an additional viewing area.

Bay

A bay window is made up of three or more windows. The side or flanker units project out from the building in 30, 45, or 90-degree angles. The center is parallel with the building wall and is made up of one or more windows. All the units can be stationary, operating, or any combination thereof.

Bow

A series of four or more adjoining window units, commonly five in number, installed on a radius from the wall of the building. All units can be stationary, operating or any combination thereof.

Hopper

Best suited for basement location or area where a small opening needs a window. Windows pull in to open and have exterior screens.

Picture

Refers to windows that are non-venting or inoperable. It can typically be larger than operating units.

Garden

Designed to protrude from exterior walls to allow for a deep seat to house plants. Maximum sunlight via glass top. For ventilation, the side glass opens.

Circle Tops & Eyebrows

Circle tops are 1/2 the radius of a circle. Eyebrows are less than 1/2.

Combination

Double hungs, sliders, casements and awnings combined with picture windows are available as one unit with continuous headers and sills.  Choose from 20+ factory standard models. Perfect for those large openings.

Shapes

Choose from cathedral, circle, ellipse, half shape, hexagon, octagon, oval, pentagon, arch style, trapezoid or triangle shapes.

Who To Buy From

When it comes to replacing windows and doors in your home,  selecting a competent dealer is probably the biggest decision you will have to make in selecting your new windows/doors. After all, it is the dealer who will help you decide on product, design, installation, and how best to serve your needs and sift through the clutter of information.

Because the new windows you buy should be measured to fit your home and built to your desires and needs, big retailers simply cannot provide the personal attention to all the details you deserve. Replacing these products is a major investment and one that should only be done once. 

When you start to investigate who to buy from, you’ll more than likely be overwhelmed. Narrow your search by a few very important questions:

  • Which replacement window and door dealer can best provide the style and custom features you need?
  • How long has the dealer been in business and do they specialize in replacing windows and doors?
  • Check their BBB ratings, internet reviews and website status.
  • Find a Dealer that stands out as different. The population of “standard cheap windows and doors” is overwhelming because it is easy to be that way. 
  • Does the dealer have certified installers? Replacement window and door installation requires a certain skill.  Your new windows and doors lasting performance depends greatly on their installation methods.
  • Ask for references and check them out. Be sure to have an in-home demonstration and every aspect of how the windows and doors are designed and made should be explained. It’s what you don’t see that is the most important when choosing which products to purchase. Energy efficiency, security, easy inside cleaning, structural reinforced, superior thermal protection from cold – hot -wind – UV rays – drafts,  superior warranties, style and design are “ALL” equally important and should be explained in detail?

Buying Replacement Windows

Winchester Industry windows are designed, engineered and tested to give you the very best in superior energy efficiency. Our window’s multi-frame construction will truly maintain their structural stability and thermal performance by virtually eliminating the effects that time and weather extremes typically have on vinyl, wood, or aluminum windows. 

Replacement Windows and Doors Equals Increased Value

The Cost Vs. Value report has been a valuable sales tool since it’s origination around 2001. It serves as a litmus test for the relationship between remodelers and their customers. How much value does a project add?  The annual Cost vs. Value Report is intended as a general guide to the cost of specific remodeling and home improvement projects. The amount those projects would add to a home price, should the house be sold for whatever reason, a year later. Since the origination of this valuable report, replacement windows and doors have always been reported as projects to do when wanting to increase the value of your home.

Installation Methods

Winchester’s exclusive dealers sell and install every custom product they order for their customer base.  Their trained installation crews will assure you receive a precision installation for your investment.  Installation methods are performed under guidelines set forth by AWDI, Inc. Winchester also publishes installation methods for our specialty dealers.