Top Replacement Windows

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Story Published: Oct 10, 2007 at 4:52 PM PST

By Heather Reese

Shopping for windows can be tedious. You have to decide on the style and type of window. And, of course, there’s the cost. Replacing windows throughout a home can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000. Consumer Reports just tested 17 windows from familiar names such as Pella, Andersen, and Marvin.

Prices ranged from a $180 Lowe’s Reliabilt vinyl window to a $600 Pella window made of clad wood. All the windows tested are Energy Star-qualified, which means they will reduce your energy bill. But considering the investment, will they save you money?

You can save between 10 percent and 25 percent a year on your heating and cooling costs if you replace older, single-paned windows. But it will still take you about 20 years to recoup your initial investment.

But if your windows are in bad shape or you want to make your home more attractive, Consumer Reports found several good choices.

Top-rated is the $400 Marvin Clad Ultimate made of clad-wood. And for much less, Consumer Reports named two clad-wood windows Best Buys. They’re the Pella ProLine that goes for $215 and the Andersen 200 Series Tilt Wash that costs $235.

Another way to save money is to check out your existing frames. If they’re in good condition, you might not need to replace them, and that can significantly lower your installation costs.

Once you’ve purchased the windows, then you have to worry about getting them installed. Consumer Reports says a good bet is to go with an installer recommended by the manufacturer. A Consumer Reports survey of readers found those who did that were more satisfied overall than those who used contractors recommended by Home Depot or Lowe’s.

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