What are the best replacement windows for San Diego homes?

There are so many different brands of replacement windows out there, it can almost be overwhelming. Some of the brands on the market are great, while others should be avoided at all costs, in our opinion.

Every San Diego home is different and has different needs when it comes to replacement windows, so there isn’t necessarily a “one-size-fits-all” suggestion we can give when it comes to the best replacement windows for San Diego homes. However, here are a few general suggestions when you start the process of choosing new windows.

Look for Windows That Are Energy Efficient

Most people who are in the market for new windows are hoping to make their homes more energy efficient. Replacement windows that are energy efficient will keep your house more comfortable year-round and will also help you save money on your monthly energy bills.

You’ll probably notice very soon into your search for new windows that all replacement windows on the market claim to be energy efficient. They can say this because pretty much any new window out there will be more energy efficient than the old, single pane windows that may be currently in your San Diego home. But some replacement windows are definitely more energy efficient than others.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to compare windows when it comes to energy efficiency. That’s because almost all new windows on the market are evaluated by the same independent, third-party organization—the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The NFRC rates windows based on several factors. The most important rating that San Diego homeowners should look at is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating. This measures how well a window or door keeps out unwanted heat. The rating falls between 0 and 1, with a lower number being preferable.

You can find the NFRC ratings on each window manufacturer’s website or you can get them from a San Diego replacement window dealer.

Don’t Assume That the Most Well-Known Brands Are the Best

Some of the “household name” brands of replacement windows are a good value, but not all of them. Several are very overpriced, in our opinion, simply because they know people will pay more for a product from a company they are familiar with.

Don’t be afraid to go with a brand of replacement windows that you’ve never heard of before. It may be the case that you’ve never heard of them simply because they aren’t sold in retail stores, but are only available from authorized dealers. Some of the smaller, regional replacement window companies make excellent products that work well in San Diego homes. You can often get a better window at a lower price from a lesser-known manufacturer.

A Good Warranty Is Key

We know that many consumers don’t take warranties into account when they’re making purchasing decisions, but when you’re buying new windows, you absolutely should!

Windows are complex products. There’s a lot of technology that goes into today’s replacement windows, and sometimes things go wrong with windows. If you purchase windows with a good, comprehensive warranty, you will have no problem getting your windows repaired or replaced at no charge, should anything go wrong.

You want to look for replacement windows that come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, as well as a lifetime installation warranty from the San Diego company from which you purchase your windows. That way you are covered, whether a problem is due to a manufacturing defect or if your windows were installed incorrectly.

You can read more about the BM Windows Warranty here.

Hire a Reputable Company to Install Your Windows

You can purchase the most expensive replacement windows on the market, but if they are installed incorrectly, they won’t perform well or be as durable as you probably had hoped. You want to make sure that your new windows are installed by professional window installers. Some companies in San Diego that sell replacement windows outsource the installation to subcontractors who may or may not be experts at window installation. At BM Windows, we use only our own team of highly trained installers. They are familiar with the products we sell, as well as the best techniques for installing windows properly.

Look for an Honest Replacement Window Dealer

A good, honest San Diego replacement window dealer will help you find the windows that best meet your needs and your budget. They won’t try to upsell you on products you don’t need or want, and they won’t try to pressure you into signing a contract before you’re ready. They will also be able to help you compare the various products on the market—even the ones they don’t sell.

A representative from BM Windows would be happy to explain the differences between the various replacement window product lines and make recommendations to you, based on your needs and your budget. We can even answer questions about our competitors’ products, so you can make a more informed buying decision. Contact us today to set up an appointment for an in-home consultation where you can have all of your questions answered and get an estimate on beautiful new replacement windows and doors for your San Diego home!