FAQs
Understanding Replacement Windows
A replacement window is custom-designed to fit into the opening left when an existing window of your home is removed, so there’s no need no need for a contractor to remove your home’s exterior materials during replacement window installation. Each replacement window is built to a specific, custom size to match the dimensions of the current windows in your home.
Metropolitan High Performance Windows is the preferred supplier and installer for top-quality replacement windows and doors from well-known brands, including Anlin, Green World, Premium Windows and Milgard. With so many styles of replacement windows to choose from, your Metropolitan High Performance Windows service representative can work with you to select windows that coordinate with the style of your home. All of our replacement windows, regardless of style, are easy to clean and operate.
Metropolitan High Performance Windows offers replacement windows from a variety of quality manufacturers. We’ll show you your options and help you choose the product that matches your budget and needs.
The choice is yours! Metropolitan High Performance Windows offers replacement windows and doors in vinyl and aluminum materials, and all of the windows we sell will do a fantastic job protecting your home. However, vinyl windows are the popular choice for most home projects because of their superior insulating properties, and the fact that they require almost no maintenance. Also, vinyl replacement windows are, on average, approximately 30% less expensive than their aluminum counterparts.
| Vinyl Windows | Aluminum Windows | Wood Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | On average vinyl windows are about 30% less expensive than aluminum windows. | About 30% more than vinyl windows. Aluminum windows that meet California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Requirements more than double the cost of vinyl windows. | Wood windows are costlier. Call it the law of supply and demand, the price of beauty, or just the fact that fewer companies make wood windows–but you will pay more for wood. Typically two to three times the cost of vinyl. |
| Appearance | Many colors available with smooth or textured stained/dyed PVC. Shape, size, and panes are customizable. However, once you pick a color, you are stuck with it; vinyl windows cannot be painted over (unlike fiberglass windows). Vinyl frames are more traditional in appearance than aluminum frames. Vinyl window frames are typically thicker than aluminum frames and offer options of smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes. | Many colors available with smooth or textured with enamel powder-coating. Shape, size, and panes are customizable. Real-wood interior available. Thinner aluminum frames are typically finished in smooth or textured powder-coated enamel for an ultimately sleeker, modern appearance that is more conducive to fitting in with contemporary architectural styles. | Excellent. The point of wood windows is usually to keep the interior natural or stained, with sealer on top, thus keeping the wood grain visible. Or, if you wish to have the look of solid colors, you can paint wood. One chief value of wood windows is that the inside frames can remain a natural wood color, if desired. Exteriors and interiors may be painted any color. Keep in mind that wood windows need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep their beauty. |
| Energy Efficiency | Vinyl windows are more energy efficient than aluminum windows. Vinyl windows regularly outperform competitive products because of the excellent thermal performance of the frame. Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows. Vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. | For aluminum window frames to insulate well, they need what is called a thermal break in which the two halves (inner and outer) are held together by a non-metal insulating material. Aluminum windows tend to conduct heat (and cold) and, therefore, are less energy efficient. You may look for more advanced aluminum options labeled “thermally improved,” or install special “thermal breaks”—insulation within the frame to prevent thermal energy loss—which just happen to be made of vinyl. | Excellent. Wood-framed windows are excellent at inhibiting the transmission of cold or heat from the outside. So it’s a great energy-saver. |
| Durability | Durable in most climates and conditions. Good for residential applications, less suitable for commercial buildings that need more structural strength. Both types of windows are very resistant to scratching, cracking, and marring. Vinyl windows, however, boast extra durability when it comes to dents and chips, too. Vinyl frames—which are constructed of the same material all the way through—would be less likely to show any chips or scratches than aluminum frames, where any damage to the finish will expose the raw metal underneath. | Very durable in all climates and conditions. Aluminum can also face challenges of corrosion and color change. Over time, the steel or zinc fasteners used for aluminum windows will corrode and pit, especially in environments like coastal towns with salty air. The enamel finish on aluminum windows is more subject to fading in strong sunlight than the dyes used in vinyl construction. | Durable if properly maintained. Properly maintained wood windows are in homes 100 years old. If not maintained regularly wood windows will rot or get eaten by termites in just a few years. Wood windows need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep their beauty. |
| Installation | Professional recommended | Professional recommended | Professional recommended |
| Maintenance | Virtually maintenance-free. Vinyl never requires repainting. In general, when shopping for replacement windows, it is a good idea to choose a color and finish that you can live with, whether you choose vinyl or aluminum. Many paints and coatings will not adhere well to either material and will be prone to peeling and flaking. Because vinyl is the same color throughout, there is seldom any need to repaint. | Minimal maintenance required. Aluminum windows aren’t too much more work to maintain but they are prone to condensation—which can lead to rust or mold. Aluminum should be cleaned with a special aluminum cleaner, rinsed, and dried semi-regularly. Also be proactive about lubricating the moving parts to prevent undue wear and tear on the metal mechanisms. Scratched or chipped aluminum can be repainted or re-coated with enamel paint, but it may be difficult to exactly match the original finish. | Wood-exterior windows need painting or sealing, not just at the time of installation, but throughout their lifetime. Painting wood windows is an exacting task and must be done frequently. |
| Insulation | Excellent | Fair to good | Excellent |
| Environmental Considerations | Some toxicity in manufacturing, but materials can be recycled. Vinyl windows require only one-third as much energy to manufacture as aluminum windows. Using vinyl over aluminum or steel window frames saves the United States nearly 2 trillion BTUs of energy per year – enough to meet the yearly electrical needs of 20,000 single-family homes. | Some toxicity in manufacturing, but materials can be recycled. | Wood has long been recognized as a renewable resource and an environmentally-friendly component material for a wide variety of products. Wood is the world’s only 100 percent renewable building material and is “manufactured” with the organic power of solar energy. |
| Popularity | Very popular in home construction, less so for commercial buildings. | Extremely popular for commercial buildings, less so for home construction because of cost. | Wood has dwindled to a 16%-17% market share primarily due to cost, so manufacturers and retailers do not prioritize them. |
Benefits of Replacement Windows
Replacement windows offer you many advantages, including increased energy efficiency, lower heating and cooling costs, and beautification of your home. If your windows are more than 25 years old, you should consider replacing them to increase energy efficiency and protect your home. If the wood frames of your windows are rotting through, if you’re unable to open your windows because they’re sealed or painted shut, or if your windows experience ice buildup or frost, become fogged with condensation, or allow drafts to pass through, your home is an ideal candidate for window replacement. Consider these facts when deciding whether to get replacement windows:
- Replacement windows and doors provide greater comfort, energy efficiency, and savings on home energy bills: Many homeowners choose to get new windows to save money on their energy bills. For example, upgrading from single- to double-paned windows has the potential to save you an immense amount of money on heating and cooling your home. Other features available in replacement windows that can add up to even more energy savings are low E glass, tinted glass, and windows with argon in the space between the panes.
- Replacement windows and doors will improve your home’s appearance: Simply changing the style of your windows and doors can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home, and Metropolitan High Performance Windows offers a wide selection of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Plus, we offer window and door hardware options that can significantly improve your home’s appearance on the inside, as well.
- Replacement windows and doors can provide you with increased ventilation throughout your home: Replacing windows that don’t open with new, screened windows that do can greatly increase the comfort level in your home. Your Metropolitan High Performance Windows service representative can show you a variety of window styles that have single or multiple moving sashes to improve the ventilation in your home.
Remodeling Magazine reported that according to a 2017 survey of cost versus value, replacement windows in upscale homes on the west coast realize a 93% return on investment. Replacement windows are available to suit a variety of styles and budgets, and the increase in value your home will experience will more than offset the cost of window replacement itself. Replacement windows not only enhance the appearance of your home, making it much more appealing to potential buyers, but they also let more light in, making your home’s interior brighter as well as more functional and stylish.
The quality of the windows and their installation is the main factor that influences how long your replacement windows will last. That’s why it’s so important to purchase high-quality replacement windows from a trusted window supplier and installer. High-quality vinyl windows can last for over 40 years. Low-quality windows can wind up costing you considerably more than high-quality windows because you could need to keep replacing the cheaply made windows every few years. All windows sold by Metropolitan High Performance Windows are ENERGY STAR® rated and fabricated by top manufacturers. We’ve been selling and installing windows for over 20 years and have been awarded the Angie’s List Super Service Award for five years in a row. As a reputable, experienced, professional window supplier and installer, Metropolitan High Performance Windows includes a lifetime warranty with every window we sell.
Drafty old windows allow air within your home to escape, and single-pane glass offers poor insulation against heat and cold. All of these factors lead to increased heating and cooling costs. New, high-performance replacement windows from Metropolitan High Performance Windows will ensure that warm or cold air stays inside your home, so you don’t need to use your furnace or air conditioner as often. According to estimates by the US Department of Energy (RESFEN6, Berkeley Lab), ENERGY STAR® rated double paned replacement windows can save you as much as 40% on your energy bills.
Check with your accountant for tax advice specific to your situation. When you make a change to your home that could save money on energy costs, you may be eligible for an energy efficiency tax credit.
When comparing windows, look for high-quality materials and construction, such as double-strength glass, sturdy locks and smoothly operating buttons and cranks. Quality windows will be energy efficient, as validated by NERGY STAR® ratings. Look for AAMA and NFRC certifications, as well. Finally, compare window manufacturers and window styles. During your home visit, your Metropolitan High Performance Windows service representative will review these features with you and help you compare your options.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
A window that helps a home stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer and allows heating and cooling systems to do less work is energy efficient. An energy-efficient window helps reduce your home energy expenses and helps your home run in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way.
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed program that helps us all save money and protect our environment with energy-efficient products and practices. Whether you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel your home, or buy a new house, ENERGY STAR can help. More than 70 types of products, including appliances, televisions, computers, heating and cooling equipment, and even new homes can earn the government’s ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR also offers best-practice solutions to make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs.
Metropolitan High Performance Windows is proud to offer our customers products that have earned the government’s ENERGY STAR label.
Window manufacturers whose products are labeled AAMA and NFRC certified have committed to uphold the quality and performance standards set by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the National Fenestration Rating Council. An AAMA-certified window has passed all AAMA tests and is likely to offer a high level of performance for a long time. An NFRC label on a window informs consumers about important performance information through a system of window ratings so they can make an informed purchasing decision. The NFRC is a nonprofit organization created by the US Department of Energy along with the window and door industry.
There are several ways to determine whether a window you’re considering purchasing is energy efficient. An excellent place to begin is by reading at the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label on the window itself. Look at the information listed on the U value, solar heat gain, and visible light transmittance on the window you’re considering. An energy-efficient window will be ENERGY STAR® approved.
Solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, let’s you know how well a window prevents the sun’s heat from penetrating the window. The closer an SHGC is to zero, the less solar heat is let into your home, and the closer an SHGC is to one, the more solar heat is let in. For example, and SHGC of .10 means that only 10% of the sun’s heat is being allowed through the window and an SHCG of .9 means that 90% of the sun’s heat is allowed in. A window with a climate-correct SHGC can help warm your home in cool climates and keep it cool in warm climates. In Southern California, you can save up to 40% on energy expenses by purchasing replacement windows that meet strict ENERGY STAR® ratings. ENERGY STAR® guidelines for the Southern California climate indicate an SHGC of 0.25.
A window or door’s U-Value—also known as U-factor—represents the amount of heat that escapes through the surface of the window or door. Lower U-Values indicate greater energy efficiency, and higher U-Values indicate lower energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR® guidelines for the Southern California climate indicate a U-Factor less than or equal to 0.30.
A window or door’s R-Value represents the window or door’s ability to resist heat flow. A window or door with a higher R-Value has more insulating power than one with a lower R-value.
Low-E is a coating of invisible, microscopic layers of silver sandwiched between anti-reflective metal oxide coatings and included in the surface of window and door glass to increase its energy efficiency and its protection from damaging UV rays. Low-E glass reflects heat rather than allowing it to pass into your home, keeping the inside of your house cooler on hot days. It also reflects heat from your home back inside on cold days, helping your home stay warmer. Low-E means “low emissivity,” which means that Low-E filters out the part of the light spectrum that transmits heat, reducing a window’s U-Value and increasing its R-Value.
Getting Started with Metropolitan High Performance Windows
Metropolitan High Performance Windows has been a trusted, experienced, professional supplier and installer of affordable, energy-efficient replacement windows for over 20 years. Our reputation for outstanding customer service has earned us the Angie’s List Super Service Award every year since 2014. Our experienced, trained installers are respectful and helpful, and they clean up their debris thoroughly after every installation job. When you choose Metropolitan High Performance Windows, you know your window replacement job will be done right.
Most of the issues that our customers encounter are easily corrected and don’t indicate a problem with the window itself. Of course, all of our products and installations are covered by a comprehensive labor warranty as well as a manufacturer lifetime warranty. At Metropolitan High Performance Windows, we are always available to help.
Our Five Step Ordering and Installation Process is Time-Tested and Proven to Result in the Highest Levels of Customer Satisfaction:
- Once you’ve selected Metropolitan for your replacement window or patio door installation project, we’ll do a final walk-through of your home to re-measure each window and re-confirm your selections, options and preferences.
- We’ll immediately order your replacement windows and doors from our manufacturing facility, custom-measured to your home’s specifications. Production time is generally two to two and a half weeks.
- Within seven to ten days we will contact you to schedule the installation on a day and time convenient for you. We will provide you the name of the assigned crew chief and answer any additional questions.
- On installation day, our crew will arrive at the agreed upon time and begin your window and patio door replacement. Most jobs are completed in one or two days. We will never interrupt your installation to work on another customer’s project. The crew cleans up as they go and never leaves a mess or an open, unfinished window. The job isn’t done until you are completely satisfied.
- When your replacement window and patio door project is completed, you will receive a customer satisfaction survey that will allow you to rate your windows, the installers, and your experience with Metropolitan High Performance Windows. We’re confident you’ll be satisfied with your beautiful new, energy-efficient windows and patio doors!
We promise to give you a fair and accurate price quote for your replacement window and door project. We want you to have accurate information so you can make an informed decision. The last thing we want is for you to feel we’ve misled you with an estimate that’s too high or low because we didn’t correctly assess your home’s replacement window needs. There are quite a few factors for us to consider when we assess your project, including replacement window style, energy savings, design, installation issues, carpentry and construction, and warranty. For these reasons, it’s not possible for us to give you an estimate by phone or email. Instead, we’ll schedule a brief visit to your home at a time that’s convenient for you so we can accurately evaluate your replacement window needs and have a straightforward conversation about your options. We don’t engage in high-pressure sales tactics or insist you “buy now” to get the best price; instead, we provide you with honest and transparent pricing so you can make the best decision for your home.
Radio ads cost a lot of money. So does magazine and newspaper advertising. All that expense is added to the cost of the window. We get our customers through referrals and internet searches. We keep our overhead low and pass the savings to our customers.
We all know how discounts and coupons work. If someone is offering half off or free anything they are making up the difference somewhere. A two for one deal on an overpriced window is really not much of a deal. (For full disclosure, we have a coupon on Angie’s List. Angie’s List requires us to have a coupon available to its members. We will show the coupon to anyone that wants to see it.)
We don’t work that way and we like to keep it simple. We look at your project, determine the labor cost, price the windows, add a modest mark-up and hand you the estimate. No crazy math, no “coupon gimmicks”, no “buy now” or the price goes up offers, no pressure. Simple, straightforward, fair prices for top quality windows and installation from the best window and door installation company in Southern California. And our quotes are good for 90 days so you can think it over.
The choice is yours. We want to be able to answer everyone’s project-related questions, but if it isn’t possible for you both to be there, that’s okay. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your replacement window needs and expectations and provide you a written quote for completion of the entire project, including windows, doors, installation, materials, taxes and anything else related to your project: no gimmicks, hassles or high-pressure sales tactics.
While many of our customers sign up for our window replacement services right away, you certainly aren’t required to do so. We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics or threaten to raise our price if you don’t commit right away. Our price quote is guaranteed for 90 days, giving you plenty of time to make sure you’re comfortable working with us.
Metropolitan High Performance Windows works with a number of lending partners to give you lots of options, programs, and payment plans to choose from.
Metropolitan High Performance Windows’ Replacement Window/Door Installation Service
We ensure your replacement windows fit your home perfectly by ordering them custom-made to precise specifications. It typically takes about three to four weeks for us to receive your custom-made windows. Within seven to ten days we will contact you to schedule the installation on a day and time convenient for you. We can usually begin to install your new windows the same week they arrive if that’s convenient for you.
How long will it take Metropolitan High Performance Windows to install my replacement windows/doors?
The type of windows we’ll remove from your home and the type we’ll install, as well as window locations and frame types, are all factors that help determine the amount of time our expert window installers will need to complete the job. On average, we can install eight to ten windows per day. Sliding patio doors, French doors, bi-fold and multi-slide doors take longer to install than windows. At your home visit, your Metropolitan High Performance Windows service representative will assess your installation project and give you a timeline. The total time it takes us to measure, order, manufacture and install your new windows usually takes between 2 ½ to 4 weeks from start to finish.
We can install most of our replacement windows from the outside of your home, but certain types of windows and style elements require an inside installation. On the day your windows are installed, your expert installer will assess your specific situation and explain to you the process that will be best for your home.
We install replacement windows year-round, and the average installation takes only one day. Our expert installation teams install only one window at a time and are trained to use techniques that minimize heating/cooling loss. The energy savings you’ll experience from your new replacement windows over their lifetime will far outweigh any incremental energy costs incurred during their installation.
We recommend that you remove all wall decorations from the walls that are close to the windows being replaced, to avoid accidental damage to the decorations. Please also remove all window treatments, such as curtains and blinds. Security sensors should be turned off and removed by your security company. Finally, please provide our installers with a clear path to the windows being replaced by moving anything that might be in the way.
We will remove all of your old windows from your property and properly dispose of them after we install your new replacement windows. Please notify the installation team as soon as they arrive if you wish to keep your old windows.
Most of the issues that our customers encounter are easily corrected and don’t indicate a problem with the window itself. Of course, all of our products and installations are covered by a comprehensive labor warranty as well as a manufacturer lifetime warranty. At Metropolitan High Performance Windows, we are always available to help.