My husband and I have had, thus far nine different window companies into our home to gain a quote and bid on our window project of twelve windows.
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how the larger, more well-know window replacement companies in Ohio stack up when compared one against the other.
Window World Review – Columbus, Ohio
On a cloudy, rainy morning, “Walt” of Window World showed up to give us his pitch on how his company would be the best option for my husband and I. He walked in with his bag of “stuff,” his window sample and his brochures.
He immediately pulled out his brochure and a pen that he used as a pointer and began to point to the features of how his window is manufactured. To be honest, he moved around the brochure pretty fast and I’m not sure I caught even 50% of what he shared from the brochure.
We explained that we wanted a quote for our 12 windows, white, double-paned and double hung. He pulled out a Window World quote sheet and began to fill in the options with the number of windows for each type. His quote sheet included five sections:
- Window World Basics
- Glass/Window Options
- Door Options
- Pre-1978 Built Home option
- Miscellaneous options
Once he added all the options together his total price was $10,673 making them number two, currently on the Wacky Window Woman Replacement Window comparison chart. But, if you are comparing Window World to Champion, you need to get a quote to upgrade to their triple pane package.
On Window World’s quote, “Walt”, he also noted ways to take away features in an effort to reduce the price. We could have removed argon gas or Low-E glass for example, but those were all items we knew we wanted and were non-negotiable. There was nothing we were willing to remove only to reduce the price.
Double Pane Window vs. Triple Pane Window
Window World sells the 4000 Series of the Alside Window. The standard 4000 series doesn’t come with triple pane, but you can add the “Clima Tech TG2 or ClimaTech TG2 Plus” which includes:
-Three panes of glass
-Two spaces filled with argon gas
-Two warm-edge spacer systems
-Two surfaces of Low-E (low-emissivity) glass
“Walt” offered to upgrade our windows to Triple Pane for an additional cost of $2,508 for our window project of twelve windows.
Champion Replacement Windows – Columbus, Ohio
“Charlie” from Champion arrived with his clipboard ready to give us his best pitch on why we should purchase Champion Windows. We had some small-talk in the beginning and he asked me to fill out a basic questionnaire to get my name, email and address. He did the required walk-about to measure the windows and confirm how many of them we wanted to replace, twelve in total. Ten are 3′ x 5′, one measures 2′ x 3′ and then one stationary that measures 48″ x 22″.
In his ‘kit’ he had samples of the frame so he could show us how they manufacture the frame and sash and then also to help me understand the profile and what they would look like on the exterior of my home. Champion only sells triple pane. Triple pane windows often require deeper window frames to accommodate the extra glass and spacers. So if you’re replacing double pane with triple pane, the existing window frame has to be compatible — or it might need to be modified or replaced.
Initially, I was bothered by the fact that when replacing my builder-grade windows with replacement windows, I was losing glass space and also, the windows would be thicker, so they would stick out a bit on the exterior. However, once the new windows are installed, you are hardly notice. Also, in some cases if you have blinds that fit inside the window, you may have to replace those. This could be a great thing, if you’ve needed an excuse to get new window treatments or it could be considered just an additional expense.
“Charlie” also was one of the few who took the time to do the Heat Lamp demonstration. Some do this and make a show out of it and others don’t bother. They plug in a heat lamp and let it warm up. Then they place a single pane, double pane, double pane with Low-E, a double pane with Low-E and Argon Gas and then finally Champion also demonstrated how the Triple pane with Low-E and Argon Gas filled insulated unit allowed the least amount of heat through. This means keeping the heat out in the Summer and keeping the heat inside during the Winter months.
Who manufactures the Champion Window?
Champion designs, manufactures and installs all of their windows. They arrive directly to your home from their manufacturing facility where they are made based on Champion Window Architect’s specs.
All of their windows come standard with triple pane glass and Vinyl Frame and Sashes.
Window World Vs. Champion – Who offers the best Warranty in Columbus, Ohio?
Both Window World and Champion offer a Limited LifeTime Warranty. See below for details on each.
| Feature | Window World | Champion Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Type | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Coverage | Vinyl, mechanical parts, glass, labor | Parts, labor, installation, accidental damage |
| Glass Breakage Coverage | Yes (with Solarzone™ Glass Package) | Yes |
| Transferability | Yes (with $250 transfer fee) | No |
| Labor Warranty Duration | 5 years (for vinyl window series 3000 or above) | Lifetime |
In summary, Window World offers a transferable warranty with coverage for glass breakage and a five-year labor warranty for certain window series. Champion Windows, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive warranty that includes coverage for accidental damage and lifetime labor coverage, but it is limited to one transfer. The choice between the two may depend on your specific needs and whether you value transferability or more extensive coverage for accidental damage.
Champion Windows VS. Window World – Ohio
If we were to take the quote we got from Window World and add the TG2/TD w/Argon at $209 per window or a total additional cost of $2,508, this puts the cost for Triple Pane at Window World at $ 13,180 compared to Chamption’s $17,950.
If you are truly looking for a Triple Pane window then I would also consider McCloud Window’s Mezzo Series from Alside. They come in at a lesser price than Champion or Window World for the same quality window. It’s the better value if you are in the market for a Triple Pane Window.
Be sure to se the Wacky Window Woman Comparison Chart to see how the more, well-known Replacement Window companies in Columbus, Ohio stack up against each other.
