If you are in the market for window replacement in Calgary, you’re probably wondering what are the specifics you should know in order to have proper custom windows installed in your home. With so many window companies in the city offering similar products, it can be quite easy to feel indecisive and unsure which one is right for you.
In reality, there is probably more than one company locally that is right for you, and that’s great news. Your specific choice will probably rest on what’s more important to you be it price, quality, or customer service. But the best companies should offer great options in all three areas.
We will outline 5 things that you should keep in mind when you decide to replace your windows.
1. Financing
You’ve decided to get windows and doors. You’re still going to have to pay for it somehow, and window and door financing is an important point of discussion if you’re getting ready to make such a purchase here’s how it typically works for most homeowners:
- Your credit application is completed online, at a showroom or right at your home.
- After submission of the application, an answer is usually given within minutes or a few hours.
- Payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account.
- Payment deferral options for 3, 6, or 12 months is available and Equal Monthly Payments up to 60 months
- All Home Improvement Loans are open to prepayment, so your have the flexibility to pay off your loan at any time — without penalty.
2. Egress Windows (fire code)
Egress windows come into play to make sure that your windows meet your province’s Fire Code standards. These standards are very similar across the country and require that every bedroom has an emergency exit. When replacing basement windows in the hopes of outfitting the space as a bedroom in the future, you would be well served to discuss it with the product consultant to make sure that the windows meet fire code.
Window styles that qualify as Egress Windows
3. ENERGY STAR®
Qualified windows and doors are tested and rated by an independent, accredited agency – Energy Star. As of January 2020, homeowners no longer have to consider a Climate zone when shopping for windows that are ENERGY STAR® certified in Calgary. A product in Canada is either ENERGY STAR® certified or not, with a single standard applied nationwide.
But keep in mind that if you are looking to purchase new energy-efficient windows, you should only consider models with a minimum ER (energy rating) of 34 to make sure that these windows meet the Canadian government fenestration standards.
4. LoE Glass
Calgary homes get a lot of sun on the side where the windows face south. Therefore it is beneficial to consider adding a second coat of LoE (Think of LoE coating as invisible insulation. LoE blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping your furniture from fading, yet at the same time allowing in more visible sunlight.) for replacement windows that are installed on the south side of your home.
5. Prepaid Contracting License
In Alberta, all business that accepts money before all the work is done and/or the services are provided are required to register with Service Alberta in order to be allowed to accept down payments. Before submitting an initial payment for your window replacement, it is recommended to check if the contractor is licensed by Service Alberta.
Check out these window replacement articles:
Find out how we price our windows
See our gallery of completed projects in Calgary
Find out why you can purchase with confidence when you get windows from Ecoline