How to Maximize the Effect of Replacing Windows or Doors on a Fixed Budget

How to Maximize the Effect of Replacing Windows or Doors on a Fixed Budget

How to Maximize the Effect of Replacing Windows/Doors on a Fixed Budget

Need new windows or a new front door, but you are working on a fixed budget? Don’t stress! There are lots of good reasons why replacing old, weathered windows and doors is always a smart move for homeowners. New ones can maintain an airtight seal to keep drafts out, reduce ambient noise, eliminate condensation buildup, reduce energy costs, and even increase the value of your home. But when funds are a little low or already stretched, it’s not always a simple process when it comes to purchasing the replacements that you need. So how can you maximize the value in replacing your windows or doors on a fixed budget? We have all the information that you need below.

Save In Advance

If you already know that your windows are looking rough and need to be upgraded in the near future, the best way to mitigate that projected cost for replacing them is by saving well in advance. Like any big, important purchase, saving ahead of time is one of the best ways to prep your bank account for this necessary home maintenance purchase. And once you can finally mitigate your energy bills with up to 40% worth of savings with your new, energy-efficient windows, you’ll see how it can be more cost-effective in the long-run. The benefits truly outweigh the costs.

Do Your Research

You may have an idea of the average costs for window replacements, but knowing the exact amount is essential so you can have a clear idea of how much it will set you back in price. Determine your budget before asking around for quotes from reputable window and door companies so you can make some comparisons. This can help narrow down your scope and options that can suit your budget best.

Choose The Right Material

When it comes to cost savings, it’s important also to consider the materials used in certain replacement windows. For example, even though you may enjoy the aesthetics of traditional wooden frames, this material can be more challenging to maintain long-term since it’s more vulnerable against the weather elements, especially in winter. Vinyl, on the other hand, is a much more durable material. It can withstand harsh elements, and it’s also affordable. That’s    why it’s one of the most popular choices for window replacements today. Best of all, vinyl frames come in a variety of different styles to suit the architecture of your home perfectly.

Replace One At A Time

Some homeowners also choose to replace one or two windows at a time if their budget is tight. This can let you take care of the highest priority project, maybe the window at the front of your home or in your bedroom, while you continue to save for the remainder that needs to be addressed at a later time. It’s perfectly okay to do it one window at a time.

Take Advantage of Flexible Payment & Financing Options

Not having the cash on hand to pay full-out for a window or door replacement doesn’t have to hinder your ability to get the job done when it needs to be. Your health and comfort in your own home are important. Flexible payment and financing options are available and offered by many reputable companies, including us here at Aztech Window & Door. We offer affordable, competitive and flexible financing options, including Easy Payment and Zero Interest, which can help you get what you need now and pay it off down the road incrementally. When you’re searching around for quotes, don’t forget to ask about the different payment plans that are offered from each company to determine the best one to suit your needs and budget.

What Makes Aztech Doors & Windows Different?

What Makes Aztech Doors & Windows Different?

What Makes Aztech Doors & Windows Different?

Curious about what makes our business stand out from the competition? The success of Aztech Doors & Windows throughout the years can be attributed to our full-service philosophy. Our mission is simple – to provide the best in professional installation service in a prompt and honest manner. From beginning to end, you get the highest quality products and best in customer service, expert advice, and workmanship. Read on to learn more about what exactly makes Aztech Doors & Windows different than the rest.

Lifetime Warranty

Your windows and doors will always fit perfectly because all our products are made-to-order. This ensures that our windows and doors are made to your exact requirements so that they are installed right the first time! We measure the space to ensure the fit will be just right. Plus, this provides for more flexible customization options compared to purchasing already designed stock. Your home is your oasis, and it should look the exact way you want it to!

Made-to-Order Products

You may have an idea of the average costs for window replacements, but knowing the exact amount is essential so you can have a clear idea of how much it will set you back in price. Determine your budget before asking around for quotes from reputable window and door companies so you can make some comparisons. This can help narrow down your scope and options that can suit your budget best.

ENERGY STAR® Certified Products

All of our windows and doors are also ENERGY STAR® certified in Canada. Why does this matter? Because ENERGY STAR® is the standard for energy efficiency. Higher ratings offer better-insulation properties and can result in significant savings for heating and cooling bills. Not only will our ENERGY STAR® windows and doors help to reduce your energy costs, but you’ll also qualify for a number of available rebates in Canada to save even more.

Highly Skilled Employees

Most of our competitors rely on seasonal workers with limited training to install and replace their windows and doors – that’s where we’re also different. At Aztech, all of our staff come from window and door manufacturing backgrounds. They undergo rigorous training and are kept up-to-date on all the latest technological advancements in our field. And unlike other companies, our trained installers do all the installation work – we never outsource. We even provide some of the construction services necessary for enlarging, shrinking and moving doors. You can count on our staff to provide you with one on one personal attention and reliable, expert advice.

Incredible Pricing Specials

Our company also offers something the others guys don’t, and that’s special rates. Just head to our website to find out about our latest promotions. We guarantee they’ll provide some massive savings. Take our latest promotion for example – all you had to do was sign up for a free estimate to receive a free upgrade to triple-pane glass, or a free installation on any door or when ordering 5 or more windows. Check our website frequently and find the best deal for you and your home needs.

Design Services Included

Another way we stand out from our competition is our design services. On every job, you’ll get access to expert advice from our trained designers, free of charge. So if you’re not sure what style of windows or doors will look best on your home, our team will help guide you in the right direction – a service that will prove invaluable right from the start.

Quality Assurance

We go above and beyond from the moment we meet our clients right until project completion. We never leave before everything is checked and signed off on. We will even conduct a thorough cleanup and walk-through to check that quality has been achieved and to ensure and that you are fully satisfied with the product. We’re never done until you are 100% happy!

At Aztech Windows and Doors, we take pride in our work and professional reputation. We do whatever it takes to ensure that our customers are satisfied every step of the way. When you hire us, you’ll only receive the highest quality windows and doors that are designed to handle our ever-changing Canadian weather. We also have many styles and designs to choose from – you’ll be amazed at all the options available to you. To learn more about our products, check out our website today or contact us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Windows and Doors Warranty and Service

Windows and Doors Warranty and Service

Windows and doors warranty and service.

Windows and doors warranty and service are in some ways similar to the warranty you get on a major appliance like a furnace.  Windows, doors and large appliances require professional installation to ensure their proper operation and long life. If you got it installed by your general contractor or by yourself there will be significant limitations to the coverage.  There are also significant differences as well.   Most important one is that once a door or a window is installed, it can not be removed without the damage which would render the item unusable. Certain things can be repaired and adjusted, e.g. broken glass, hardware.

Reputable windows and doors manufacturers/dealers that stand behind their product and their craftsmanship all include a lifetime transferable non-prorated warranty and service in the price.  They have no issue backing up their work with a comprehensive written warranty. Companies not confident in their technicians tend to offer the manufacturer’s (parts only, no longer than 10-15 yrs) warranty. As for the true value of any promise and service quality, the best strategy is to research the company’s reputation and look up the old customers’ reviews.

Reading and understanding everything about written warranty needs to be done before signing the contract. All concerns regarding the warranty should be easily addressed by a company representative. Exclusions and limitations shall be added to the contract in writing.

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Doing Windows Replacement

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Doing Windows Replacement

mistakes-avoid-when-doing-windows-replacement

People don’t do their homework
It’s embarrassing and sad to find out afterwards, that whatever windows you got (even if the windows are good and the deal you got is great) are not as functional or beautiful as they could be. One of the main reasons people make mistakes when choosing new windows is because they don’t take the time to educate themselves about their window options and what the market has to offer. Do some reading prior to shopping and gain a better understanding of the modern windows and door technologies have to offer.

Being embarrassed to ask silly questions
 
There is no such a thing as silly questions!  Your window contractor is a resource.  Ask him or her as many questions as you wish until you are clear and comfortable about the product, the installation process, and anything else you can think of.

Not knowing when to stop in pursuit of perfection 
Energy efficient products is a must today. With all the positive benefits of switching to energy efficient windows, it’s really an easy decision that will help paying for itself in the years to come.  However exceeding the Government approved recommendations to marginally improve your windows efficiency may never return the additional investment it will require.  Simple strategy – follow the recommendations, and see what you neighbors do, talk to them about their experience.

Shopping based on price alone
Shopping based on price alone is a mistake, regardless of what you are buying. Yes, everyone wants to get a good deal and save money, but quality, time, warranty and helpful service – all have their value.  Compromising any of the above for a couple hundred dollars may cost you thousands later on.

Postponing/reducing the scope of your window project 
If it is time to the windows replacement, you got to do it.  Not having enough money right now should not prevent you from fixing your home.   First of all, it is not granted that your disposable income will grow faster than prices and affording the same project next year will get any easier than now.  Second, new efficient windows will save the energy costs for you. Third, multiple financing options are available, some of which are interest free, and given the energy savings, new windows  will pay most of the cost for themselves.

If you are in the market for new windows, we want hear from you. Contact our windows Hamilton company at any time and one of our professional staff members would be happy to assist you with your inquiry.

We’re proud to be the premier vinyl windows and doors company for residents of Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and all surrounding communities.
Call Us 905-233-2320

Repair or Replace Windows? Factors to consider when deciding on repairing or replacing windows and doors.

Repair or Replace Windows? Factors to consider when deciding on repairing or replacing windows and doors.

Repair or Replace windows? Factors to consider when deciding on repairing or replacing windows and doors.

It’s a question every homeowner asks themselves at least once, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with some other organizations like Ontario Association of Home Inspectors offer tips to help consumers decide which option is best when their home’s  windows and doors look like they could use some work.  CMHC says the decision on whether to repair or replace windows and doors depends on each homeowner’s priorities and financial situation.  If the top priorities are the property value and energy use, replacing is the way to go; if on the contrary it is cost savings, repairing tends to be less expensive.

While there are plenty of companies who would replace windows and doors in Hamilton and the area, finding a skilled repair person and parts for your specific door or a window may prove to be quite hard.  When seriously contemplating repair, homeowner should find the answers to the following three questions:

1.       Will the repair bring your window or door up to its original appearance and functionality?

2.       Who would fix it?  How skillful and reputable the contractor is?  Do they warranty their work?

3.       What would it cost and how much time it will take?

Once the homeowner has the answers to those questions it becomes much clearer what will be the cost difference and how realistic each option is.

There are other factors CMHC says homeowners should take into consideration regarding window and door renovations. These include making sure windows and doors match the original style of a house, determining how much moisture is being let in when  windows and doors are used, and if excessive amounts of condensation forms on windows.  If homeowners still have a hard time determining whether or not to repair or replace windows and doors, a certified home inspector can help. With fall approaching, it may be a good idea to have the entire house examined. Home improvements could help people save on home insurance premiums.

Windows and Doors Energy Performance

Windows and Doors Energy Performance

Windows and Doors Energy Performance

The Canadian test standard for the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights is the CSA A440.2. Some products sold in Canada may also be tested to the United States standards of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) (100 and 200 standards). Tests are performed using standard sample sizes to fairly rank their overall structural and energy performance. Frequently, the energy efficiency ratings are derived by using computer software developed specifically for fenestration products.

Currently, testing the energy performance of factory-built windows, doors and skylights is mandatory in in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.  Windows, doors and skylights in British Columbia and windows and sliding glass doors in Ontario – Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener – Waterloo and area must meet a minimum efficiency standard.  The values that are most often used in Canada to represent the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights are the following.

U-value :- Indicates the rate of heat transfer from warm to cold areas in watts per square metre Kelvin (W/m2*K) or British thermal units per hour per square foot Fahrenheit (Btu/h*sq. ft.*°F).  The lower the value, the slower the rate of heat transfer.

R-value :- This value is the opposite of the U-factor and is not part of the energy performance standards.  It indicates the resistance to heat transfer in square feet per hour in Fahrenheit degrees of temperature per British thermal unit (sq. ft*h*°F/Btu). The higher the number, the higher the resistance to heat transfer.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) :- A ratio indicating the amount of the sun’s heat that can pass through the product (solar gain). The higher the number, the greater the solar gain.

Energy rating (ER) :- For windows and doors only, this unitless number reflects the balance between heat transfer (U-factor or U-value), solar gain and air leakage. Higher numbers indicate a slower heat transfer without significantly reducing the amount of solar gain.

Visible transmittance (VT) :- A ratio that indicates the amount of visible light that can pass through the product. The higher the number, the more visible light that can pass through.

We’re proud to be the premier vinyl windows and doors company for residents of Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and all surrounding communities.
Call Us 905-233-2320

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