We would love to have Anderson Windows in our new home, but cannot afford them.

We have looked at windows with similar insulation values and are seriously considering Southern Rose. Does anyone have these windows? What is their long term opinion of them?

We like them because they are vinyl--and we don't want the upkeep of painting. And they swing out for cleaning. We like that you don't have to dust the window panes because the cross thingees are within the two panes of glass. I wonder if they look a little on the cheap side because of that though.

Looking forward to your opinions. Any other brands to consider?

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), February 13, 2002

Answers

Response to Windows--Experience in choosing?

Here in the spring the local lumberyard has Anderson truckload sales and they are considerably cheaper.Ask your local dealer if they have season specials.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), February 13, 2002.

I would recommend a line of windows put out by Marvin Windows, called Integrity. They were originally developed to compete with Andersen, and are priced less. Quality is equal, and warranty/service is simple! They are also made with some real technology that Andersen does not have. I sound like a salesperson for them, but am not! I sold them for years, as well as many other brands, and for the money,... they're the way to go !!! Good luck.

-- steve drew (sdrew11@msn.com), February 13, 2002.

Ditto on what Steve said about Marvins. We installed them in the home we built two years ago and absolutely love them. The last log home we built, we used Anderson's and these are far superior in our estimation. Jean

-- jean (dandrea @duo-county.com), February 13, 2002.

Ann, you might consider the "showplace" rooms of your house to have the Andersons, then use cheaper windows elsewhere. I put an addition on my home three years ago and used cheaper windows to save money, and don't regret it, BUT these aren't in rooms for company, either. If you are getting a picture window in, for example, I'd have that one a really good window, and save on the rest. I don't know anything about the brand you asked about, sorry.

-- Jennifer L. (Northern NYS) (jlance@nospammail.com), February 14, 2002.

Thanks everyone--I do hope that more will offer advice.

Jennifer--that's a wonderful idea! Wonder why I hadn't thought of that?

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), February 14, 2002.

Here is a good illustrated article on windows and energy efficiency:

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00029.asp

-- freddie snevitz (igetspamon@webposts.com), February 15, 2002.