How can I prove to the contractor and manufacturer that my replacement windows are not good?

Question

I replaced all of the windows and doors in my house. My house is still cold in all the rooms and I cannot sit on the couch or chairs by the windows. It doesn't matter what I put the thermostat on. The heat warms the interior corridors, then when we walk into a room with windows it is cold. When I open the blinds in the morning, a blast of cold escapes into the room. I also feel a small amount of cold air leaking at the window corners where the glass meets the vinyl frame. The window sills and glass are cold. It seems that the cold comes right through the glass itself. These are low e, argon gas double panes (Ideal 4500 series windows). Is there a technical test to prove that these windows are not good so that I can argue this to the installer and manufacturer?

Update:

On the fluke Ti25, what numbers would border acceptable? Do I just hold this up to the glass and would a store like home depot carry this?

? · Accepted Answer

I would hire an "Energy Auditor." They can use a blower door and heat sensing camera to tell where the leaks are coming from and they are an unbiased 3rd party.

Tedruski · Answer

Windows,even insulated glass & Argon filled are still far less energy efficient than a stud wall with insulation. So, standing in front of any window is going to feel colder, larger windows even more so.
Sounds like you need better air flow to mix the warm air in the room. Anytime you open window curtains you are going to feel the cold radiating through the window glass. 
It is very seldom that new windows leak air, they do though - transmit radiant cold through the glass. The energy efficient windows just work better at reducing that transmission of cold/heat.
Try running your furnace fan blower on all the time (on) vs. auto.
Energy efficient windows are better than the old style, but they are no comparison to a fully insulated framed wall, they will always feel colder in winter than the walls.

? · Answer

Sounds like a good price, as long as the company is licensed, bonded and insured, and the windows are (factory) guaranteed, and the installation is (installer) guaranteed. However, I would encourage you to invest the time in getting alternate bids. I don't usually recommend going with the lowest bid, too often what you get is substandard work. However, you'll get a feel for the "right" price. Also, ask your neighbors for recommendations of companies, watch for trucks driving around. Make sure they've been around for a while. Glass is not cheap and window installers make ok money. Waterproofing a new window into your house envelope is a "specialty field", and a mistake in the flashing can cost big bucks down the road. So, you'll pay upfront for peace of mind.

Dude Man · Answer

When i was in Scandinavia, you NEVER saw double pane windows, triple pane was the norm and for good reason.  Maybe you just live in a really cold region...nothing will insulate as well as a solid, insulated wall.  And if you have  aluminum windows, the aluminum will transmit cold very efficiently and they're a waste of money imo...vinyl or vinyl/wood are the only way to go and i'd forego the fake dividers.

Jim S · Answer

Before you buy anything, contact your energy providers (gas and electric).  Ask if they have a service to conduct an energy audit on your home.  Many will do it for free.  While they are there, call their attention to the windows so they can pay special attention.  As a bonus, you may find other areas that need attention.

Anonymous · Answer

a handheld thermal imager. preferably the fluke Ti25. LOL! it would definitly prove the windows are bad, but it is a $7,000 meter! get it online or an electrical/hvac supply house.
honestly a $50 laser infrared thermometer is more than enough to find out. fluke and raytek make the best ones.

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How can I prove to the contractor and manufacturer that my replacement windows are not good?

6 Answers