MOSES LAKE — New windows are a big investment for any homeowner.  

Justin Vanerstrom, owner of Al's Glass in Moses Lake, said that being the case, it pays for a homeowner to do some research first.  

"The thing is, you want to recoup what you spend," Vanerstrom said.  

New windows improve a home's insulation, he said, and some modern windows have light-reflecting qualities that help reduce cooling bills. But those savings may not be enough to repay the investment, he said, especially since costs – and estimates - can vary widely. Vanerstrom cited a customer who received bids where the difference in the estimates exceeded $50,000.  

While there are plenty of windows that have survived a century or more, modern windows can decline in efficiency over time. Homeowners should start giving their windows a close inspection after about 20 to 25 years. 

"Some of these windows that you'll work on that are 20 years old are still in good shape, and they can be worked on," he said. 

He recommended that homeowners check the manufacturer of their existing windows and the warranty policy when they're doing their research.  

"Some of those windows out there have warranty that you can still use up to something like 20 years,” Vanerstom said. “If we go out and we notice that it's that brand window, then I steer them towards the manufacturer portion of it because that saves them a lot of money.” 

And not every window is made the same, he said, and a window's shelf life depends in large part on its quality. 

"A lot of what you see is, when a when a contractor's building a house, they buy a window package and a lumber package all together,” Vanerstrom said. “So basically, you're getting whatever the contractor's putting in. The guy buys a window package. It depends on the price of the house, but those windows are not necessarily going to be the high-quality ones." 

Vinyl frame windows are the most common type in modern construction, Vanerstrom said; metal frame windows are being phased out, and wood frame windows are more expensive. Considerably more expensive, actually.  

"Where you'll have a vinyl window that's $500 installed – from that to a wood window, that is $1,500," he said.  

Metal window frames have some disadvantages, he said. 

"The biggest issue with metal is that it sweats. In the wintertime, if the inside of the house is warm and it's really cold outside, you'll get moisture on the frame itself, which then starts rotting the windowsill," he said.  

He's worked on residences where it was necessary to remove and replace damaged drywall, he said. Damage isn't the only problem that comes with moisture, though. 

"You'll get a black mold situation where the metal window sweats," he said 

The dry climate of Eastern Washington can damage vinyl windows over time. 

"The vinyl will actually dry out," Vanerstrom said. "If you take your finger and rub it on the frame, and it comes back white, that means it's dry. In that situation, they're just breaking down over the environment." 

Vinyl windows used to be available in two or three colors, but that's changed, and now homeowners have a much wider choice. Windows generally come in two thicknesses, he said, and a thicker window will provide better insulation. 

Windows might just need repair rather than replacement. Multi-layer windows with condensation between the panes of glass may just need one section removed and replaced, he said.  

Al's Glass 

518 E. Third Ave. 

Moses Lake 

509-765-5995 

    Homeowners should start taking a close look at their windows when they're 20 to 25 years old, said Justin Vanerstrom, owner of Al's Glass.