Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

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luvmiso
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Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#1 Post by luvmiso »

I have the following quotes to consider for a 17 window replacement. I've provided links to the product pages below.

Okna 500 Insul-Tec, .25U,double hung, foam filled, argon, for $6,500
http://www.oknawindows.com/index.php?m=64

Vista Performa Series, R*-5 / U .20, foam filled, argon, double hung, for $5,760
http://www.swwp.us/energypluswindows/pe ... eries.html

Home Depot 6500 aka Simonton 6500, info below, for $12,000
http://www.simonton.com/Products/_Produ ... l.htm?i=40


Is the Vista deal too sweat to be true?

Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Are the numbers for that Vista window a triple pane...?

If not, those are not correct.

luvmiso
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#3 Post by luvmiso »

Those are the numbers stated on the manufacturers website. The link to their website is here: http://www.swwp.us/energypluswindows/pe ... eries.html

Does anyone know anything about these Vista windows?

Skydawggy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#4 Post by Skydawggy »

luvmiso wrote:Those are the numbers stated on the manufacturers website. The link to their website is here: http://www.swwp.us/energypluswindows/pe ... eries.html

Does anyone know anything about these Vista windows?
Your link doesn't work nor is it to Vistas website. The correct address is

http://www.vistawindowco.com/



If Vista is claiming their double pane window has a U-factor of .20 then it's utter nonsense. The most energy efficient part of any window is an area about the size of a quarter located in the center of the glass. Vista uses glass made by AFG. AFG's top of the line U-factor for double pane glass has a center of glass (COG) U-factor around .24 based on a Winter rating. The COG summer rating is .22 The best double hung window out there has an overall U-factor of about .27. Overall U-factors cannot exceed COG ratings.

http://www.afgglass.com/documents/PDF/C ... ata_BB.pdf


I have only heard of Vista in the last year or so but based on reading their website, I would have to say it's a fairly new company and their site uses a lot of words that say nothing. I spent @ 5 minutes there and even clicked the link for technical information but there isn't any technical info. Not saying it's not a descent window, just saying they aren't real forthcoming with test results. They also claim their window meets AAMA standards, but isn't tested by AAMA so there's no valid certification. According to their website they also perform the energy efficiency tests to NFRC standards but, they do the testing not NFRC. All of this indicates new company, so buyer beware.

Edited to add:

The link you provide should have been http://swwp.us/energypluswindows/performaseries.html which is a contractor who apparently sells Vista Windows.
It does indeed claim a U-factor of .20 but I can assure you that isn't for double pane glass. If your quote was for triple pane glass, I'd say thats a pretty good price, but I'd still be uncomfortable with manuf. testing with no independent verification. Those of us who have been around for a while have seen these type of false claims before.

peepers
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#5 Post by peepers »

Okna is a very good window. They at one time had the best thermal ratings for any double pane window in the NFRC bank. I have not looked in a while and therefore can not claim that to still be the case. That said OKNA has the reputation of being a premium window manufacturer and a commitment to producing the best on the market. As an industry insider I would recommend them strongly.

jsmomo
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#6 Post by jsmomo »

with the vista window the R-5 with the .20 u factor is the triple pane with low-e and argon . like sky said that website is the dealers site not vistas.

njwindowman
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#7 Post by njwindowman »

Are the window openings you received the quote of 6500 for 17 Okna 500 windows wood openings or metal frame openings or vinyl window openings ?

advanced_energy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#8 Post by advanced_energy »

i KNOW FOR A FACT that a VISTA double pane has u-factor of .32;remember. it has to be a full winow u-factor not just center of glass.
as for 17 dh OKNA windows for 6500...thats so damn cheap i may call your contractor and have him install them for me. is his name santa clause?

jsmomo
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#9 Post by jsmomo »

i KNOW FOR A FACT that a VISTA double pane has u-factor of .32;remember. it has to be a full winow u-factor not just center of glass.

i think u need to check you facts

advanced_energy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#10 Post by advanced_energy »

i had a visit from visit a few months back and i have the u-values in front of me.the double pane with intercept in .32.

advanced_energy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#11 Post by advanced_energy »

i mean visit from Vista.

jsmomo
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#12 Post by jsmomo »

its .33

advanced_energy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#13 Post by advanced_energy »

i know they get their vinyl from VEKA which is a very good quality. its an average window.

buddy110
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#14 Post by buddy110 »

For God's sake stay away from the supplier SWWP.

advanced_energy
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Re: Okna Insul-Tec vs. Vista Performa vs. Simonton 5300

#15 Post by advanced_energy »

who's swwp?

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