In the Spring of 2025 my husband and I decided it was time to replace the builder-grade windows in our home. Initially I attempted to get quotes virtually, but soon realized that all the replacement window companies operated the same and that I would be 'required' to sit through a two-hour demo just to get a price.

Then I stumbled across one that operates all over the U.S. and offers to give quotes and allows homeowners to complete the entire process virtually. Keep reading.

How Much Does Window Replacement Actually Cost?

After receiving 10-in-home estimates, I found that the cost for twelve replacement windows ranged from $10,062 to $34,376 depending on the brand and window features.

Comparing the Best Replacement Window Brands - Alside (Mezzo) vs. Renewal by Andersen (Acclaim) vs. Pella (250 Series)

No one wants to feel like they got ripped off, so we all feel compelled to shop around get several quotes, right? There is so much more than just the price though. When I first started, I assumed all replacement windows were made and manufactured pretty much the same, boy was I wrong.

The big names like Renewal by Andersen and Pella are well known, but are they really a "great" window or do they just spend more advertising dollars convincing us that they are better?

Alside is large window manufacturer that I'd heard of, but didn't really put much thought into, that is until I met Joe with Virtual View. Virtual View was the one and only company that allowed my husband and I to complete the entire sales process from quote to contract virtually and they did the absolute best job in demonstrating the benefits of their Alside Mezzo Window.

I came out of this experience thinking, if money were no object, I'd likely go with Renewal by Andersen with their Fibrex material and good energy ratings, but it was impossible to justify paying three-times more. Pella was the biggest disappointment as they really didn't stand out. The Alside Mezzo was the most affordable option that also met the Most Efficient Energy Star 7.0 qualifications.

The Truth About Window Sales Tactics: Why I'm done with in-home Quotes

The absolute worst experience was with Mad City Windows and Baths out of Madison, WI. They have local presence here in Columbus, Ohio. "Mike" must have really like my husband and I because he was here for like three-hours. At the time, we had no idea if his price was fair or not, and kept insisting that we needed to get at least two more quotes. Finally, Mike took the hint and packed up his stuff. I will say, Mike was probably one of the best at knowing his product and did a great demo, but once we had other quotes we realized why he hounded us so hard for a signature on the dotted line that day, he was at the top end of price and needed us to sign before we go more quotes.

The second company in our door was Rosatti which is a local company here in central Ohio. This guy was very nice and only stayed about 30 minutes. However, he didn't bring his window into our home and I thought to myself and said to my husband after he left, how am I to compare windows if I don't get to see it? He did offer to let us come to the showroom to see how they make windows, but I had zero interest in that.

By the time I found Virtual View Windows who operates nationally, is powered by McCloud Windows of central Ohio (Since Virtual View is powered by McCloud Windows right here in Columbus, you get the tech-savings of an online quote with the trust of a local installer) and realized they offer virtual quotes, I was not only intrigued but relieved to find a company who operates in a way that reflects today's homeowner/shopper, rather than the 1980's. We were even given the option for a 'virtual' quote to see the Alside Mezzo features, how the memory mesh screen can withstand a puncture and learned so much about Energy Efficiency. It was after the Virtual View demo, that my husband and I were convinced we wanted triple-pane over double-pane.

Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows: Is the Upgrade Still Worth it without the Tax Credits?

When I first started this journey, I assumed double-pane would fit our needs and didn't have that as an option on our list. However, after our demo with Joe at Virtual View and once we learned the benefits of triple-pane over double-pane we were convinced. For us, the improvement in sound reduction and heat resistance (our windows face the west) were two factors that were important to us.

The cost difference between triple-pane and double-pane was right at $50 per window, so not significantly more. The benefit of know we would then have Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient rated windows was a huge selling point for us.

As of this writing, the $600 energy tax credit is no longer available as of 1/1/2026. Time will tell if it comes back or not.

Virtual View Windows Review: Can you Really Buy Windows Online

A few months ago I purchased a pair of prescription eye-glasses online, so the thought that we as homeowners are not able to purchase windows online was eye opening to me. (no pun intended) It made no sense.

Once you reach out to Virtual View Windows, specifically Joe, he'll need some information from you.

1. Number of Windows

2. Size of each Window

3. Are any of them close to shower or tub or are any of them closer than 18" from the floor

4. What year was your home built

Joe will be able to take that information and provide you quote for double, triple or both if you'd like. If you reach out to Joe specifically, you can rest expect, at the least 50% off retail pricing. He will schedule a Zoom call for questions and to demo the window for you. That's all it takes! No creepy sales guy sitting on your couch for two to three hours.

2026 Window Replacement Cost: I got 10 Quotes (Full List)

As you may have guessed, we ultimately chose Virtual View Windows to complete our twelve window project.

Be sure to check out the Wacky Window Woman price comparison chart in the website to see all the details of what was quoted, the full energy ratings and exactly how long each presentation took.

I sat through the demos so you don't have to.