Hegg Windows Vs. Virtual View powered by: McCloud Windows - Central Ohio
- The Wacky Window Woman
- Nov 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 25
I've had ten different window companies out to our home to give us a quote on our window project of twelve-windows. Hegg and McCloud were two of the companies we considered. See how they are similar and how they are different.
Check out the Wacky Window Woman website to see the exact quote and energy ratings of each of these two replacement window companies.
Window Replacement Columbus, Ohio
When it came down to making our final decision, Hegg was one of the final three we considered. We also had Virtual View by: McCloud Windows and Champion Windows on the short list. After our presentation with Virtual View, which is powered by McCloud in Columbus, Ohio - we were convinced we wanted triple pane windows. We also knew based on the information we had learned about Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings, that this specific energy rating was a non-negotiable for us.
Our home faces the west and we are on a busy street and not far from I-270 on the west side of Columbus. Our Installation happened back in the Fall and since that time the difference in sound has been incredible. To date, we haven't had any super hot or super cold days, so we've not been able to experience the benefit of the new windows from a heat/cold perspective as of yet.
Hegg Windows of Columbus Ohio
Hegg Windows sells the Provia Endure Window made in Strasburg, Ohio. Their brochure is pretty and has lots of details on grids, glass and window colors, but not much detail energy efficiency ratings or their different insulated glass packages. Of their 34 page brochure, only one page is dedicated to energy ratings.
We asked for our representative at Hegg to get us a quote on both double pane and triple pane. Even with the upgrade to triple-pane, the Provia Endure Window doesn't meet Energy Star 7.0, Most Efficient ratings. It meets traditional Energy Star, but not the 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings. The cost difference was a few hundred dollars so it was no brainer on which company and window we choose.
Also, our Hegg window rep didn't bring a window into our home, but rather suggested we make the trip to their showroom in Northwest Columbus to look at the window in person. I couldn't help but wonder why they even both to come out if they don't plan to present the window while there. It felt a bit un-professional compared to the presentations we received Champion and Virtual View.
Virtual View Windows, powered by McCloud Window - Columbus, Ohio
This was the third company we had in and it was so refreshing to be able to choose an in-person or virtual sales presentation and process. I was super curious how the virtual process would work and I also was starting to get fatigued of having window representatives into our home.
Upon request, we sent Joe of Virtual View the photos, count and sizes of windows. Within a day or two we had a written electronic quote. At that point, we knew we wanted a highly rated efficient window, but didn't know as much as we needed to. He offered to meet with us via Zoom and we took him up on it. Even via Zoom, he did the absolute best presentation of all the sales guys.
Joe was very knowledgeable and filled in the gaps of our understanding as it pertained to just regular 'ole Energy Star vs. Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings. He confirmed that the stellar U-Factor on the Alside Mezzo ClimaTech PiME TG2 ThermD S6 in triple pane would get us the 7.0 Most Efficient rating that we wanted. This Alside specific Insulted Glass package is rated for all climate zones and in addition to the rating of .19 for U-Factor, it also has an appropriate Solar Heat Gain coefficient for our energy zone and an Air Infiltration of less than .30. Some Alside documents indicate that this specific window has an Air Infiltration of .04, which is the best rating on the Wacky Window Woman Price comparison chart.
Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Ratings
In order for a window to qualify for the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient Rating, it's U-Factor needs to be less than .20. A window can meet the basic Energy Star ratings without the .20 U-Factor, but it wouldn't qualify for the Most Efficient rating unless the U-factor is below the threshold.
Through the end of December 2025, this window would qualify for the Energy Tax credit of $600, but that's only if they are installed by 2025 year-end. It's unknown if the Energy Tax credit will be renewed or brought back at some point in 2026.
Alside Mezzo Vs. Provia Endure Replacement Windows
Virtual View sells the Alside Mezzo window and Hegg sells the Provia Endure window. They are both really good windows, but the Alside Mezzo has a better U-factor which means it meets the Energy Star 7.0 Most Efficient ratings.
The Alside window quote from Virtual view was $328 more than Hegg, but for that few extra dollars we got the Most Efficient insulated glass units for all twelve of our windows.
Alside Mezzo Warranty Vs. Provia Endure Warranty
I'll be the first to admit window warranties can be very confusing and I am stating right off the bat, that I'm not a contract attorney and if I have interrupted any of the information incorrectly, please let me know. (WackyWindowWoman@gmail.com)
The most recent update was March 2025 for the Alside Warranty. The Provia Warranty was last updated in December 2023.
Here is my high level interpretation of how these two warranties compare:
Alside covers Vinyl Sash Frame and Vinyl Mainframe, Moving Parts of the Basic Product Unit, Fiberglass screening and screen frame and Insulating Glass Units and labor for one full year. After one year, the homeowner and/or installer is on the hook to take receipt of the replacement part and is also responsible for any labor to remove and install replaced parts.
Provia also covers basic window, Paint/Stain Finish (10/15 years), Hardware, Patio Door Handles (depending on finish), Insulated Glass if it has the Super Spacer, glass breakage, screens and flexscreens for lifetime as long as you are the original purchaser or the transferred second owner, but labor is NOT included. Not even for the first year. That would be up to homeowner or installer to provide or pay for.
Provia allows you to transfer the warranty one time. Alside, allows you also to transfer one time for up to 20 years from purchase date per a pro-rated schedule in their Warranty document.
Alside doesn't require that you "register" your windows as there is a label inside the pocket of the upper sash on all windows should you or next homeowner need to make a warranty claim.
Provia suggests that you register your window purchase and then also register again if you sell within 30 days of closing of the subject home.
6. Both warranties are limited; meaning some damages may not be covered. If one side of your home fades different that another due to different amounts of sun, that isn't covered as isn't if your precious kitty scratches a tear into your screens.
Be sure to fully review the warranty for any company you are considering for replacement windows.
From what I understand if you really, really want a warranty that covers everything for FREE forever, then you'll be paying double or triple what you pay with an Alside or Provia window. As you refer to the Wacky Window Woman Chart, you'll notice that I mention warranty on a few of the brands, but you'll also notice those brands are double or tripe the price of the first four companies on the list.
Hegg Windows Vs. Virtual View powered by: McCloud Windows - Central Ohio
In the end, we chose Virtual View powered by McCloud Windows of central Ohio. The fantastic energy ratings of the Mezzo triple pane window, along with being able to conduct the entire sales process from quote to contract virtually, a competitive price and then the professionalism of Joe made the decision super easy for us.
If you find yourself a replacement window nerd, like I've become, you want the best replacement window money can buy for the budget you have established. Regardless of where you live, be sure to add Virtual View to your list of replacement window companies you want to consider.
