Thanks to Homestars again, I found a great company to work with in Ambia Windows and Doors.
This review is well overdue as the windows were installed in April 2018 however it also gave me an opportunity to see how the windows performed over the summer and as well during a recent cold snap.
We replaced all the windows upstairs and some of the windows in the main level, for a total of 11 windows, brick to brick replacement, plus replaced the patio door. The 10 windows qualified for rebate, and Vinylbilt Diamond triple pane windows were installed.
I had a great experience working with Michael, the sales rep, as well with Tony, the owner. Michael was very responsive, often responding sometimes within minutes to a few hours and never more than 24 hours. He was also very consultative and provided good advice, such as recommending replacing the kitchen window with an awning window, which we really like and had never thought of. I never felt any pressure during the sale. I've heard stories of reps pressing clients in high pressure sales situation and quoting a high price but would get a generous discount if they signed right away. There was none of that with Michael. I got a very fair price upfront. I even gave Michael the opportunity to upsell me on a more expensive patio door but instead he maintained his original recommendation, which was cheaper, as he said that it was a great products and his other clients were very happy with it.
The installers were terrific to deal with. They were very friendly and also explained what they would be doing. They showed up when they said they would and completed the job when they said they would. They paid a lot of attention to detail, and also were very neat and kept things as clean as possible by containing and reducing the dust and particles.
During the summer, with the new windows, I noticed that the house was much more comfortable, and I also found that the 2nd level of the house wasn't as warm as it used to be in comparison to the main level. Measuring the temperature on both levels I found similar temperatures, while as before, the 2nd level would be 2 degrees warmer. Also noticed the south facing window did not transmit as much heat through the window. Things that were on my desk were no longer warm or hot to the touch.
In the winter, there were no drafts around the windows, and I had absolutely no condensation on the windows, while with the builder windows there would be time we would need a towel to wipe off the condensation that pooled in the window sill.
I give a lot of credit to the workmanship of the installers. Even with a great product, if it is not installed properly, then all the benefits are lost. Given my observation through the summer and now winter, the windows are terrific and the installation was outstanding.
Overall, I'm very happy with Ambia and would not hesitate to use them again for the remaining windows or recommend them to anyone.