Surprised to Learn Simonton Offers 0% Financing? Here’s What I Found

Noise difference? Oh yeah, big time. I swapped out a set of ancient double-hungs for a couple in an old brick house last fall - think windows so loose you could almost hear the neighbor sneeze. After the new Simontons went in, they joked it was like living in a library. The street noise, barking dogs, even that weird wind whistling sound just… stopped. I mean, you’ll still hear the garbage truck if you’re right by the window, but it’s way less harsh.

I get missing the wavy glass though. There’s something about that old-school vibe - like the house has stories to tell. Honestly, one lady asked me to save a few panes so she could make picture frames. Not a bad idea if you’re sentimental about it.

Upfront cost is definitely a gut punch, not gonna sugarcoat it. But between the energy savings and the financing deals (that 0% thing from Simonton isn’t too shabby if you qualify), it takes some of the sting out. Plus, if you’re like me and hate wrestling with plastic film every winter, it’s a relief.

One thing I always warn folks about: modern windows are tighter, which is great for drafts and bills, but sometimes you’ll notice your house feels “stiller.” If you’re used to a little airflow, it takes getting used to. And if you have an older house, check if you need extra vents or anything - sometimes those places relied on leaky windows for fresh air, believe it or not.

Curious what everyone else thinks about the noise thing. I’ve heard mixed reviews depending on the style and install job.

- Gotta agree that the noise drop is real, but it’s not always “library quiet.” I swapped out my 80s-era sliders with Simontons last winter - definitely less street noise, but I still catch the neighbor’s lawnmower on weekends. Maybe my install wasn’t perfect or maybe it’s just the house settling.

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One thing I always warn folks about: modern windows are tighter, which is great for drafts and bills, but sometimes you’ll notice your house feels “stiller.”

100% this. My place used to have that constant draft (not always a bad thing during summer). Now it’s airtight, and honestly, I had to crack a window now and then just to clear out cooking smells. Not a dealbreaker, just something I didn’t expect.

- Miss the look of the old wood frames, but not the hassle of painting every year. And yeah, those old wavy panes had character… but also let in every gust of wind.

- Financing was tempting, but I still flinched at the total price. Energy bills are down a bit, though - not enough to retire early, but it helps.

- Install quality seems to make a difference. My buddy down the street used the same windows, different installer, and says his aren’t as quiet. Maybe worth paying for someone who knows what they’re doing.

All in all, not perfect, but I’d do it again. Just wish they made new windows with that old glass look.

Funny you mention the “stiller” feeling - my house felt almost too sealed up after the new windows went in. Used to be I’d get a little breeze through the old frames, which was nice on those muggy days, but now I have to remember to crack a window or it gets stuffy fast. Didn’t expect that tradeoff.

Noise-wise, I’m with you. The Simontons definitely cut down on traffic sounds, but I still hear the neighbor’s dog and the occasional leaf blower. Maybe that’s just life in a neighborhood, though. I did notice that after a heavy rain, things creak a bit more - could be settling or just my imagination.

I also hesitated at the price, even with the 0% financing. It’s a chunk of change, but my heating bill dropped enough last winter that I’m not regretting it. The only thing I miss is the look of the old windows - those wavy panes had some charm, even if they were drafty as heck.

If I had to do it again, I’d probably spend a little more time picking an installer. Seems like that makes a bigger difference than I first thought.

- Totally get what you mean about missing the breeze. I had the same thing after my replacements - house felt almost too airtight. Ended up using the trick of cracking a window on opposite sides for a few minutes just to keep it from getting stale.

- On noise, I noticed a big difference with traffic, too. But yeah, dogs and lawn crews still make themselves heard. Guess that’s the tradeoff for not living in the middle of nowhere.

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“The only thing I miss is the look of the old windows - those wavy panes had some charm, even if they were drafty as heck.”

Couldn’t agree more. There’s something about the old glass that new windows just can’t fake. I ended up saving one sash and repurposing it as a picture frame. Not quite the same, but better than nothing.

- Price is definitely steep, but like you said, heating costs drop a lot. Mine paid for themselves faster than I expected, especially with gas prices creeping up every year.

- Installers make or break these jobs. My neighbor went with a cheaper crew and had issues with leaks. I paid a bit more and haven’t had any problems (knock on wood). Wouldn’t have guessed how big a difference that would make until seeing it firsthand.

- If you’re feeling stuffy, maybe try a small air exchanger? I added one in the bathroom and it helps move air around without losing all the heat or AC.

Overall, sounds like you made a solid call - even if it’s not perfect. The energy savings are real, and honestly, not having to fight condensation every winter is worth something too.

- Totally get the nostalgia for old glass - there’s just a vibe you can’t recreate.
- Air felt weirdly “dead” after my install too, but the savings are real.
- Paying up for pro installers was worth it for me - never had leaks or drafts since.
- That 0% financing is tempting, but I’d still double-check the fine print... sometimes there’s a catch.
- All in all, sounds like you made a smart move. Not perfect, but fewer headaches in the long run.

I went through a similar process last fall. First, I was all about keeping my old windows - there’s this wavy glass in my dining room that just looks cool. But after one too many drafts (and a winter gas bill that made me do a double-take), I started looking into replacements. The 0% financing thing caught my eye too, but I learned the hard way to ask about fees. Turns out, some companies sneak in “processing” charges or penalties if you pay off early. Not always obvious up front.

One thing I’d add: after my install, the house felt quieter and actually a bit stuffy for a while. It was almost too sealed, if that makes sense? Took a few weeks to get used to it. On the plus side, my energy bill dropped right away. For anyone thinking about DIY, I tried it in one room - never again. Pros did a way cleaner job and it’s not worth the hassle for me.

If I had to do it again, I’d still go with the new windows, but maybe keep one “character” window for nostalgia’s sake. There’s just something about those old panes...

Honestly, I totally get the nostalgia for those old wavy panes. There’s just something about the way they catch the light - my grandma’s house had them and I always thought they made the dining room feel warmer. But yeah, after a few winters in my 1950s ranch, I was ready to trade “character” for comfort. Drafts are charming until you’re wearing two sweaters indoors.

That “too sealed” feeling is real. My place felt almost hermetically closed up after the install, and I realized how much air just sort of... moved through before. Took me a bit to adjust, but now I barely notice unless I’m cooking something strong and it lingers longer than it used to. Small price to pay for not freezing though.

Glad you mentioned the hidden fees with financing - those can be sneaky. I almost signed with one company until I noticed a “documentation fee” buried in the fine print. The 0% deal sounds amazing on paper, but it’s wild how quickly all those little charges add up if you’re not careful. And early payoff penalties? That one surprised me too.

I tried DIY in my sunroom once, and let’s just say my caulking job became a running joke with my friends. The pros really do make it look easy (and way neater). Sometimes paying for labor is worth every penny, especially when it comes to windows.

Keeping one original window as a nod to the past is such a cool idea. If I could do mine over again, maybe I’d have left the old kitchen window - it had this weird latch that never quite worked right but always made me smile.

Anyway, nice hearing someone else went through the same ups and downs with this stuff. Energy savings are great, but there’s more to it than just numbers on a bill.

Funny how many folks underestimate just how much air those old windows let in - sometimes I think they were less “windows” and more “ventilation systems.” I hear you on the sealed-up feeling after replacements. Ever notice how much quieter it gets too? That’s one thing people don’t always expect. On the financing side, those “processing” or “origination” fees can sneak up fast. Did your installer walk you through all the fine print, or did you have to dig for it? I’ve seen some contracts that would make a lawyer sweat. And yeah, caulking looks easy until you’re wrist-deep in silicone and regretting life choices...

You nailed it about the “ventilation system” effect - old windows are notorious for that. Folks are usually surprised by how much outside noise disappears with new installs, almost like you’ve moved to a quieter neighborhood overnight. On the contracts, I’ve seen my fair share of head-scratchers. It’s smart to slow down and really read through those, even if it feels tedious. As for caulking, yeah, it looks simple on YouTube but gets messy fast. The learning curve is real, but once you get a rhythm, it’s oddly satisfying. Don’t beat yourself up if it wasn’t perfect the first time.

- Totally relate to the “ventilation system” effect. When I swapped out my 80s-era windows, it was wild how much quieter the street got overnight.
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“Don’t beat yourself up if it wasn’t perfect the first time.”

Couldn’t agree more. My first caulking job looked like a toddler’s art project - took a few tries to get the hang of it.
- Contracts can be a bear. I’ve caught a few weird clauses buried in the fine print... worth the extra time to comb through, even if your eyes glaze over.
- Financing offers like 0% are tempting, but I always double-check for hidden fees or balloon payments down the road. Sometimes it’s not as straightforward as it sounds.
- All in all, sounds like you’re on the right track. DIY is messy but super rewarding once you step back and see the finished project.