@jmartinez67 Yes, we replaced a big sliding glass door at the same time as our windows. Many of the companies around here do both windows and sliding glass doors (often called SGD or patio doors). In our case, the old slider was single-pane and aluminum frame – basically like a giant energy hole in the wall. We upgraded it to a double-pane, vinyl framed slider with Low-E glass (and we opted for impact on that as well, since it’s a large opening).
The difference was as dramatic as the windows. Before, you could stand next to that old slider and feel the heat radiating in, and in winter feel the cold draft. The new slider is much better insulated. Now when I put my hand near the glass on a hot day, it’s just slightly warm, not burning hot like before. So our family room which has that slider is staying cooler along with the rest of the house.
It also slides smoother and locks better – nice perks. In terms of cost, the sliding door was one of the pricier items per opening. We paid about $2,200 for an 8-foot impact slider (that price was included in the overall project cost I mentioned earlier). Non-impact would have been a bit less, maybe $1,500-$1,700 range for the same size. It’s generally like the cost of a few windows combined, since a slider is basically a very large window + door mechanism.
I’d definitely include it if you can swing it budget-wise, especially if yours are as bad as you describe. No point in having all efficient windows but then a big inefficient door letting heat in. Plus, from an aesthetic standpoint, a new patio door looks and functions great. We got one with the built-in blinds between the glass panes, which is awesome because we don’t have to dust blinds and they’re protected from our kids and pets.
So yes, replacing sliders along with windows is pretty common and, in my experience, worth it for comfort and consistency.
I want to share a word of caution about dealing with salespeople and quotes. When we were shopping for window contractors in Pinellas, we encountered one company (I won’t name names, but it was a well-known one that advertises heavily) that used very high-pressure sales tactics. The rep basically camped at our kitchen table for 3 hours and kept dropping the price every time we hesitated, with the classic “this discount is only good if you sign today” line. It was extremely uncomfortable, and frankly off-putting. 😠
We did NOT sign with them, and I later found out this is a common tactic with some of the big national companies or franchises. Instead, we went with a smaller local contractor who came in, gave us a straightforward quote, answered our questions, and then left us to make a decision on our own time. No pressure. Their price was better to begin with, and we ended up hiring them and are very happy.
So my advice: get multiple quotes (at least 2-3) and be wary of any salesperson that won’t take “I need to think about it” as an answer. The honest companies will usually give you a written quote that’s valid for a period of time (e.g., 30 days) and won’t force you to sign on the spot. If someone is offering you a “one-day only” price, that’s a red flag in my book.
From what I’m seeing in this thread, the companies folks have recommended (like the Karoly and ProTech mentioned) tend to have good reputations and presumably don’t use those sleazy tactics. I’ve heard similarly good things about a few other local outfits. Just do your homework: read reviews, ask around (like here!), and don’t be afraid to show a salesperson the door if they’re too pushy. 😉
To add to the decision-making points: think about the aesthetics and options like grids, color, etc., in advance. When I ordered my windows, I was a bit on the fence about whether to get grids (the grill pattern inside the glass) on the front windows to match the original style of the house. After seeing some samples, I ultimately chose no grids for a cleaner look and more light. I’m really happy with that decision; the house looks more modern now and the view is unobstructed.
Some neighbors kept grids when they replaced (to match their colonial-style architecture), so there’s no right or wrong, just preference. But remember to decide that when ordering because it’s not something you can easily change later.
Also, frame color: Most people go with white vinyl here, but some companies offer tan or bronze vinyl. We thought about bronze to match our exterior trim, but we heard dark frames can potentially absorb more heat and there’s a tiny chance of more expansion movement. Not sure how true that is with modern windows, but we played it safe with white and it looks good. And white is usually the default (often the least expensive option too).
So yes, in summary: during the quote/ordering process, consider the look (grids or no grids, frame color, hardware finish even). It’s not all about performance – you want to love how they look too!
@animation_summit Ugh, I feel you on the high-pressure sales. We had a similar experience with a big window company’s rep. They practically tried to guilt us into signing that same day. The whole “my manager gave me a special approval to lower the price, but only if you commit right now” routine... It was so transparent and exhausting. By the end of the night we were mentally drained and pretty annoyed.
We ended up telling them we don’t make $15,000 decisions on the spot, and if the price is only good for today, then we’ll pass. Funny enough, they called back a week later saying they’d extend the offer, etc., but by then we had decided to go with a local company that was no-pressure from the start.
Like you said, the local guys (at least the ones we dealt with) tended to be much more low-key and transparent. The quote process with the company we chose was pleasant: the rep measured, showed us a window sample, answered questions, and e-mailed us a detailed quote the next day. No arm-twisting.
I agree that the ones mentioned in this thread have good reps. We used one that’s been mentioned (I won’t keep repeating the name to sound like a shill, but yes, one of the two sponsors 😁). They were fantastic, and everything was exactly as promised.
So for anyone reading: don’t tolerate pushy sales tactics. There are plenty of reputable businesses in Tampa Bay that will treat you respectfully. And definitely compare quotes – window projects are big money, so it’s worth your time to compare and negotiate a bit.
I replaced my windows back in 2015, and even in that time frame, I see improvements in tech now. For example, my windows (double-pane, argon, Low-E) were good for the time, but newer ones have even better coatings and composite frame options. Still, even my 2015 windows made a world of difference compared to the 1980s single-pane ones I had.
One insight I’ll share: consider your long-term plans in the home. If you plan to live there indefinitely (like me), it makes sense to maybe spend a bit extra for features you really want (impact glass, high-end frames, etc.), because you’ll enjoy them for years. If you think you might move in, say, 5 years, you could calculate how much of the cost you’ll recoup. New windows do raise home value, but usually not dollar-for-dollar. However, they can make your home sell faster or at a better price because it’s a desirable upgrade.
In my case, I knew I wasn’t going anywhere, so I opted for a top-rated window brand with a lifetime warranty and also chose some nice upgrades like sound-dampening glass on a couple windows facing a noisy area. I have zero regrets – and I’m still here enjoying them 10 years later.
Conversely, a friend of mine knew he might move for work, so he just replaced the worst windows in his house to save money (like a partial replacement) and left a few old ones that were less problematic. He got the benefit of lower bills and comfort in main areas, without overspending on a house he might sell. It was a calculated decision and it worked for him – he did sell two years later and the new windows were a selling feature, even though not every window was new.
So basically, tailor your window investment to your situation. Any improvement is good, but how far you go (whole house vs. partial, impact vs non, premium vs mid-range) might be guided by how long you’ll be there and personal priorities.
I am thrilled with how much knowledge has been shared here. It truly highlights how Tampa Bay homeowners can gain from each other’s experiences when it comes to Energy Star window upgrades. We’ve covered everything from cost ranges and contractor experiences to technical considerations, and even little perks like ease of opening windows and reduced noise.
Big thanks to everyone (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco folks alike) for contributing your stories and advice. This thread has become a treasure trove of information. I expect it will continue to help not just me but many others in our area who are considering upgrading their windows for better energy efficiency and hurricane protection.
Let’s definitely keep it going! If you’re just finding this thread and have a question or a story about your window replacement, feel free to jump in. The more real-world discussion we have, the better. I’m so glad to see our community coming together on this topic. 👍
Here’s to cooler homes and lower bills for all of us! 🏠🌞
Great points all around, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how much noise reduction these windows actually provide. I upgraded mine last year—Energy Star rated, double-pane, the whole nine yards—and while they're definitely helping with cooling costs, I haven't noticed a huge difference in noise levels. Maybe it's just my neighborhood (lots of traffic nearby), or maybe my expectations were too high... Has anyone else found the noise reduction claims to be a bit overstated? Curious if it's just me.
I had a similar experience when I upgraded mine a couple years back. Honestly, the energy savings were noticeable right away, but noise-wise...not so much. Did some digging and found out that standard double-pane windows aren't specifically designed for soundproofing—they help a bit, sure, but if you're near heavy traffic or noisy neighbors (like me), you might need laminated glass or specialized acoustic windows to really notice a difference. So yeah, your expectations weren't necessarily too high—just maybe not quite aligned with what those windows typically deliver.
I get your point about standard double-pane windows not being specifically built for noise reduction, but I'd argue placement and installation methods can also significantly impact sound performance. When I upgraded mine, I initially saw minimal difference too. But after resealing the perimeter with acoustic-grade caulking and adding heavier curtains inside, the noise reduction improved noticeably. Might be worth trying these simpler tweaks before investing in pricier acoustic windows...could save you some hassle and money.