We're finally replacing the old windows in our house (they're ancient, drafty, and basically useless at this point, lol). I've been looking around online and there's like a million vinyl window brands out there. Some seem super pricey but have great reviews, others are cheaper but I'm worried they'll fall apart in a few years. Anyone here have personal experience with vinyl windows that were actually worth the money? Or maybe some that weren't so great? Just trying to avoid buyer's remorse, you know...
We replaced ours about four years ago, and I went through the same headache you're dealing with now. Ended up going with mid-range vinyl windows from Simonton, and honestly, they've been solid. Not the cheapest, but nowhere near the top-end prices either. Installation matters just as much as brand, IMO—make sure whoever installs them knows what they're doing, or even the best windows won't perform well.
My brother-in-law went with a cheaper brand (think it was American Craftsman?), and he's already complaining about drafts and condensation issues after just two winters. Meanwhile, ours have held up great—no drafts, easy to clean, and noticeably quieter inside. Energy bills dropped a bit too, which was a nice bonus.
Personally, I'd steer clear of the absolute cheapest options. You don't need to splurge on premium brands like Andersen unless you really want to, but spending a little extra for something mid-tier with good reviews and a solid warranty is worth it in the long run.