When we bought our first home, we knew little about homeownership. But after our home inspection, we quickly learned that, eventually, we would want to replace some of our older windows.
Enter Ecoline Windows
When we finally saved up enough to replace our windows, we decided to go with Ecoline Windows and have been satisfied with the decision ever since.
If you’re looking to save money on your heating costs (and who isn’t?), find out how Ecoline Windows can help and how you can get an interest-free loan from the Canadian government to help cover the cost.
Table of Contents
Why New Windows?
People get new windows for various reasons: old ones, cracked ones, broken ones, or to save money on heating costs.
Up to 25% of a home’s energy loss comes from windows/doors and skylights. Energy Star windows are 20% more efficient than average windows. And Energy Star’s most efficient windows are up to 55% more energy efficient than average windows.
That increased energy efficiency results in lower heating costs; by some estimates, you can save anywhere from $100 – $500 per year on your heating bills by upgrading your windows. So, if you have older windows in your home (like we did), replacing them can make financial sense.
Why Ecoline Windows?
Once you’ve decided to upgrade your windows, it’s time to find the right company. Like any service provider, you want a company with good reviews and recommendations that have been around for a while.
Ecoline Windows has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a current ranking of 4.47/5 stars. Google reviews also rate Ecoline Windows at 4.6 stars.
The BBB rating was important to us. But full disclosure, we only checked Google reviews after hiring Ecoline Windows.
A few other positives for Ecoline Windows include the fact that they have financing available (although more on that below on how to save on financing costs). These dedicated installers follow local building codes and dispose of your old windows for you.
How Long has Ecoline Windows Been in Business?
Ecoline Windows has been in business for more than 20 years. It’s not a fly-by-night company, so you can rest assured that they won’t just take your money and disappear. And that they will be around for the long term in case you need to follow up in the future.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission if you purchase through my links. Please read my disclaimer for more information.
The Windows
The windows from Ecoline are manufactured in Ontario, Canada, so they are made for Canadian winters. They are triple pane energy-efficient vinyl windows. Ecoline doesn’t use aluminum, wood, or fiberglass windows. And all of their windows are Energy Star rated and NAFS-11 rated (meaning it meets the North American Fenestration Standard for windows, doors, and skylights).
And when it comes to window type, you have options. Ecoline offers the following window options:
- Casement
- Awning
- Slider
- Hung
- Bay
- Bow
- Custom Shape
- Fixed & Picture
- Combo
The Warranty
In September 2022, Ecoline Windows announced a new hassle-free warranty.
Their window warranty is now 25 years on parts and labour with no fine print. This includes labour, installation, hardware, seal failure (such as condensation between the glass), and the vinyl frame (including discolouration).
Ecoline Windows also has a 5-year warranty on the bug screen – something only some windows companies offer.
My Ecoline Windows Experience
Our first home was built in the 1960s, and the basement windows were single-pane, probably from the 1960s. So, we saved up and, before we finished paying off our mortgage, decided to upgrade our 4 basement windows and the window in the master bedroom.
We first met with a salesman from Ecoline Windows who was very informative and not pushy at all. Once we confirmed with them, then we booked our window appointment. The installers were on time and provided good service.
We did have to do some touch-ups around our master bedroom window. But we expected that due to the age of our house and walls.
Overall we were pleased with what we paid. Ecoline Windows had good service and communication throughout the process. We could easily book an installation time that was convenient for us. And the whole process was hassle-free.
Unfortunately, there were no rebates or government grants at the time (although we have used the Greener Homes Grant program for other upgrades in our current home). And we have not had a warranty claim, so I can’t comment with first-hand experience with that process.
*Ecoline Windows has sponsored this post in exchange for sharing my experience with their company. All opinions are my own*
How to Save Money on New Windows
There are currently 2 Canadian government programs that can help you save money on new windows (and, therefore, long-term heating costs). The first is the Green Homes Grant, and the second is the Canada Greener Homes Loan. But various other municipal and provincial programs are constantly becoming available to help offset the cost of upgrading your windows.
Greener Homes Grant
The Greener Home Grant is a program that offers homeowners up to $5000 for energy efficiency upgrades. There are various steps and requirements for the program, so check out all the details here.
When it comes to window replacement, the Greener Homes Grant offers $125 – $250/window, depending on the model replaced.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan is an interest-free loan from the Canadian government. The loan is to be used for residential home energy efficiency upgrades. You can access between $5000 – $40,000 from this program, and you have 10 years to pay the amount back. Only 1 loan is available per property/homeowner.
Friends have accessed this grant for installing solar panels on their homes. But with the cost of replacing windows, you can also access this loan for them too.
Other Programs
Besides current federal energy efficiency initiatives, various municipal and provincial governments also offer incentives from time to time.
Checking out your municipal and provincial websites is a great place to start when looking for rebate programs. The federal government also has an Energy Star rebate and incentive directory that you can search here.
Ecoline Line Windows Review – Recap
Why Ecoline Windows?
- BBB rated A+
- 4.6* Google rating
- In business for 20+ years
Why Ecoline Windows – Windows?
- Manufactured in Ontario, Canada
- Energy Star rated
- NAFS-11 tested
- Triple pane
- Vinyl windows
- 25-Years Full Warranty
Final Thoughts
Replacing your windows can be a significant upfront cost. But it’s a long-term decision that can save you hundreds of dollars for years.
Thankfully, the government of Canada currently has some programs to help offset the cost of upgrading your windows. But you will want to take advantage of these programs before they run out or expire.
If you spend a large chunk of money replacing your windows, you want to go with a company you can trust that has been around for decades, has Canadian windows, and a hassle-free warranty. And that’s why we decided to go with Ecoline Windows.