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Champion Windows

Champion Windows

Champion Windows offers energy-efficient windows that are carefully crafted to keep harmful UV rays out. These windows also come with one of the best warranties in the window industry. 

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Best for: Window variety

Average cost: $425 to $2,100 per window

Champion Windows & Home Exteriors at a glance

Champion Windows is one of our top-ranked window installation and replacement companies. Here’s a quick overview of the most important facts from our Champion Windows review.

Fast facts

  • Champion Windows & Home Exteriors has a customer rating of 4.2 stars on Trustpilot from more than 3,800 reviewers.*
  • The company demonstrates a dedication to professional customer service, as evidenced by its response to 85% of negative reviews.
  • With over 70 years of experience, Champion Windows offers several novel options, like its exclusive energy-efficient Comfort 365 glass and Color Bond designer exterior window color choices.
  • In addition to windows, Champion sells and installs sunrooms, entry doors and vinyl sliding, giving you many options for customizing your home and improving curb appeal.

What we like

Champion Windows provides white-glove service. It handles every step of the window process, from manufacturing them to installing them, cleaning up installation and walking you through the best practices for maintaining them.

What we don’t like

Champion Windows doesn’t list all the specifics of its limited lifetime warranty. While the provider states that all necessary repairs and labor are covered, our team couldn’t find a complete sample policy on the company’s website. The only way to get a copy of the warranty is to get an in-home estimate. This is an area where customers should try to get clear answers before a purchase.

*Trustpilot scores are accurate as of September 2024.

Champion Windows & Home Exteriors pros and cons

If you’re in the market for high-quality vinyl windows with energy-efficient glass, Champion Windows provides multiple styles of windows that meet your specifications. However, homeowners wanting the classic look of wood windows or the durability of aluminum windows will have to shop elsewhere.

Pros

  • Energy Star and AAMA-certified window glass
  • Price includes installation (no middleman markup)
  • Wide range of window styles (more than most providers offer)

Cons

  • Sells only vinyl windows
  • Not available nationwide (only sells in 32 states)
  • Limited lifetime warranty only applies as long as the original purchaser owns the home

What services does Champion Windows offer?

Champion Windows offers nearly all window types, excluding folding windows. Its extensive specialty range includes customization options for multiple interior colors and up to eight exterior design colors depending on the window line.

One special product is Champion’s Comfort 365 Glass, made in Champion’s Cincinnati facility and features a low-E coating and an argon gas fill. According to Champion, this glass blocks 93% of harmful UV rays, reducing energy costs and furniture fading. The glass is certified by ENERGY Star and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), demonstrating its high quality and testing for energy efficiency, air leakage, wind pressure and water resistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to energy-efficient windows can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. Heat gain and loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential energy use.

Champion Windows & Home Exteriors services

Offered?
Single-hung
Double-hung
Casement
Awning
Bay or bow
Hopper
Sliding, gliding or rolling
Fixed or picture
Folding
Corner
Garden
Specialty shapes
Double-pane window repair
Broken window repair
Window frame repair
Window mechanism repair
Window screen repair
Emergency/same-day repair
Glass warranty Limited lifetime
Non-glass warranty Limited lifetime

Champion Windows customization and add-ons

It’s important to note that Champion only offers one line of windows, unlike other providers with several tiers of windows. The representative told me, “We know what we do best, so that’s what we offer.” That said, there are still some customization options you can choose from.

Grid patterns

Champion Windows offers five grid options, including a no-grid option. Other available grid styles include colonial, diamond, open-prairie and prairie to match your home’s aesthetic and make cleaning more manageable.

Glass options

You can choose from several glass options, such as the following:

  • Privacy glass: Privacy glass is ideal for basement windows, bathrooms and patio doors because it allows natural light into your home while adding more privacy.
  • Rain glass: Rain glass features deep vertical grooves that emulate water falling down a glass surface, adding additional privacy, natural light and a unique style.
  • Obscure glass: Obscure glass distorts views on both sides of the glass with a distinct, light texture on the service of the glass.

What does Champion Windows not cover?

Champion Windows offers only vinyl windows. However, you can purchase windows with a TimberBond Interior Wood Grain Finish, which gives the windows a custom wood grain look in three different finishes, such as cherrywood and English oak.

Champion Windows isn’t available in every state, and we’ve found that prices vary widely between states, making it challenging to budget for a Champion Windows purchase without calling for a custom quote.

Champion Windows is available in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

We asked a CNN Underscored Editor

Alora Bopray, Deputy Editor, Home
James Harris/CNN Underscored
James Harris/CNN Underscored

I got a quote from Champion Windows to replace 15 windows and one patio door in my home. For just the insert (not the full frame), my price came to $68,000 before any deals were applied. After the 35% off and 10% Yes! Deals were applied, my cost came down to $35,000. This puts the price of each window just shy of $2,000 a piece.


When I got my personalized quote, the representative said they’d give me an extra 10% off if I signed a contract on the spot. I found this rather frustrating, as I wanted to do my due diligence and get three separate quotes for comparison. When I asked if the discount could be extended until I got my final quote from a third provider, the representative said they could not do that.


That said, I found Champion Windows’ in-home quote process to be one of the most educational experiences yet. The representative brought out glass, vinyl and insulation samples to show me how well their windows perform. They compared Champion’s windows to the industry standard, and I saw firsthand how well they block UV light and heat. I was also given a full demonstration of how the windows work.


Additionally, Champion Windows’ limited lifetime warranty is among the best I’ve seen in the industry. What really sets them apart is that they will replace broken glass and damage due to normal wear and tear. Other top window providers, including Andersen Windows do not cover that.


How much does Champion Windows cost?

Window prices can vary dramatically based on the style of your home and how it is configured. Factors include the type of glass, frame insulation, window type, installation costs and other details.

pro tip

  • Lower window prices don’t always equal better savings. Windows at the home improvement store often do not come with free installation and extras like weatherstripping, airtight meeting rails and extra insulation. If the installation isn’t up to par, your windows may let pests, water and air into your home.

Champion shares that an average vinyl replacement window can cost anywhere from $425 to $2,100. The cost depends on whether you get the full replacement or just the insert. If your window trim is in good shape, you can save a lot of money by only installing the insert. Champion Window pricing includes the complete installation cost, so while its prices may appear higher at first glance, it includes everything from start to finish.

However, window installation is a custom endeavor. If you’re interested in working with Champion Windows, call or submit a request for a free quote and an in-home estimate for the most accurate estimate.

Savings and discounts

Champion Windows provides several financing options, including a low-interest monthly payment plan. During our secret shopping, the company’s website advertised a no-interest, no-money-down and no-payments-for-12-months offer.

Other ways to save when shopping with Champion Windows include its ongoing promotions.

For example, during secret shopping, we could get 35% off windows, siding and sunrooms. Champion advertises that you can even set up custom financing options during your consultation if its typical options don’t suit your needs.

Champion Windows customer experience

Our team found Champion Windows’ customer service representatives professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We experienced next to no wait time, and reps were happy to answer our questions. That earns the customer service team a high rating from us.

We found Champion’s website average. Its phone service is open ample hours from Monday through Saturday, which is convenient for anyone who works traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As for repairs, you can submit your information and attach photos of the window or product needing repairs with Champion’s service request form online, which is industry standard.

Like all providers, Champion Window receives positive and negative feedback on third-party review websites. Overall, Champion is well-reviewed, with a 4.2-star rating from more than 3,800 Trustpilot reviewers.

Understanding Champion Windows’ installation process

Champion Windows is a white-glove service provider that handles every step of the window installation process. What I like the most about Champion’s installation is that you have a single point of contact from your initial quote to after the installation is complete. This provider starts by manufacturing your windows and then sends an expert to your door to complete the installation.

As of July 2024, the wait time for your window installation is 10 to 12 weeks. Here is what you can expect from the process:

  1. An expert arrives at your home to walk you through the installation process and answer any questions.
  2. Installers protect your home from dirt and debris by strategically placing drop cloths.
  3. The installer removes your old windows and inspects the area for damage or repairs.
  4. Champion’s installers carefully install your new windows and tightly seal the area around the window to prevent air leakage. Then, they replace the trim.
  5. The installers dispose of your old window and clean up the work area.
  6. Finally, the installers will complete a walk-through and a final inspection with you. They’ll also explain the best practices for using and cleaning your new windows.

Champion Window vs. competitors

If you’re interested in wood, aluminum, fiberglass or Fibrex windows, look into a provider like Andersen Windows. This provider offers far more window material options than Champion Window. Andersen Windows also has 12 interior and 11 exterior color window options, compared to Champion’s three interior and eight exterior color choices. If you have a specific aesthetic or need alternative window frame materials outside vinyl, Andersen Windows is our number one recommendation.

However, Champion Windows provides a massive selection of window types, from hoppers to picture windows to bay and bow windows, so you won’t feel limited by its selection unless you’re in the market for a folding window.

Competitor comparison

Our score (out of 5 stars)
Champion Windows 4.3
Andersen Windows 4.5
Universal Windows 4.1
Window Nation 4.1
Castle Windows 4.0
Window World, Inc 4.0
Harvey Windows 3.9
Marvin Windows 3.9
Best for
Champion Windows Window variety
Andersen Windows Window replacement company
Universal Windows Window and exterior home replacement
Window Nation Customer support
Castle Windows Window service repairs
Window World, Inc Replacement options
Harvey Windows East Coast homes
Marvin Windows Color options
Made in the USA?
Champion Windows Yes
Andersen Windows Yes
Universal Windows Yes
Window Nation No
Castle Windows Yes
Window World, Inc Yes
Harvey Windows Yes
Marvin Windows Yes

Methodology

Our window provider reviews consider many factors, including window sizes and types available, framing materials, quality assurance, customer support, company reputation and reviews and editorial judgment. For example, we’ve factored in energy efficiency in our window reviews, as this helps you save money on your monthly energy bills. During our countless hours of research and secret shopping, we’ve compiled the information in this review to give you an unbiased view of this provider — both the good and bad.

FAQs

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