Jessica Wimmer is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in writing reviews and informational articles in the home and pet insurance industries. Jessica analyzes the best brands and has read over 1,000 customer reviews to learn what matters most to buyers. She’s been published in Deep South Magazine, The Dead Mule Journal of Southern Literature and The Deep Water Literary Journal. She’s also a Pushcart Prize nominee, Write Well award winner and former English teacher. Jessica hails from Virginia but currently resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
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Champion Windows is a well-respected brand in the home improvement industry, which is seen in its many awards, certifications and online ratings.
Overall, its commitment to energy efficiency and various styles make it a good option if you’re looking for replacement windows. However, it’s not a nationwide company and only sells windows in two materials, so it won’t be the best choice for everyone compared with other more well-known window brands.
Our Champion Windows review includes an analysis of the company’s product offerings, customer reviews, energy performance, warranty coverage and more to see how it compares to other top window brands.
We used our scoring methodology to rate Champion on factors such as high-end versus budget-friendly window lines, customization options, the number of window styles and materials, energy-efficiency features and more. Our rating for Champion is 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Champion has been in business for more than 70 years, and it has a great reputation in the industry and with its customers. However, it may not be a good option for you if you’re looking for a warm, architectural window aesthetic.
First, we like that Champion is highly certified and awarded. Its Energy Star certification is important to us because it means its windows are high-performing and will keep your home more comfortable and your energy bills low. The company carries the AAMA Gold Label from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, a seal of approval for its product quality. It’s also certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council, Efficient Windows Collaborative and Vinyl Siding Institute.
The brand fares well on review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, with many customers praising its efficient, long-lasting windows and friendly service.
Also, Champion doesn’t just sell windows. In addition to selling nine window types, the company provides a variety of door types and builds screened-in enclosures, such as sunrooms. The brand is known for high-quality patio doors, sliding glass doors and storm doors.
Champion also offers substantial seasonal discounts on many of its products and services to help you match your budget.
The first thing that could deter you from choosing Champion is its limited availability. It’s only available in 29 U.S. states. You can use the location directory on its website to check whether there’s a location near you.
Not only is the company limited in its locations, but it’s also limited in the window materials it uses. The company only offers aluminum and vinyl windows. Don’t get us wrong: Both are durable and budget-friendly. However, this isn’t the brand for you if you prefer the look of wood or the versatility of fiberglass.
Our biggest qualm with the company is that, while it does have many positive online customer reviews, those that are negative consistently mention communication issues and slow timelines, especially when resolving a problem with a product.
Champion scores comparably to other popular brands in the industry. We rated it similarly to the window companies below on warranty coverage, window selection and energy efficiency.
Champion Windows has received thousands of customer reviews online, which we recommend looking at to gauge others’ experiences with a brand. We read more than 100 reviews between the BBB and Trustpilot and were happy to see that most feedback is positive. Champion isn’t accredited with the BBB, but it does have 3.5 out of 5 stars from customers on the site out of more than 1,100 reviews. It has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 3,500 reviews.
Customers who rate the brand highly reference its speedy installations, helpful sales reps and fair pricing. We read a review by Mickey that praised the window and workmanship quality. Another from Meg mentioned a great payment plan and improved curb appeal and comfort for her home.
The company has lower reviews on the BBB this year than some prior, and the BBB notes a pattern of complaint regarding delays. We noted many complaints of delays regarding installation and fixing issues.
According to reviews such as Jeremy’s on the BBB, lack of communication is part of those delays. He says, “Have been waiting 3 months for minor issues to be resolved. I call every day and am told an installation team member will reach out. If they don’t reach out, you call back. It’s just a vicious cycle of 2 hours a day calling to get nowhere.”
Champion did respond on BBB to the pattern of complaints, indicating that “the impacts of Covid caused major backlogs to our supply chain and wreaked havoc on our workforce.” The company stated that it is working to rectify these issues.
Champion sells nine window types and two window lines. Whether you’re looking for replacement windows or windows for a new construction home, the brand offers a good variety.
The company’s ColorBond line allows you to customize your window design with seven colors. The colors are long-lasting and made to adhere to vinyl. The bonding is heat-reflective and features impact-resistant technology, preventing it from fading, warping or letting in heat.
The TimberBond line is ideal if you want the look of wood without the high price tag. This line consists of vinyl windows with the appearance of cherrywood, dark oak or English oak. It uses the company’s own pioneered technology to permanently bond the finish to the frame, preventing blistering, chipping and peeling.
Champion sells the following types of windows:
The only other popular window type many competitors offer that Champion doesn’t is awning.
The company sells windows made of aluminum and vinyl. Both have advantages, but the brand doesn’t offer as many material options as some competitors.
Aluminum windows provide a sleek, modern look and are relatively low-maintenance. Aluminum is heavy-duty, so it can support a large window. It’s also affordable and customizable. Unfortunately, aluminum is prone to corrosion if your home is near saltwater, and it doesn’t hold up well to heat, making it a poor insulator and the least energy-efficient frame material.
Vinyl windows are a popular choice due to their durability and price. They’re low-maintenance, easy to install and long-lasting. They have UV-resistant properties that prevent rotting and corrosion and are highly energy-efficient. Vinyl window frames are airtight, so you won’t have to worry about air getting in and out.
Champion only sells double-panel windows, which is common in the industry today. Single-pane windows don’t offer much insulation, and triple-pane windows aren’t necessary if the glass has energy-efficient coatings. Champion’s argon gas-enhanced Comfort 365 Window glass filters out UV rays and keeps your room comfortable.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25%–30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy usage is due to heat loss and gain through your windows. If your windows aren’t performing well, you see it on your electricity bill.
Champion’s website lists several energy-efficiency features it includes in its design to help control your home’s temperature. Its windows are made with the following:
With these energy-saving features plus an Energy Star certification, Champion’s windows are suitable for most climates and areas of your home.
We surveyed 1,500 window customers in October 2023 and learned that those who purchased Champion windows spent between an average of $7,738 and $28,825, depending on the number of windows purchased. The average price per window project size was as follows:
Your cost will vary depending on window type, materials and location. Customizing color, hardware, grid layout or other options will add to the cost, but the company’s average pricing aligns with what Home Depot lists as the cost of vinyl window installation.
Champion offers a vague pricing guide online, giving its window styles one to four dollar signs signifying how expensive they are relative to each other. Glass block and picture windows are the cheapest. Garden, bow and bay windows are the priciest.
The best way to see what your window project will cost is to start a free quote on Champion’s website. You can do this by scheduling an in-home or virtual consultation. Many window companies use this type of quote process because it’s difficult to give an accurate quote without measurements.
An in-home quote will be the most accurate since a professional handles the measurements and observes your wall and window casing. If you’re comfortable doing the measurements yourself, a virtual consultation is quicker and more convenient.
Champion’s site says that it offers low-interest financing options to fit virtually every budget, but it doesn’t specify what those are. The site also says that your estimate provider will walk you through your financing options and help you choose the right one.
Several customer reviews say that payment plans were fair and helpful. If financing through Champion isn’t right for you, you can talk with your bank about a personal loan, home equity loan or Federal Housing Administration Rehab loan.
Champion’s window installation process is handled in-house from start to finish. The company doesn’t outsource installations to subcontractors, which simplifies communication and should minimize delays.
Before installation, you’ll do all the planning. You’ll have a consultation, choose your windows, decide on payment and financing, and pick an installation date. Then comes installation day:
The installation team will arrive at your scheduled time and explain the process to you. They’ll let you know how long the job should take and what they’ll need from you, and they should answer any questions you have.
Plan to move furniture and take down anything on the wall near the windows. Also, plan to keep pets and children away from the job site.
Champion cares about protecting your home, so in addition to wearing shoe coverings, they’ll lay down drop cloths to help protect your floors from construction debris and dirt.
The installation crew will remove your old windows and then inspect them for damage. This part of the process could include delays because the crew doesn’t know if there are any issues until they remove your old windows and see whether there’s any damage that needs correcting. The team will repair damage as needed.
The crew will then install your new windows, ensuring they fit perfectly and perform properly. Installers will tightly seal the area around the window and replace the trim.
Removing and installing windows is messy, but Champion’s installers will collect any debris and haul it away, including disposing of your old windows. They’ll clean up the work area and ensure they left it how they found it.
Before leaving, a crew member will do a walk-through and final inspection with you. They’ll test each aspect of the windows, such as hardware and lifting and lowering. They’ll also clean the windows and show you how they work. Lastly, they’ll stick around for any questions you have.
A limited lifetime warranty backs all Champion products. This is standard warranty coverage for the industry. Champion doesn’t link its warranty on its site, so we can’t read the fine print. However, we do like that since Champion is a full-service company, you won’t have to deal with separate warranties for manufacturing and installation.
The brand’s warranty is pretty comprehensive. It covers parts, materials, labor and every aspect of installation. The site guarantees, “If it breaks, we will fix it.” Coverage is transferable to new homeowners if you sell and includes broken glass, repairs, part replacement, materials, seal failure, screen repair and waste removal. You can get service for these issues by calling the customer care number or filling out the online form.
Read your window warranty carefully — actions such as painting or drilling holes in your window typically void coverage.
Champion doesn’t offer as many material options as some competitors, but it provides highly durable and energy-efficient windows. We like the comprehensive warranty, thorough installation process and favorable customer reviews we found.
Champion is a great choice for your home improvement project if you want budget-friendly and long-lasting vinyl replacement windows. However, if you want the warm aesthetic of wood or the durability of fiberglass, you won’t find that with Champion.
We suggest looking at warranty coverage and customer reviews for whichever window company you choose. You can start with Champion by getting a free quote. We also recommend getting quotes from a few companies so you can compare pricing and options.
Our aim is to provide you with the information you need to assess and choose a window company when updating or replacing your windows. We conducted research to thoroughly understand the window industry from both a consumer and company perspective.
Our in-depth methodology compares window companies based on various attributes, including window options, energy efficiency, warranties, reputation, reviews, customer service, communication, installation and other services. Each attribute is worth points that add up to a possible total of 100. We then translate that score into our 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of March 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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