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Living in Orlando means enjoying the sunshine, but it also means respecting its power. From the brutal, humid heat of July that has your A/C working overtime, to the daily 4 PM downpours and the ever-present threat of hurricane season, your windows are the most critical line of defense for your home. That constant assault of intense UV rays, wind-driven rain, and potential flying debris is an unforgiving test for any window. Whether you live in a modern stucco home in Lake Nona or a classic bungalow in Winter Park, you need windows built to withstand the unique pressures of Central Florida.
Mr. Remodel is your connection to Orlando's most trusted, state-licensed window contractors. We partner with local experts who are masters of the Florida Building Code (FBC). They know which windows meet the strictest hurricane impact standards, how to maximize your rebates from OUC or Duke Energy, and how to give you peace of mind when a storm is brewing in the Atlantic.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted Orlando window specialist.
Why Homeowners in Orlando Use Mr. Remodel
1. Hurricane & Impact Resistance Experts
This is non-negotiable in Florida. Our network contractors are experts in the wind-borne debris protection standards of the Florida Building Code. They specialize in installing high-impact laminated glass windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds and impacts, eliminating the need for clumsy, last-minute shutter installation and providing 24/7 protection.
2. Maximizing OUC & Duke Energy Rebates
A window replacement is one of the single best investments you can make to lower your cooling costs. The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Duke Energy agree and offer rebates to help you do it. Our pros are intimately familiar with these programs and will help you select the ENERGY STAR® certified windows with the specific Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) needed to qualify, saving you money on your project and for years to come.
3. Solving Old Aluminum Window Problems
Millions of Central Florida homes were built with cheap, single-pane aluminum windows. These are a major source of problems. The frames corrode, the seals fail from the heat, and the metal frames transfer heat directly into your home. The teams we recommend are masters at removing these inefficient relics and installing modern, thermally-broken windows that stop heat, leaks, and drafts.
Average Cost of Window Services in Orlando
In Florida, window costs are primarily driven by impact-resistance ratings and energy efficiency. Non-impact windows are cheaper but are not recommended for storm protection.
|
OPTION |
AVERAGE COST (PER WINDOW) |
PROJECT TOTAL (EST. 10 WINDOWS) |
KEY BENEFIT / LIFESPAN |
|
High-Performance Vinyl |
$1,100 to $1,700 |
$11,000 to $17,000 |
Best value for energy efficiency & durability. (15 to 20 Years) |
|
Thermally-Broken Aluminum |
$1,400 to $2,200 |
$14,000 to $22,000 |
Slim profiles, modern look. (20 to 30 Years) |
|
Fiberglass / Composite |
$1,600 to $2,500 |
$16,000 to $25,000+ |
Ultimate strength & stability in extreme heat. (30 to 50 Years) |
|
Wood / Wood-Clad |
$2,000 to $4,000+ |
$20,000 to $40,000+ |
High-end look for luxury or historic homes. (30 to 50+ Years) |
Common Window Challenges in Orlando
1. Hurricane Season: Wind & Debris
The number one threat. During a hurricane, high winds can turn loose branches, roofing tiles, and patio furniture into projectiles. Old or non-impact windows will shatter, allowing catastrophic wind and water damage. We install impact-rated windows with a laminated glass interlayer that acts like a car windshield; it may crack upon impact, but it stays in the frame, keeping the storm outside.
2. The Relentless Sun & Oppressive Heat
The Florida sun is unforgiving. It superheats your home, causes your A/C to run constantly, and fades your floors, rugs, and furniture. Modern windows with advanced Low-E coatings are essential. They are specifically designed to block the sun's infrared heat rays while allowing visible light to pass through, keeping your home bright but dramatically cooler.
3. Suffocating Humidity and Mold
Our air is thick with moisture. This humidity attacks old window seals, causing them to fail and leading to condensation fog between the glass panes. Worse, leaks around old, poorly sealed windows create the perfect damp, dark environment for mold to grow within your walls. New, professionally sealed windows are airtight, locking moisture out.
4. Uninvited Guests: Bugs and Pests
From palmetto bugs to mosquitoes, Florida's insects are always looking for a way in. Old, warped windows with failing weatherstripping are an open invitation. High-quality new windows with robust, multi-point locking systems and new seals create a bug-proof barrier, keeping your home comfortable and pest-free.
Compare Impact Vinyl Windows vs. Impact Aluminum Windows
This is the classic Florida debate: modern efficiency vs. traditional strength and style.
Option A: Impact-Rated Vinyl Windows
- Best For: The vast majority of homeowners in Orlando, Winter Park, and Kissimmee are looking for the best all-around performance and value.
- The Benefit: Vinyl frames are fantastic insulators; they don't transfer heat. This makes them incredibly energy efficient for keeping A/C costs down. They are durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective.
- The Trade-off: The frames are generally thicker than aluminum, which can slightly reduce the glass area.
Option B: Impact-Rated Aluminum Windows
- Best For: Homes with a modern or coastal aesthetic, or for homeowners who want the thinnest possible frames to maximize their view.
- The Benefit: Aluminum frames are very strong and allow for slim, narrow profiles that create a sleek, contemporary look.
- The Trade-off: Aluminum is a metal and naturally conducts heat. Even with thermal breaks, they are less energy-efficient than vinyl or fiberglass, which can lead to higher long-term cooling costs.
Expert Advice: For the best combination of hurricane protection, energy efficiency, and value for your money in the Orlando climate, Impact-Rated Vinyl Windows are the superior choice. If a minimalist, modern aesthetic is your absolute top priority, choose a high-quality Thermally-Broken Aluminum window.
Serving Orlando and Central Florida
From the theme parks to the coast, Mr. Remodel has a trusted pro for your project.
- Orlando Neighborhoods: Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Winter Park, College Park, Thornton Park, Sodo, Doctor Phillips, Delaney Park.
- Surrounding Cities: Kissimmee, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Clermont.
FAQ: Windows in Orlando
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Orlando?
Yes, absolutely. All window replacements in Florida require a permit from your local building department (e.g., the City of Orlando Permitting Services) to ensure the new windows comply with the stringent Florida Building Code for wind and impact resistance.
What are impact windows, and do I need them?
Impact windows have laminated glass that holds together when shattered. While not required everywhere, most of Central Florida, including the Orlando metro, is in a Wind-Borne Debris Region where impact protection is mandatory for new construction and renovations unless you have approved shutters. Impact windows provide 24/7 protection without any effort.
How do I get a rebate from OUC or Duke Energy?
Your utility company offers rebates for installing energy-efficient windows that meet certain performance criteria (specifically, a low SHGC rating). A qualified contractor can provide you with the window's NFRC rating sticker and the necessary paperwork to submit to OUC or Duke Energy to claim your rebate.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Florida?
This is critical. Never hire an unlicensed contractor. You can and should verify every contractor's license status and check for complaints on the official Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
Will I get a discount on my homeowner's insurance for installing impact windows?
In most cases, yes. Florida law mandates that insurance companies offer discounts or credits to homeowners who install wind mitigation features that reduce the risk of hurricane damage. Impact-rated windows are a primary qualifier for these discounts. After installation, you can have a wind mitigation inspection performed, and the report can be sent to your insurance carrier to secure your discount.
What’s the difference between impact windows and shutters?
Impact windows provide 24/7, passive protection. They are always ready and require no effort from you before a storm. They also offer noise reduction and UV protection year-round. Shutters only provide protection when they are closed and secured, which requires manual labor before every storm threat. They offer no benefits when open and can be cumbersome to store and deploy.
What is a Low-E coating, and why is it so important in Florida?
Low-E stands for low-emissivity. It's an invisible, multi-layer metallic coating on the glass that is essential for our climate. It's specifically designed to reflect the sun's infrared heat out of your home while still allowing visible light to pass through. This keeps your home dramatically cooler, significantly reduces the run time of your A/C, and helps you save on your electric bill.
My old aluminum windows are always foggy. Why does that happen?
That fog or condensation you see trapped between the glass panes means the window's airtight seal has failed. This allows moist Florida air to get inside the glass unit, where it condenses. This permanently ruins the view and eliminates any insulating value the window once had. New, high-performance windows use advanced sealing technology to prevent this failure.
Get Your Free Orlando Window Quote
Don't spend another summer paying sky-high cooling bills or another fall dreading the hurricane forecast. Protecting your home and family while improving your comfort is a smart investment. Mr. Remodel is your direct link to Central Florida's most trusted, state-licensed window experts.
Ready to make your home a safer, more efficient Florida haven? Request Your Free Quote Today.