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Reliabilt 3900 Windows Reviews
The Reliabilt 3900 window is one of the more popular replacement vinyl windows sold at the Big Box stores such as Lowes. Reliabilt is actually manufactured by Atrium windows and then relabeled or rebranded a Reliabilt window. This is a fairly common practice for certain window manufacturers and doesn't mean that you are buying a cheap replacement window.
In terms of retail windows that are available to consumers, Reliabilt 3900 windows are pretty solid. The window includes a 3.25" frame depth, double pane glass, several exterior color options (although it is available only in white on the interior), between the glass grids, a half screen, cam lock, double ventilation latches, and a constant force balancing system. Assuming you get good installation, the Reliabilt 3900 double hung window is a middle of the road vinyl window that is not flashy, but will get the job done.
According to Consumer Reports Best Windows, the window retails for $280, probably for a unit that is roughly 28"w x 46"h. The window receives an 82 rating, which puts it in second out of ten vinyl windows reviewed, just behind the winner of the group, the Simonton Profinish window series (the Contractor Model). The last time we checked, Lowes was selling the double pane double hung that measured roughly 32"w x 74"h for $525. The Reliabilt 3900 Window Series gets a out of 5 star rating.
Review By Jim R. - Site Editor - Updated In 2023
Reliabilt 3900 Window Prices
Consumers can expect window replacement costs to run $200 to $400 fully installed. This is a big price range and the installation requirements will play a good sized role in home much each window runs. The Reliabilt 3900 window is comparable to Viwinco Cambridge window costs and Monte Verde windows prices.
-- Window Itself: $225 to $275 --
-- Installation: $75 to $250 per opening --
-- Window & Installation: $300 to $575 -- *
» More On Reliabilt 3900 Costs
Reliabilt 3900 Window Rating
Consumers can expect decent performance numbers out of the double pane, double hung 3900 series - .29 U-factor, .18 SHGC and a DP rating of 30.
The 3900 series should be Energy Star Qualified in all sections of the country, although you should double check this at your local stores before you purchase this window.
Reliabilt 3900 Windows Warranty
The Reliabilt window warranty includes a lifetime provision on all vinyl parts and components, including the mainframe and sash. Insulated glass is warranted not to fail, but is on a prorated schedule, meaning for instance that from years 16 to 25 after purchase date, the buyer pays 25% of the replacement cost (the buyer pays 50% after year 25.)
The 3900 Series includes a lifetime warranty on the insulated glass. The warranty is transferrable one time only, although the new owner will be covered for only 10 years from the date of purchase. There are the usual exclusions and limitations that go along with the Reliabilt warranty.
Reliabilt 3900 Window Reviews
Do you have questions about Reliabilt 3900 windows? Jim and John are our site editors and they can help you get great info on installation, costs, upgrades, installer bids, or help you make heads or tails of the bids you already have for local contractors and companies.
Want to add your Reliabilt 3900 window review to our site? Please post it below and help other homeowners find great replacement window choices for their homes.
Reliabilt Windows At Lowes
I have some questions about Reliabilt windows. I had all new windows installed by Lowe’s, Reliabilt windows at a property that was a rental at the time. I have now moved into the house, 9 years later, and find there’s a lot of noise coming through the windows. Is this normal for Reliabilt? And if I was to replace my windows again, can you tell me what replacement windows You would recommend. I live in Virginia Beach, Va. and so I want something that is a good climate control window and also quiet. I live on the water and the traffic noise travels across the water.
Thank you for your input!
Toni - Homeowner - October, 2021
Website Editor's Answer
Toni, sorry for the delay in my response. I would say this -- Reliabilt is generally considered a pretty mediocre window. Not bad, but nowhere near the top of the heap. A lower end window tends to experience issues in that post 7 year period so I'm not totally shocked. If you did want to replace your windows sometime in the future, here are my recommendations...
Editor John M. - October, 2021
3900 Series Reliabilt Price Quote
I received a quote from lowes for 7 3900 series reliabilt. I read that i should avoid lowes but in my area that is the safest option. $5726 sounds too high after reading on your website. I appreciate your time, thanks for your help.
Melisa - Homeowner - September, 2021
Website Editor's Answer
Melisa, the Reliabilt 3900 is in that lower end of mid range vinyl windows. It's not a bad window, but over thousands of orders the incidence of issues is higher than I like to see (or hear about.) $5726 is very high for this window. You should be able to get a really good vinyl window for $820 per window. Where do you live, maybe I could make some suggestions...
Editor Jim R. - September, 2021
Reliabilt 3900 Series vs Pella 250
First, Jim, after months of searching and reading, I have to compliment you on probably the best site for brand specific window reviews with updated models/series info.
I'm in the Columbus Ohio market, and am replacing 23 windows in a 2-story house built 1993 with the worst single-hung Acorn aluminum windows every made.
I have a few questions if you can spare the time:
1. I'm trying to follow the "Avoid Lowes/HD installed windows at all costs" advice, but wondering what my other options are for economy/mid-grade white vinyl windows are in the Columbus market.
I like your feedback on Soft-Lite, Zen, and Great Lakes. Marvin Windows is probably out of my price range though I recognize their value as far as what you pay for what you get. I was close to pulling the trigger on a Lowes quote for Pella 250 windows, or maybe their Reliabilt 3900s to give you an idea of my price range. BTW, those quotes were in the neighborhood of $700/window installed for 23 windows in a 2-story house, low-E 2 pane, 4 of them fixed, a slider, etc., etc. That's more like $18,000 or so for my home. I would love a midgrade or solid entry level vinyl window, better than Pella 250 or Reliabilt 3900, but having a very hard time finding dealers/installers. Are there any other brands I should consider besides Soft-Lite, Zen, Great Lakes?
2. I actually replaced a window myself on my home to see how hard the job was. I did the new construction install and removed the vinyl siding all the way around the window so I could be 100% sure of install, waterproofing integrated behind house wrap. I would have done a replacement window, but the exterior trim wrap using an aluminum break is not a DIY tool or process, not to mention the better waterproofing and peace of mind of going all the way to the studs. The project was on the higher end of complexity, but not unworkable for me.....I've been called an 'extreme DIY'er'.
My question here is where would you source windows if you wanted to DIY them in the new construction method, but buying windows 2-3 at a time. Since I'll be installing myself, the poor Lowes install isn't a concern - but Lowes is one of the only places I can find where I can order 1-2-3 windows at a time. The downside is I'm limited to Pella and Reliabilt window brands. I can probably keep the total project to under $10,000 if I install myself, which interests me a lot. Should I look for a lumber yard, dealer of a particular window, a window installer who might charge a small mark-up?
Andrew - Homeowner - May, 2021
Website Editor's Answer
Andrew, thank you for the nice words. I will include a list of my good and great windows at the end, but first I will try and tackle your questions. There should be lots of options in your area. See the last paragraph in my reply to find options.
While most manufacturers sell using reps/companies, you can sometimes find companies willing to see you a window by itself. Okna comes to mind. Call your local Okna dealer and ask. If they don't ask if they know anyone who does. Beyond this, I would definitely look at lumber yards, Dixieline, and check yelp or angles list for top window installers in your area. They might sell something decent. The Simonton 5500 or Impressions 9800 series come to mind. This is where I would start. Here are my "good" and "top tier" windows list.
Editor Jim R. - May, 2021
Reliabilt 3900 Windows Complaint
We had 10 reliabilt 3900 windows installed in July 2019. The new windows are worse than the 26 year old windows that were replaced. We are very disappointed as we even upgraded to double strength glass. If your looking for new windows, I would look at other brands, because we feel like we wasted our money on reliabilt.
Earl - Homeowner - December, 2019
Website Editor's Answer
Earl, sorry to hear of your issues with the Reliabilt windows. There are definitely better vinyl windows out there for sure.
Editor Jim R. - December, 2019
Reliabilt 3900 Series vs. Pella 250
What is the best between pella 250 series and the reliabit 3900 series? The Pella model is $400.00 dollars cheaper.
Bill - Homeowner - March, 2018
Website Editor's Answer
Bill those two windows are probably equal in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Honestly, neither one really tops any of my lists. I'd probably go with the Pella and save the $400.
Editor John M. - March, 2018
Reliabilt 3900 Series vs. Pella 250 Series Take 2
Checking quality and price of Pella 250 series windows against 3900 series Reliabilt at Lowes... Thanks
Irma - Homeowner - February, 2018
Website Editor's Answer
Irma, the Pella 250 series is the company's lower end or entry level vinyl window, while the Reliabilt 3900 is that company's higher end window. However, I would probably rate the Pella 250 slightly above the Reliabilt 3900. But not by much. Neither of these windows is at the top of my list of vinyl windows.
If you have to get something at one of the big box stores, I would recommend the Andersen 100 composite window or the Simonton VantagePointe 6000 window. I would be wary of using their installers as well and would instead try and find a local window installer who has worked with the brand you are buying.
Editor John M. - February, 2018
Reliabilt 3900 Series vs. HD Simonton 6500
I am planning to replace 12 windows in my home with vinyl replacement windows. I have estimates from Lowes (Reliabilt 3900 @ $7800) and Home Depot (Simonton 6500 @ $7700). The windows seem similar to me. I like the features of the Reliabilt but the Simonton corner welds give it a much cleaner finished look. Which window would you rate higher? I live in Pennsylvania. Thank you in advance for your help.
Mike - Homeowner - September 22, 2017
Website Editor's Answer
Mike, I think most industry experts are going to put the Simonton 6500 over the Reliabilt 3900. Simonton has a better reputation overall than Reliabilt. I have to say that's not the cheapest quote I've ever seen -- certainly I don't know the project details, but I would get a couple of outside quotes to round out the bids you have from the big box stores. I would be interested to see what a quote on the Okna 400 series would be -- a MUCH better window than either of the ones you have here. Okna will certainly have a rep in your area. Check out these brands to see if any local companies sell them in your area -- Sunrise, Soft-Lite, Polaris, HiMark, and Vytex.
Editor Jim R. - September 22, 2017
Reliabilt 3900 Window Quality
In researching replacement vinyl windows for a rental property in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia that is 27 years old and has wooden sash windows currently, Lowes has recommended installing Reliabilt 3201 windows.
CR rates them as 73 Very Good but one non-CR review stated that they are not long lasting whatever that means exactly.
We want windows that are durable for at least the next 25 years, reliable and a reasonable cost. Will this product last or should we more closely evaluate Reliabilt 3900 series or another product that is reasonably priced but more reliable.
Joan - Homeowner - February 20, 2017
Website Editor's Answer
Joan, in general the vinyl windows sold from places like Lower and Home Depot are not very good windows. Reliabilt is one of the better windows that they sell, but is considered a middling at best vinyl window brand. The short answer to your question is if you are going to go with Reliabilt, then buy the double hung 3900 model. If you are going through Lowes, be a pain-in-the-a-- and insist on their best installer or installation team -- there are lots of bad stories out there about poor installation from these places due to how they pay their subcontractors. With good installation, the Reliabilt 3900 windows should hold up for the next 20 to 25 years.
Editor John - February 20, 2017
Reliabilt 3900 vs Okna 500
After many weeks of researching replacement vinyl windows, I've narrowed my choices to the Okna 500 Insul-Tec series, Reliabilit 3500 and 3900 series. We're replacing 19 windows. The Okna and Reliabilt 3900's are only $400 apart. However the 3500's are 3K less.
Mark - January, 2016
Site Editor's Reply
Mark, I would say go with Okna Insultec, it's probably my number one pick for best valued vinyl window out there. Reliabilt windows are the best of the "retail windows" - i.e. windows that consumers can buy off the shelf at HD or Lowes, but I've never heard any contractor claim that Reliabilt is a first tier window manufacturer (Reliabilt doesn't even make their own windows, they are simply relabeled Atrium windows.)
Unless the $3K is just too good to pass up, I'd say the Okna is the clear winner.
Jim R. - January, 2016