Seattle-area window company oversold product's green ability, AG says

The Washington state attorney general's office settled with a Pacific Northwest window company it says marketed questionable products and used aggressive tactics to make sales to reluctant buyers.

Harley Exteriors of Bothell, Wash., near Seattle, advertised and sold energy-efficient windows the AG's office says aren't scientifically proven as environmentally or economically efficient. In addition, the company didn't tell customers they could cancel installations.

The company agreed to pay $25,000 in civil penalties and follow new restrictions that comply with consumer protection laws. The company can no longer market its windows as a cost saver of more than 40% of a household's monthly heat and air conditioning costs. In addition, Harley sales representatives are forbidden from using high-pressure time-sensitive tactics.

An employee from Harley Exteriors reached by Consumer Ally declined to comment.

The Washington state Attorney General's office settled with two other glass companies recently, Evans Glass in September 2009 and Penguin Windows in March 2010.