How to choose energy efficient windows

In the most homes with standard windows, half of the heat loss through windows goes through cracks while the rest of the loss goes directly out the actual panes and frames themselves. To relieve this problem, you should think about replacing single-glazed windows with high performance windows. There have been significant technological developments over the last 10 years involving low emissivity (low-E) coatings on the glass. The low-E film glass typically costs a bit more than double glazed windows but they will reduce energy costs by a significant amount. If you choose to go one step further, you could have high performance triple glazed windows installed which provide even more energy savings. If replacing all the windows isn't a good idea (financially speaking), you should budget for your home's biggest problem areas first. The chief sources of winter heat loss are any north-facing windows while full-size south-facing windows create additional heat gain in the summer.

Why bother? How about some fresh air? That's what windows and cracks around doors are for. This ecology crapola is just politcally correct stupidity. You want to save energy and the environment? Stop subsidizing the "need to breed". Birth control. ABORTION!!. Stop saving defective infants. Utilize the "midwife's option. Do you have any idea of the resources -- including ENERGY -- it takes to save and raise a defective infant.

Actually, financially speaking, upscale vinyl window replacement had a higher return on investment last year (2008) than kitchen remodels! If you can afford it, you'll get nearly 80% of your money back, not to mention the savings you'll gain in your energy bills AND the Obama tax credit ($1500) this year!

Kerry, as someone who has been in the window industry since I was 16, this is what I would suggest you look for:

-Double-paned: Triple paned windows are much, much more expensive and do not save you much more in energy unless you live in a climate with excessive winter chill (such as in the mountains). They also can create a tremendous stress on the framing of your house because the additional glass is very heavy.

-High quality glass, coated in LoE3. The glass makes all the difference. It should have an argon fill (krypton does the exact same work, but is again much more expensive). The coating is imperitive; LoE3 is an advanced technology which reflects sun rays away from your house in the summer and keeps the heat inside in the winter. The LoE3 is also what makes windows qualify for the Obama tax credit this year.

-A good spacer. I personally recommend a superspacer, although many window companies don't offer this. A broken window spacer will leak out all of the argon gas within just a couple years, lowering the energy-efficiency of your window significantly. Beware of metal spacers (metal is a conductor) and also glue-based spacers (melt in the heat). The superspacer is a special composite developed by NASA which will hold your gas in for a lifetime.

Also, always always look into the window company you choose prior to doing business with them. I highly suggest checking out the BBB website as well as Angie's List before you sign a contract.

If you live in the Pac NW, Northwest Home Improvement Co. specializes in high quality window replacement. Hope this helps you, and happy hunting!