There is a lot more than Energy Star out there.

Aluminum, even with a thermal break, is the least efficient sash/frame material.

The others are all pretty close and are really a matter of personal preference. Each material will have its proponents and its detractors.

Personally, I think that fiberglass might be the material of the future and there are some very nice fiberglass windows on the market...but, I say that as personal opinion and in no way am I detracting from either wood or vinyl as a window material. Of course in every product or material there are higher quality and lower quality products.

Triple glazing is more of an issue in a heating dominated climate than in a cooling dominated climate. In your case you want to block heat from entering your home. A LowE2 coating will help to reflect the outside heat away from your windows and keep it outside where it belongs.

This coating will also help a very great deal on that late afternoon solar heat gain as well.

The Efficiant Windows Collaborative is a good site. It has good information and it is worth the visit.

I am also including a link for you to visit which I think that you might find useful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Windrose Project

Thanks. This really helps me deal with the window supplier.