Before you purchase any new window, compare the energy efficiency of the existing to the new. Go for energy efficiency, not just a name. Some windows with well known brand names are not your best value for energy efficiency.

High quality vinyl windows will provide extremely high energy efficiency.

If you're shopping for clad wood windows, be sure they are using state of the art spacer systems like SuperSpacer or Truseal products. IMO, a metal spacer in any window is 70's technology. Every window we offer is SuperSpacer Sealed.

http://www.superspacer.com

Michael

Here is a link that might be useful: Start Here

There are many excellent window manufacturers and some probably have distributor/installers in your area with show rooms. These companies measure and custom make windows to exactly fit the openings. These windows are low E double pane windows. They are very energy effecient plus they effectly stop sound penetration into your home. The double hung vinyl windows tilt inside for easy cleaning.

Mary, check out the threads for "What window is best" and "Argon gas in FL?" You will get all sides of the spectrum. The main thing to consider is how long you intend to reside in your townhouse. If it's only a few more years, then definitely do not over-invest in a great window. But if you are going to spend the rest of your life there, then it makes sense to spend more on a quality product that is backed by a company that is likely to be around in the event of problems down the road.

Vinyl replacement is the trend. Make sure they are 100% vinyl with fusion-welded corners. Quality windows will have a foam spacer technology to reduce the transfer of heat and cold through the window. Most people recommend Low E with Argon for maximum energy efficiency. The seal technology is super important too--a rubber seal is designed to break down over time so the gas leaks out and the windows need to be replaced again. If you see some of my other posts, you will notice a commom theme: you get what you pay for. I've been in construction for a long time, but I don't have any vested interest in what you decide to do because I'm not selling anything here.

There are a lot of great products out there. You will probably know what is best for you when you find it. Don't be afraid to have a couple people come give you estimates. I tend to feel the "factory-direct" or so-called "manufacturers" are best. You can save a little money by hiring any contractor to install a pretty decent window. But if you have a problem down the road, it is less likely you will receive the service you probably deserve from a "guy down the road with a truck." Big companies cost more to deal with, but you get more for your money. Just be careful of some of the sales tactics employed by large companies. NEVER say yes to the first price you see, there is always a better one. Some people get mad when a salesperson drops the price. But if you like the product enough, wait till the guy is walking out the door and ask for his best price. As long as they don't change anything about the quality of window or other parameter of the job, then you will know you got their "best" price. Play your cards right and the salesperson will be mad at you for digging into his commissions. :-)

A reputable company will have absolutely no problem doing a phased installation. Start with a few of your priority windows to make sure you like the product and the company. If they pass the test, then finish the job. The only risk you have with a phased installation would occur if you don't like the job they do. Then it may be difficult to find another company to install a similar looking product (vinyl windows, however, tend to look pretty much the same and if that happened, you will probably be the only one to ever know if you have two different windows). Your risk is, in my opinion, greater though if you have a whole house of windows installed that it turns out are sucky, or you don't like them. One last note about phased installations is that qulaity windows are not inexpensive, and a phased installation is a great way to spread out the cost over time.

Another thing I keep recommending is that people should trust the experts and not me, or anyone else on this site. The only truly unbiased source of information that I know of is from the National Association of Realtors. Please check my posts in the threads I recommended above because I am getting tired of typing the same info over and over. Good luck.

With rising heating and cooling costs,take a look at triple pane.It can cost 20 to 30 percent more than double pane,but if you plan to live there 15 to 20 years you will be glad you did.

Here is a link that might be useful: alside windows

Where you live is a huge part of the decision. Check out efficientwindows.org for efficiency detail. If you want recommendations, tell us where you live because only a few window companies have a national presence.

Here is a link that might be useful: Efficient Windows

There are several mid-grade windows that will net a noticeable energy efficiency upgrade while not breaking the bank.

Depending on your area of the country, triple pane windows may be overkill.

Shopping and research are your friends. Trust me.