@toddinmn I have yet to see an aluminum storm that wasn't ugly as sin. I don't want that over the old windows, that's why I'm seeking other options. Of course, if you know of a low profile storm that 'disappears' then by all means educate me!

exterior removable storms are how its done on old houses in new england. they need to be removed in summer tho (and yes, replaced by screens.) or the heat between the two layers of glass causes dry rot.

i'd look for a local window company that trumpets historical work on their website.

you might consider having "pet windows" ( that is, keep your originals, and deal with storms and screens, seasonally) on the front and replacing your originals with wood on the other sides. we have pella architect series on our 1870 house. the original windows were gone and had been replaced by aluminium combinations when we bought the house. they were approved by the historic district commission and you can odds are have a good match to your existing windows.

as far as energy efficiency, a lot depends on the insulation you have in your walls. or don't have. new windows can stop drafts but they wont do a thing for the cold that emanates from the exterior walls.

@ninigret Yeah I looked at those old school wooden ones and I like the look of them a lot so I am considering them. A little more work to be sure but definitely in keeping with the traditional look.So the screens fit into the same casement as the wooden storms?

Have you any experience with Phantomscreens?

They look like they only mount on newer style windows though but it's an interesting concept

i have no idea of whats up to the minute, the ones around here are two separate items.... a wooden frame with a screen, another wooden frame with with glass.

and really sore arms for a couple days....

In MN for aluminum I would consider the Larson L204 flush mount, Allied and Mon-Ray. These are higher quality storms that may unit flush like a wood storm.

There is a company here that makes a hybrid wood/aluminum storm that has the appearance of an old wood storm.

There are companies that replicate the original wood storm, but it can be spendy , you have to switch them out and store them and they are not that air tight which is more prone to ice forming on the prime window. I’d be careful of the wood they use for the storms , it should be treated ( not pressure treated) or a more rot resistant wood. I do know a person here who makes them out of old reclaimed heartwood pine.

@toddinmn thanks for the details, I'll check em out

@ninigret

"and really sore arms for a couple days...."

ohh, well they DO look cool but you're right, the pain in the butt aspect needs to be factored in as well

The storms dont have to be the old nasty aluminum color, you can get storm/screen windows that look very nice that are white. May be able to even get other colors, but, I have only seen white.

Great advice from Todd on weatherizing the existing units and adding storms. As described, there are a host of options from aluminum to wood, different colors, styles, etc, even Low-e glass. With a little bit of research you should be able to find something that will serve you well for both aesthetics and performance.

Existing aluminum storms can be painted the same color as the window trim so they will not be very noticeable. I have wood storms and screens on the ground floor but the upstairs has aluminum storms. I have a couple casement windows which have changeable interior storms and screens. It is actually easier to clean those windows as the glass is a single piece on the interior and the multipane area is the exterior which doesnt get washed often.

No way would I want to deal with replacing wood storms from a ladder. It is enough of a challenge to change out the storm windows on the main floor. We typically replace the one double hung window and the panels from the storm doors and the screens for the french doors arent worth the hassle.

I still have bad memories from when we had to change out the wood storms to screens .

Keep in mind that putting the storm to the exterior will help with acoustics. I would recommend going with a minimum of double strength glass , usually 3/16 this is not that much more.

@Lyndee Lee

"I have a couple casement windows which have changeable interior storms
and screens. It is actually easier to clean those windows as the glass
is a single piece on the interior and the multipane area is the exterior
which doesnt get washed often."

Interesting. I don't suppose you could share a photo or two of these so I could see what they look like?

I will see if I can get a photo later today.