Don't do it. Replaced insulated glass aluminum windows and the difference in winter is substantial.

Agree 100% with Dan, don't do it. Even though thermo-break aluminum is not the best choice for a cold climate, it's still much better than solid aluminum.

Thank you so much for the input. What problems do you think we may experience? There is an almost 50% higher cost with the non-Florida options.

Well personally I can't see how they can break the thermal heat (energy) transfer with aan aluminum frame and glass has a very low R value anyhows, generally 4 to 7 at best. And then install in walls with R 21 to 35. Really don't matter. Do you plan on insulated curtains ?

Thanks for the input, I was looking for if there was an engineering reason such as frost on the inside of the windows due to condensation. The poster above suggested to not worry about beauty treatments which I'm not, however I do know where you can save 40K, I would do it if it makes sense. I'm looking for the real reasons not to.

My stepmother once owned an old Tudor Revival house in Pittsburgh with steel framed casements. The cold came straight through those frames. The problems went way beyond just having frost on the inside of the windows. It was more like keeping a door open all winter. Storm windows didn't help. Just don't do it.

The answer is contained in the very first three word sentence of the first comment.

"Don't do it." - dan1888

Consider changing some casement opening windows for fixed. They'll look the same. The cost savings will be substantial. Every window lets in light and gives a view. They all don't need to open. I'm afraid we're also going to recommend you don't get vinyl.

• I would do it if it makes sense.
• I'm looking for the real reasons not to.

The real reason is that it doesn't make sense to use a product designed for use in Florida in a "cold climate" - which most people would not say that Florida is! The insulated glass does change the performance of the aluminum frame in the cold.

But I have to ask:

1. Where are you located?
2. Why do you even want aluminum framed windows?

Thank you. I hear don't do it, but I still don't know the reasons why. Frost? Condensation? Simply energy efficiency? Meanwhile, I am in FL and can get windows here at cost. The property is in MT. We like the way the metal windows will update the look of the property. We do have some fixed picture windows where possible. Thanks again for your input.

When a shelter is designed to meet the needs of the site, things generally works out well. When a shelter is designed to meet desires of fashion, things can go astray.

Without a thermal break you will experience heat/cold transition between interior and exterior space. You may experience condensation, frosting, drafts, higher heat bills, potential building restrictions, stuck wet tongues to window frames, and other discomforts.

There is no thermal break between the pan and the handle of a cast iron pan. By the time your eggs are cooked in a cast iron pan you will want a thermal break between your hand and the pan's handle.

I hear don't do it, but I still don't know the reasons why.

Frost? -- yes

Condensation? -- yes

Simply energy efficiency? -- bad

There's not going to be frost. Why? because your furnace without a humidifier wil be running enough to remove the moisture needed for frost. Marvin Modern line has thin frame fiberglass windows that will give you the metal look you like.

If OP isn't willing to pay more for the thermal break version of a Florida made window, I don't think they are going to pay for Marvin ...

Do not do it because you will not pass inspection. After the red tag, you will still end up paying for the more expensive windows you should have installed in the first place. And ripping these out.

Buying windows twice is just dumb. But some people have to learn the hard lesson to not be so ”frugal” and dumb that they cost themselves double money in the end.

I hear don't do it, but I still don't know the reasons why.

Frost? -- yes

Condensation? -- yes

Simply energy efficiency? -- bad

^^^^^ exactly!! Plus if a permit is needed you will not get one with solid aluminum windows.