Need advice on buying replacement windows. I am interested in "medium grade" windows.

[3Hotdogs]

I was figuring to choose from H.D's offerings. What should I consider in choosing windows?

[hlthe2b]

1. All I can say is that if you live in a semi-arid climate with major extremes in winter and summer...

Lots of freezing temps, snow in winter, and intense sun and heat in the summer... DON'T buy vinyl windows. They dry out and crack away. I have learned the hard way. Every damned window and my patio doors are going to have to be replaced. And that doesn't even include the hail damage that destroys them even faster, even when the glass is unscathed
.
Vinyl was pushed for decades and maybe they work okay elsewhere, but not in the West, Southwest, or really anywhere west of the Mississippi.

I bought the place with these windows, which were not all that old. I'd NEVER consider buying them to replace them.

If you can only replace a few at a time but can upgrade to better windows, believe me, I'd consider doing THAT.

[jpak]

2. When I replaced my windows, I bit the bullet

And bought the highest rated Energy Star windows available (8 windows) and had them installed professionally.

Well worth the investment. The house is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Saved a ton of money on heating costs (Maine winters - don't need AC in summer, I open the windows in the cool of the night and the house stays cool all day).

Best home improvement evah.

[Wednesdays]

4. There's a crew installing replacement windows as I type

We considered vinyl windows from Pella. But insulated vinyl windows leak the aragon gas and so they would have to be replaced within just a couple of years!

We went with Renewal by Andersen. They make windows with a special blend that won't leak the aragon gas, and are guaranteed for 20 years or more.

[3Hotdogs]

5. Cost per window? Specific or average?

[Wednesdays]

8. It depends on how you define "how many windows."

With the old windows, we had eleven double-hung windows, plus a picture window in front that had three sections, so three more windows there. Fourteen total.

When we replaced the windows, in some cases, two double-hung windows were replaced by a single sliding window. And the three in front were combined into one large sliding window. The smaller windows in the kitchen and bathroom were replaced with casement type. Total number of replacement windows: nine. Total cost for the job, including everything: $23,059.

[Lars39]

6. Are those double or triple pane windows?

We’re doing replacements for a whole house soon. Got me nervous and twitchy.

[Wednesdays]

7. Double pane.

These windows by Renewal By Anderson are practically bullet-proof, so triple pane windows are unnecessary IMHO.

[Lars39]

9. Ok, thanks!

Were their prices better than Pella?