What is the impetus behind the window replacement? If you don't like the look, you are always a candidate. If you are looking purely for energy efficiency improvements, the first place to look is at the attic and other items. The Integrity is a solid choice and should have all the same available options as the 400. Cost depends on what people are charging up there but you will commonly see them referred to as similarly priced materials. What else are you doing at the home? If it is just window replacements, find a qualified contractor and keep reading. You will quickly learn everything that you need to know and focus on.

Take a look at Pella Proline windows. Make sure that you get Insulshield glass to protect from the harsh rays of the sun. In cases like yours i would always recommend a fiberglass front door not steel. Pella, Therma tru, there are many. Do not add a storm door this will just build heat between the panels. Of course windows can just do so much......sounds like nice plantation blinds on the interior will add to your comfort.

I have still been doing research (and reading the forum) into my window purchase, and I have some clarifications on the quotes I am currently trying to decide over.... I've decided on the company I plan to use, just trying to decide between quotes from that company. Here are the quotes: (all are from the same company/installer; the only portion that differs between the quotes is the double hung windows) Quote #1 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Mercury Excelum Harmony series Double Hung (triple pane, low e glass, full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value: .20, SHGC: .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,055.00 Quote #2 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows: U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with double pane AC Master Glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .30, SHGC .25 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,562.00 Quote #3 (1) Gorell three lite casement window (2 casements with picture window) w/ Energy Master III glass (w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) Picture window U-Value: .22, SHGC .24. Casement windows U-Value: .25, SHGC .18 (5) Gorell Series 5300 Double hung with Energy Master III triple pane glass (w/ full screens, internal white colonial grids) U-Value .25, SHGC .20 (1) MI Window and Doors Model 910 Patio Door (double pane w/ full screens and internal white colonial grids) U-Value .28, SHGC .20 PRICE: $5,762.00 A few questions: 1. Does anyone have any input/opinion on MI Windows Sliding Patio Door? Their website is: http://www.miwd.com/default.aspx 2. Unfortunately, no one had any input into Mercury Excelum brand of windows.....but the company is on the NFRC list as an approved manufacturer. Does the fact that the manufacturer is on the NFRC list make it a quality window? MI Window is also on the NFRC list. 3. Between Quote 2 and Quote 3, the only difference is upgrading the Gorell 5300 glass package from the double pane package to a triple pane package. Is the improvement in U-Value and SHGC worth the additional $200.00? 4. Installation question. Is there a preference as far as a interior installation vs. exterior installation? Or is it impossible to make that judgment without seeing the house/window? Thank you for your help. mm

A sash kit with Dual pane and low-E would have similar performance to a triple pane unit. The STC rating would be better and much less loss of glass over an insert. Installation can be simple to comlex depending on who is installing and the condition of the existing opening . I rarely see them installed correctly by pros unless they are somewhat specialized in these, the ones they got right were because the openings and window needed no modification.