[jyl]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice about windows. Most of the house's windows have already been replaced with double-pane vinyl windows, appx 10 years ago. We are looking to replace about 8 remaining single-pane windows (basically all of them, except the leaded glass ones).

Three main questions -

First, does it make sense to pay up for the "best-insulating" windows?

I used a infrared thermometer to measure the temperature on the inside of the existing windows. The old single-pane glass windows were appx 55F. The double-paned windows were appx 65F. The wall was appx 66-67F (lath and plaster). Outdoor temp was about 40F and windy at the time. I gather I can get triple-pane, krypton-filled windows that supposedly have a higher R-value than my walls (see "Penguin" below). My question is, if the double-paned windows are measuring within a degree or two of the walls, why should I go "better"? I have no plans to add insulation to the walls.

Second, is there any particular reason to favor casement, vs awning, vs hopper type? The windows in question are not suited for double-hung. Obviously I won't use outswing hopper type if there isn't good rain protection above the window . . . also, in-swing versus out-swing? We don't have an insect problem.

Third, anyone know a good window contractor in PDX area? I got a pitch from Penguin Windows yesterday, their product ("Uniframe"?) seemed good (unnecessarily good? see first question) but the price seems very high (appx $1,000 per window including the $1,500 federal tax credit) and the sales job, although well-executed and not too pushy, irritated me.