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Originally Posted by look 171
Low E glass, (different grades available, so be careful). Not feeling the hot sun on the other side of the window is worth the money. Wood window for an old house of newer windows for a newer house. A Milgard vinyl window just dose not look right in an older house so be careful in terms of design.
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Usually I agree with you 110% but there are some composite divided light windows that are pretty good looking from a historical point of view. What I don't get is that when I drive the neighborhood 90% of the windows are white. That is not necessary. But it's cheap.
In CA Title 24 requires LowE squared and argon. I agree that argon is not worth much in mild climate. But that's the fooking state for you, they don't study the effects. If I live in N. Dakota, I'd have argon for sure. I'd also use composite rather than vinyl.
Believe it or not, just dual pane is not that different energy wise than single pane. But the rest of the window design and construction makes a world of difference. Believe me, if you want to go full on window engineering and pontificate on windows in general, there is enough information to fill a thick book.
Bottom line is most new windows are a huge improvement over 50 YO ones. No rocket science there. I'd minimize the investment but get what looks good to you and for the house.
For instance, I have put Andersen vinyl clad windows in the front of many houses and did Milgard for the rest. The two vinyl colors match, but the interior of the Andersen is wood. So easy to paint or stain to match the décor. Other than the kitchen, most folks have window treatments in front of the window in bedrooms, etc., so it doesn't make sense to spend 2.5 times as much for those.
Regarding John Roger's post, CA has tightened the egress requirements so be SURE to understand those regs as it could have an effect on resale or worse if there happened to be a fire. This applies to a simple size for size change out:
"For determining egress window sizes and placement, the International Building Code holds that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. It must be at least 5.7 square feet, that is at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor." (copied from Google)