"KD" wrote in message
...

On the subject of windows, we're fairly clueless. The man who came to
measure was very informative, explained the difference between single
and double hung, inserts vs. completely new windows, etc. We're
thinking of going with the inserts, although he did caution that
there's no way to know if the frames are properly insulated, which is
a bit of a concern. Double hung sounds like a better option, but is
it?


Not in my opinion. Double-hung windows mean both top & bottom panes slide
up/down. Single-hung, only the bottom one moves. This by itself means
single-hung windows are less drafty. How many times do you really need to
lower the top pane anyhow?

As for the insert vs complete replace thing, I'm on the "complete replace"
side, having done just that three years ago to all the glass in this house.
If you get insert windows, they will look like insert windows. You'll end up
with your current frame's width plus whatever width the insert window's
frame is. You are probably talking 5-6" from the inside edge of the insert
window to the outer edge of the existing wood trim.

One other type to consider is awning-type windows. They're actually the most
draft-free since they have something to seal against, something to pull
tight against. In windy areas (40 + mph I'd say, like this area from time
to time) my vinyl windows sometimes whistle, which awning-types wouldn't do.