In addition to completely changing the look of your home – enhancing your curb appeal – the right grid options allow you to add your personal style to your new windows. Most homeowners think only of grids between the glass or grids on the exterior of the glass (SDL – simulated divided lite). They typically don’t give much consideration to pattern options. Instead of thinking only of what I call the standard ‘tic-tac-toe’ pattern, consider things like a prairie pattern. Or just putting grids on the top sash and leave the bottom with no grids. This is really popular lately on new homes. So, as you contemplate what you want in your new windows, consider both the grid type AND the grid patterns. You’ll be glad you did.

There seems to be some question as to whether the federal energy tax credit – scheduled to expire 12/31/2010 – will be extended into 2011.  The excerpt below is from an article I found on the topic.  Click on the link to read the full article.  It should be noted that I can’t confirm the accuracy of this information.

The new bill extends eligibility to the end of 2011, but reduces the incentive to the original 10% up to $500.  Included are provisions which:

• limit window incentives to $200;
• limit oil and gas furnace and boiler incentives to $150, plus an additional $50 for efficient furnace fans;
• limit water heater and wood heating system incentives to $300;
• loosen the qualification for window incentives (ENERGY STAR windows now qualify);
• and tighten the specifications for oil furnaces and boilers and gas boilers to 95% efficiency, up from the 90% efficiency in current law.

When evaluating new/replacement windows you naturally want windows that will provide the best energy efficiency for your money.  Following are some terms you’ll want to be familiar with as you evaluate your window options.

R-Value refers to the ability of a building material to resist heat transfer. The greater the R-Value, the more effective the insulation.

U-Value refers to a measurement of heat transfer through a building material. The lower the U-value, the more effective the insulation.

U-Factor (similar to U-Value) is a more common term used in defining heat transfer through window, glass and other fenestration assemblies. The test procedure for U-factor is used exclusively for fenestration products and was developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). When a home is primarily heated, this rating is typically more important. However, a low U-factor is preferable in any location where there is a dramatic difference between inside and outside, e.g. desert and northern climates. The use of low-e coatings can significantly reduce these values. These numbers typically fall between .20 and 1.20. The smaller the number, the better.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is an index from 0 to 1 of the amount of heat from direct sunlight passing through a window. Heat from direct sunlight can have the greatest influence over air conditioning costs. Thus, it is preferable to keep this number as low as possible in warmer climates where air conditioning is the primary energy use. Typically, a softcoat low-e, tinted glass, or a combination of these will lower this number, and the lower the number, the better. As a bonus, the comfort level is increased by reducing hotspots in the home.

I found these tips on Yahoo. Interesting suggestions on how to clean your windows.