Dear Jim: Our utility bills are sky-high, no doubt due to our old leaky single-pane wood windows. I like real wood windows, but I also want low-maintenance. Are wood replacement windows a good idea for me? – Paul H.

Dear Paul: Old leaky windows cannot only drive up your utility bills, but they make you feel uncomfortable, allow dust/allergens indoors, sweat, and allow furniture and carpeting to fade. Also, when you install good-quality replacement windows, the first thing you will notice is reduced road noise.

Wood frames are still very popular for new and replacement windows, even though they may require some maintenance, because no other frame material matches their beauty. Many windows, with natural wood interior surfaces and vinyl – and aluminum-clad wood exteriors are virtually maintenance-free.

The utility bill savings from installing new windows results from the new, more efficient types of glass and airtight weatherstripping. Since the window frame itself makes up a small percentage of the total window opening, the quality and design are more important than the material type.

The wood itself, with its billions of microscopic pores and air pockets, is a natural insulator and never feels cold to the touch. With the new types of low-emissivity thermal glass available, window condensation will be very rare and you won’t get that chilly feeling when sitting near a window at night.

Wood window frames provide a virtually endless array of styles, shapes and sizes. This makes them ideal for older houses where you may want to match the existing windows. If you prefer the natural look of a clear finish, windows made of mahogany, teak, cherry, redwood and ash are available.

Almost all the manufacturers of wood windows offer the standard styles of single- and double-hung, casements, awning, hopper, etc. For the greatest efficiency, choose casement windows that close on the weatherstripping with a compression fit. These also direct gentle breezes indoors in the summer.

More domestic companies now offer tilt-turn windows that have been popular in Europe for years. They provide the airtight sealing benefits of casement windows as well as security against unwanted guests when opened for ventilation. These windows hinge both on the side and at the bottom. By turning the latch handle 90 degrees, it actuates either the side or the bottom hinges. When the side hinges are actuated, the window swings in like a reverse casement window. You can open it any amount you wish. For ventilation with security, rotate the handle to lock the side hinges and actuate the bottom ones. This allows the window to tilt in a bit at the top for ventilation. In this position, it is difficult for a thief to squeeze through.

Write for (instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 719 – buyer’s guide of 12 all-wood and clad window manufacturers listing styles, frame materials, colors, glass options, warranties, features and a style performance comparison. Please include $3.00 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Newspaper Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244

Dear Jim: We have a remote cabin that we use about one weekend each month during the winter. We would like to hook up some type of thermostat that would warm it up before we arrive. What is available? – Karen F.

Dear Karen: There are not any standard computerized thermostats that will accomplish this. They all have weekly schedules so the heat would come on every weekend whether your family is at the cabin or not.

Another, not inexpensive, option is to install a security-type system. Some systems allow you to telephone the control unit at your cabin and remotely turn on appliances, lights, heat, etc. whenever you wish.