Dear Jim: My old wood windows are leaky, hard to clean and I imagine they drive up my utility bills. I like the look of wood and plan to install new ones. What should I look for in replacement wood windows? – Stephen M.

Dear Stephen: Many people prefer wood replacement windows because they are a very attractive frame material and the most versatile. The frames can be painted, stained or just left natural. Also, because of the ease of milling wood, it is possible to make complex and ornate frame profiles.

Installing replacement windows with any frame material will cut your utility bills. Wood is somewhat of a natural insulator with its millions of tiny cells. The majority of the energy savings from new windows comes from more efficient glass and their airtightness, not from the frame material.

In addition to saving energy, installing new windows with efficient glass will reduce the fading of furniture, curtains and carpeting. This can be a significant long-term savings. Your house should stay cleaner indoors due to less air infiltration. Humidity levels also will be easier to control.

New wood windows require some maintenance over their lifetime, but it is minimal. The new finishes, clear or colored, are very durable (some windows have a 20-year warranty). For the least maintenance, select windows with aluminum or vinyl cladding on the exterior. Since aluminum cladding is painted, a large array of standard and customized colors are available.

Most wood replacement windows use frames made of Western pine. This wood has excellent performance properties for windows and is reasonably priced. Some manufacturers offer other attractive wood options such as teak, white oak, cherry, cedar, maple, fir, etc., for an elegant look.

The best type of glass depends on your area of the country, its use and orientation to the sun. Window glass with a low-e coating is efficient and blocks more of the sun’s fading rays. Filling the gap between the panes with inert argon gas adds about another R-1 insulation to the window. It also blocks more outdoor noise. Tinting one of the panes is often helpful in the South.

Although the type of glass has the greatest impact on savings and noise reduction, the style of window is also important. Casement, awning and hopper windows, which close on compression weatherstripping, are most airtight. Double-hung and sliders use friction-fit weatherstripping.

For ease of cleaning, though, double-hung windows are the winner. Most replacement double-hung windows are designed to tilt in for easy cleaning. Slider window sashes can generally be lifted out for cleaning both sides. Tilt-turn windows, popular in Europe, also are easy to clean and secure.

Write for (instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 974 – buyer’s guide of 12 all-wood and clad window manufacturers listing styles, frame materials, glass options, colors, warranties, features, and a style performance comparison. Include $3 and a business-size SASE, and send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.