Hung Up On Double Hungs

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then, windows are . . . what? In my case? They are single paned, inefficient, energy suckers. Our windows came with the house, new, 120 years ago, and I'm sure were quite something to behold at the old turn of the century (as opposed to the recent turn of the century.)

Windows were on the top our must-be-replaced-repaired-destroyed list that we made when we moved in, but somehow, a furnace, a roof, front steps, wiring and plumbing pushed them further and further down and well, then, came a dog (several), followed by children (two), and a business (one) that required more energy than any windows could waste.

We took to wearing more layers and so did our windows. In the fall, they sported tailored canvas shades topped with a chic mid-weight, no-fuss, relaxed, woven solid that once winter came, was layered with a heavier damask, that could be left open for a casual look or tied shut for something more mysterious.

But, despite the fashion statements, the westerly winds still found their way into the kids' rooms. When they were small, they'd come into our bed, not because of bad dreams, but for the warmth. My sex life may have been put on hold for several years, but, my feet weren't cold.

So . . . fast forward to 2009. Tax incentives. Energy audits. Maybe now is the right time to replace our double-hung relics. Maybe. We are in the "gathering of information" stage – i.e. getting quotes.

And, so far? We've learned quite a lot. About tempered glass, and energy ratings, and wood versus clad versus fiberglass. We've also learned to sit down before we open the quote and to have something to drink afterwards – oh, like, a nice mellowing merlot.

What we haven't quite figured out is if we should go ahead and do it or leave it for the next nice couple to figure out.