Mary, the house was built in 1998 and they used Alpine Windows who went bankrupt because all their windows failed. We've gone 7 years without windows we could see out of, totally obscured, and are useless energy-wise. Just got a new roof put on -- skylight failed and roof was going, leaking -- and now it's time to have good windows.
We're getting Energy Star 366 -- lowest solar heat gain, meaning Low-E and does not allow any heat from sun inside house. Radiant reflectors. Very plain windows, sliders, no grids, and Energy Star. It will be awesome having light in here!
Roof is Energy Star, now windows -- all to keep Orka cool in summer.
The doggie door would save me umpteen hassles a day with the bells, howling whining meowing interruptions. But if it costs too much I'll just keep being Butler to my furkids.
We're going to get Pet Security Screens because the hellion Coons have shredded the screens (and the mini blinds). We keep all the doors and windows open all night to cool the house off while Mr Can Never Be Too Cold Newf lays in front of his Vornado fan and we humanimals freeze -- but that's what fleece is for.
The cats are much more destructive and demanding than the Newf, but are OK as long as they get want they want, LOL
I'm using Angie's List, having very good experiences and so relieved because I have freak fatigue.