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In today's "green" economy, so many people are looking at ways to save money and energy at the same time.

Windows and doors are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to home energy loss. And replacing them is an easy to way to help the environment as well as put a little extra cash in your pockets.

There are several things to know before shopping for windows. Many of the big box home improvement retailers have knowledgeable and helpful associates, however, they may throw you a curve ball when you are pricing windows.

First of all, the only standard thing about windows is that you can see through them. There is no standardized size like doors. Windows come in all shapes and sizes. Secondly, who is going to install these new windows? Will you be doing the job yourself, or an independent contractor, a friend, or will you use the installations services offered by the home improvement retailer?

Generally it is a good idea to get a couple of estimates from contractors or friends and compare the pricing. A lot of the big box retailers offer installation, however, they do require a down payment before you buy. Many are now switching to a free in-home service estimate. They will schedule an appointment with you and give you a complete estimate of the total job, including the price of the windows.

If you decide to tackle this job on your own, you may consider trying one or two windows first, just to get a feel for the task at hand. Based on that, you can budget out the rest of your project.

There are several of excellent brands of windows on the market. Many people do not realize the variety and are usually thrown for a loop when a sales associate starts spouting off unfamiliar brand names. Brands like Andersen, Jeld-Wen, Silverline, American Craftsman, Peach Tree, Pella, and Crestline offer excellent products at a variety of prices and styles.

Your next step will be deciding which type of window you want to replace the old ones with. There are wood windows, vinyl clad wood windows, aluminum clad wood windows and vinyl windows.

Vinyl windows, it should be noted, will have the same exterior and interior color. Vinyl clad wood, and aluminum clad wood come with an exterior color and either an unfinished wood or prefinished wood interior. Aluminum clad is the same as the vinyl clad.

Clad means, that on the exterior of the window, the wood frame is wrapped up by either a vinyl or aluminum material.

Windows also come in a variety of styles. Included are double-hung, single-hung,

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