My Replacement Windows - Vinyl Or What?

Vinyl windows are getting popular from what I'm reading. In fact, vinyl windows are what I've been finding most companies are selling. Here's what I'm being told over and over about vinyl by the various sales guys:

- Vinyl windows are more energy efficient
- They weather better
- They cost less
- They are low maintenance

But hey, there are some really cheap (and probably low-quality) replacement windows out there, and with such a price difference these products can't all be the same.
I think these promises can only be achieved with a high quality line of vinyl windows. I hate when I realize that if I price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Windows And Doors - My House Is Freezing

I'm going to replace my windows and doors this year. Ok I'm partially motivated by the home reno tax credit thingy, but also because my home is freezing cold in the winter from these drafty windows. My kitchen door has a gap so large there was snow blowing in last year!

If you're like me (new homeowner in toronto) you probably don't have much cash left for anything other than food. And Starbucks - there I said it. Home renovations don't excite me much unless they either reduce my costs, or upgrade the beauty of my little brick box. In my best estimate windows and doors do both. Break open the piggy bank, I'm going shopping.

I've been looking at the cost benifit of certain home improvements and I must say that windows and doors probably rank in the top 3 for reducing costs. Old windows and doors are just leaking money. But also, I live on a busy street (dufferin and bloor, toronto) where street noise is also a factor. I'm also looking to keep noise out while keeping the heat in.