Good, cold-weather window ratings? Links please!

Handy · Forum Member Joined: 22 Aug 2009 Posts: 1

This is my first post. We live in far N. Minnesota, pretty cold here. I see lots of generalities on this site about style, design, price, etc. but it's hard to find an objective article actually rating brands of windows. Consumer Reports did one in 2007, but it doesn't cover many windows. Plus, though Marvins are made nearby, I don't have access to many other brands in this small town.

Home Depot came by and bid on Simonton insert windows, which seem highly rated, and we had a local guy offer a better deal on Simontons, but he had different models, and admitted he hasn't installed very many. I've read in a few places online that Simontons are drafty and cold anyway. Can Energy Star ratings factor in draftiness? Is what I read just typical web complaining, of which there is plenty? There are smaller, local window companies nearby, but of course, their windows don't get rated. So how the heck does a guy choose the right windows? I'm not averse to paying for quality, but don't want to overspend either. Thanks.