--All of us seem to agree that an Agressive energy conservation plan is essential.   

 

Yes, as long as conservation starts with significant reduction of consumption, as it is our lifestyles more than anything else which is causing the current multiple global crises that are converging like a "perfect storm".

 

        --Has any one mentioned Passive Solar ?  The standard  Low E glass  used by most window manufacturers is mostly designed to minimize solar heat gain.   You may need to get premium windows that offer maximum 'Solar Heat Gain Factor' with high R-value.  (perhaps triple glazed?  ) 

 

You will find that the ideal window in this climate for a balance of solar gain and reduction of heat loss is a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC >.50) pyrolitic lowE double-glazed window with a quality frame with thermal break. If going to tripple-glazing, clear glass is the only option that will offer significant solar heat gain.

 

And well located and sized south windows (with no outside winter obstructions, proper summertime shading, and sufficient thermal mass) are considerably more efficient as solar collectors (direct gain) than either TAP panels, trombe walls (indirect gain) or attached sunspaces (isolated gain).

 

This takes advantage of Nature's "free" energy, which fuels all other species on Earth with the exception of Homo (not so) Sapiens.