There is an easier (and cheaper) way. Windows might comprise anywhere from 10-30% of a house's exterior wall space - a pretty large area. So it's no surprise that windows and doors can account for up to 30% of a building's heat loss and gain. What may come as a surprise is that even the very best windows won't insulate that much better than simpler, cheaper and older ones (despite all the ad-campaigns from the window companies telling you otherwise).
So if you're thinking about investments to make your home more energy efficient, the often costly process of replacing your windows - while satisfying and highly visible - probably won't have the strongest return on investment. You might pay tens of thousands to get it done, and only marginally increase your home's efficiency (an exception would be if you have windows that are really old, damaged or falling apart).
Much more cost-effective solutions, in most cases, would include air sealing around your windows to prevent heat (and bug) transmission through air leakage. Adding sashes, curtains, shades, blinds or shutters to cut back on solar heat gain (in the cooling season, your best bet would be exterior shades or shutters - they block the sun before it gets a chance to heat up the window itself). Planting trees or shrubs around your windows is also hugely effective at cutting back on solar heat gain in the summer; and in the winter, the trees will lose their leaves (plant deciduous!), so you won't lose that valuable winter sunlight.
None of these fixes, by the by, will require a dumpster or a contractor. Easy. Cheap. Do-able.
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