An article posted on Examiner.com explains why replacement windows can be a great investment for your home:
Replacing windows in your home may seem to have an out of pocket cost that some say "not worth it". The reality of this is, the windows in your home can cost a homeowner enormous amounts of money, via heating and cooling expenses, that in the short term seem insignificant, but in the long term can be costly.
There are many options for your home. There are fiberglass, all vinyl, vinyl clad aluminum and vinyl clad wood. The ratings that need to be observed are U rating, measure of heat conductance, and R rating measure of heat flow resistance. These ratings are increased by the amount of glass layers, usually 2-3 layers of glass and the size of the air gap between the layers. New windows also keep out unwanted noise. New windows will save the homeowner between 10% and 25% of annually with your heating and cooling costs.
Various cost-effective home improvements such as reliable San Antonio replacement windows will increase your home value after only a year. The National Association of Realtors rank various home improvements based on their returns via increased home value after one year. Replacing your windows is estimated to increase your home value by as much as 97 percent of the amount you spend on acquiring them.
More importantly, replacement windows increase the energy efficiency of your house by providing better insulation against extreme temperatures. Newer windows are sealed in more tightly to prevent air leak, and that is why you are also likely to save on your utility bills in the end.
Aside from saving money, replacing windows is a good opportunity to spice up the look of your home. After some years, old windows may look dirty and out of style, while new windows will help brighten up and beautify your home. Additionally, replacement windows can provide you with better home security for they have much better security features than traditional windows.
Window replacement is not an arduous process, but you should contact only a reputable window company that provides sturdy materials and employs expert installers to ensure professional work. Just take your time searching for companies that offer quality windows in San Antonio. Southwest Exteriors, for example, offers a brand of beautifully crafted replacement windows which has been a world leader for 100 years. With the right partner, you will be able to maximize the benefits of replacement windows on your home.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Replacement Windows. A good investment for your home., Examiner.com, Published May 10, 2010)