This year, winter has made its presence felt long before the season has officially started. The only way people living in states like Virginia can survive winter is to have their homes properly insulated. If you live anywhere within the state, be it Fairfax or Alexandria, you will need windows with properly sealed frames and thick glass panes. Brian Kiernan's article for ReplacementWindowsAdvisor.com shares his experiences with energy-efficient replacement windows.

I went through 3 winters here in New England with those drafty windows before I got around to replacing them in Spring 2008. That winter I saved a whole tank of oil from the previous 3 winters and that trend has continued each winter since. Not exactly scientific proof, but, they paid for themselves in just 3 winters and are now paying me back.

Other than providing excellent insulation by preventing heat from escaping and the cold air from entering your home, these windows can also enhance your home’s curb appeal. “Purchasing replacement windows for your home can be one of the smartest investments you can make as a homeowner,” Kiernan adds. In other words, the right replacement windows should provide you with a considerable on your investment should you decide to sell your home in the future.

In addition to all the known benefits of replacement windows, the government offers tax credits for energy-efficient window replacement projects. Qualification for such credits depends on the ENERGY STAR rating shown on the product’s label. You can save up to $465 on taxes simply by showing proof of the project where you utilized ENERGY STAR qualified replacement windows from Fairfax, VA. Kiernan advises homeowners about the importance of accurate installation, however.

You can buy the best replacement windows ever made but if they are measured wrong, installed wrong or both you WILL NOT be maximizing your energy savings and resale value for you home.

As such, make sure your energy-efficient replacement windows from Fairfax, VA are installed by a reliable contractor like Roofing & More, Inc. These experts are trained to properly mount the frames to the existing sills in order to prevent leaks and drafts. The installation methods they observe help prolong the useful service life of your new windows.

(Article Excerpt and Image from How My Replacement Windows Keep Paying Me Back, ReplacementWindowsAdvisor.com)