Wood windows vs vinyl

Can someone please explain to me why wood windows are better? I keep reading that wood is better and increases the value of your house. Is it just because it looks better or is it suppposed to insulate better too? I have Andersen windows and patio doors in my kitchen and they are nice looking but it gets cold in there in the winter. The rest of the house has original wood windows so I can understand that the other rooms are drafty but shouldn't the newer ones be much better. We bought the house with them so I don't the series or anything like that. I had a couple of estimates for vinyl windows and the last guy made a point about how his vinyl windows are thicker and better insulated than my Andersens. Now I know he was trying to make a sale but could there be any truth to that. It just seems unlikely. We need a lot of windows so I want to be economical. Its also not our forever house but I still want it to be something of good quality. Doesn't have to be the absolute best but not crap either. Any input would really be appreciated.

Re: Wood windows vs vinyl

i bought my house with all anderson windows. we re-did the ones upstairs using tri-state windows (i think). It is sooooo much warmer and more efficient up there than ever! i wish we had money to do the downstairs, i just have GIANT windows on the ground floor and would be so much $ to replace.
But, i also have two layers of siding on my house (one shakes, next vinyl), probably not the greatest thing in the world, but when i tell you that i use less oil in my house than an original levitt cape and have about 700 more sq footage, it works for me!!

sorry for the tangent............

Re: Wood windows vs vinyl

Thanks for answering. I didn't know if it was just a sales pitch or if some people really do prefer the vinyl replacements.