Single vs Double Pane Windows: What’s Better?
Even with double pane windows being invented almost 100 years ago, it’s still common to see single pane windows in use. With the popularity of double pane windows skyrocketing over the past few decades, are they really worth it? We’re going to discuss single vs double pane windows.
Are double pane windows really that much better than a single pane window?
How to Choose the Right Window for Your Needs
Choosing the right window for your home or place of business can be a difficult thing to consider. A lot of factors go into choosing the perfect window that you may not have considered. This can include the style, energy efficiency, installation cost, quality of materials and life expectancy.
You want a window that not only looks good but can also fit your needs for the foreseeable future. With good windows being able to last for years and years, you need to make sure you make the right choice from the start to prevent any regrets later.
Differences Between Single and Double Pane Windows
A single pane window is made up of one piece of glass, held together in a frame. They come in many different styles and materials. A double pane window is two pieces of glass in a frame, trapping a gas such as argon in-between the two for better home insulation.
The Pros and Cons of Single Pane Windows
It’s time to break down the good and the bad of single and double pane windows. Hopefully the info below will help you make the best decision for your home.
Pros
- Single pane windows are incredibly cheap compared to double pane windows.
- They are much more lightweight and require less effort to support them within your walls.
- There are a large number of materials and style choices to choose between.
Cons
- They’re not the most energy efficient option. Single pane windows are often used in new construction as they’re the cheaper option.
- With only having a single pane of glass, they don’t do well for noise reduction. Living near a busy intersection or kids playing outside can be heard loud and clear inside your home without the added insulation.
- While they do have lower up-front costs for installation, they can actually cost you more in the long run on your heating and cooling bills.
The Pros and Cons of Double Pane Windows
Pros
- With two panes of glass, the added insulation is better, causing you to save more money on your heating and cooling bills by being more energy efficient.
- The noise reduction is increased. Because the windows are thicker, you now have an added layer of soundproof barrier added between you and the outside world.
- There is more between you and the outside weather. This is great for when the weather outside is freezing or windy, you won’t feel it even if you’re standing next to the window inside your home.
- They might add to your home’s resale value.
- By needing less effort to heat and cool your home, you’re wasting less fossil fuel and being more eco-friendly.
Cons
- They cost more up-front to purchase and install, but they save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
- You can’t buy just one. In order to really feel the money saving and quality of life provided by double pane windows, you need to replace most or all of the windows in your home. Otherwise, one window won’t appear to do anything for you.
How to Tell if a Window is Single or Double Paned
You might be looking at your windows right now and wondering how you can tell what’s currently installed. Don’t worry, there’s a really easy way to spot the difference even if you don’t know anything about windows.
Look at the corner of the window, where the frames meet at a 90-degree angle. A single pane window will show one piece of glass. A double pane window will show two pieces and a small air gap between them. It’s really that easy to spot the difference of a single vs double pane window!
Less Condensation with Double Pane Windows
Condensation is the moisture and water droplet or fog created in the bathroom after a hot shower when you didn’t have the vent or fan turned on. It’s hot air meeting a cold surface and the same thing happens with your windows.
On cold days when you have the heat turned up in the house to stay warm, you may notice small water droplets and little puddles around your window sill. This is much more common with single pane windows but can be a result of poor double pane window installation as well.
Just like you’d imagine, moisture around your windows and on the wood or drywall is a bad thing. It can lead to mold and other water damage. Having quality window installation for double pane windows can help to prevent this problem.
All in All, Double Pane Windows Beat Single Pane
Here’s why:
- The energy loss is greatly reduced.
- You save money over time.
- Your home is more soundproof and protected from the weather outside.
- It’s a more economical choice.
- Having quality double pane windows properly installed can prevent other damaging problems to your home such as mold growth and faded furniture.
Be smart with your choices, a lot goes into selecting quality windows and installation companies. If you can find a window company that works well with you and can fit your needs, you’ll see results.
