Because double pane windows keep the cold out in the winter and retain heat in the summer, they are more effective insulators than single pane replacement windows. The increased insulation comes from the extra layer of glass, of course.
More Energy Efficient
In cold climates, or when Florida experiences cold fronts, double paned windows will help keep out the cold weather and keep in your warmer temperatures. The added insulation helps make double paned windows more energy efficient for your home.
Advantages of Double Pane Windows
Double pane windows have several advantages over single pane windows. The most notable advantages are: Better insulation – double pane windows, especially those with insulating gas, offer superior insulation.
Improve efficiency and save money: Double pane windows insulate better than single pane versions, making your home more efficient. A home that retains heat in winter and keeps heat out in summer is more affordable to heat and cool. In this way, double pane windows deliver savings to help pay for themselves.
Double-Pane Window Benefits
The two layers of glass and insulating gas significantly reduce the amount of outdoor noise pollution that enters your home and the amount of noise that emanates from inside your home. This is especially beneficial for homes on busy streets or in noisy neighborhoods.
Your home's double-pane windows and their seals should last about 20-25 years. However, their lifespan greatly depends on the quality of the window manufacturing process and initial installation.
The average double pane window will reflect 90% of energy and only let 10% through. As an example, on a warm day, 90% of the heat from the sun will stay outside, with only 10% sneaking inside. Conversely, on a chilly day, 90% of the heat inside your home will stay inside, with 10% leaking out.
In a double-glazed window, the deformation of the pane struck by the ball causes higher pressure in the air between the two panes. This high pressure opposes the deformation, making it harder to break the window.
How are triple-pane windows better than double-pane? The answer is pretty straightforward. The additional pane of glass in the window creates a better insulating barrier. Compared to double-pane units, triple-pane windows allow less heat to escape, have less condensation, and are more soundproof.
Triple pane windows are more energy-efficient, but have the same level of soundproofing as double panes. New windows, whether double or triple paned, are more energy-efficient than older windows, so any type of upgrade will reduce your power bill.
The two glass panes have a small space between them, creating an air pocket made to better insulate your home. This air pocket prevents the temperature of the air outside your home from affecting the temperature of the air inside your home.
Most of the energy consumption can be avoided with low U-value windows, as heat loss from inside to outside is minimised. Double glazing can help reduce heating costs significantly, especially in combination with low-e glazing and gas cavities, stabilising inside temperatures and keeping loss to a minimum.
Double-Pane Window Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace a double-hung, double-pane window ranges from $450 to $1,000. A double-pane vinyl window ranges from $450 to $600 to install, while a double-pane wood replacement window costs between $800 and $1,000.
Storm windows are a common addition to homes that have older, single pane windows. Adding storm windows is often cheaper than outright window replacement, but they're not as efficient as double pane windows and often need to be removed or have to be moved aside if you want to open the window.
Energy Star-certified replacement windows are the most energy efficient windows available. Each Energy Star certified window is nearly twice as energy efficient as an average replacement window.
The short answer is yes. Argon gas can be added to a window, but it is not always the most practical solution. You can have a seal failure corrected with caulking or other methods and argon gas injected back between the sheets of glass.
A Soundproof Window is a second window placed behind your existing window that opens and closes just like your current one – there is no need to remove or replace your window to eliminate noise problems!
Double glazing is virtually burglar-proof as it's incredibly hard to break, effectively putting two barriers between you and potential thieves. Furthermore, the gas in-between the gaps also acts as a shock absorber.
Burglars usually break your window only if they can't bypass your door and window locking system. However, often, they look for another target rather than smash the glass.
One of the best ways to burglar-proof windows is to install polycarbonate safety shields, like DefenseLite, over your existing windows. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and nearly impenetrable by would-be thieves.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
The average lifespan of residential windows is 15 to 30 years. Well-maintained products may last beyond the 20-year mark, but once your windows start approaching two decades old, it's time to think about replacing them.
Most new windows are double or triple pane and many have the option to be filled with a gas of some sort. You may be wondering if the expense is worth it or if it's a gimmick to get you to spend more money. Here are some interesting facts about the different gases you can choose for your new windows.
Condensation on the inside of your windows.
This happens especially in the morning when the temperature outside is low overnight. It clears as the temperature warms up as the day goes on. This is caused by the humidity in your home, not because of the windows. Changes inside the home can make a difference too.