Whether your old windows contribute to drafts in windy conditions or leaks in rainy weather, double pane windows can improve the look of your home while eliminating these problems. They also maximize energy efficiency with argon gas fills and insulated frames.
It is well known that double pane windows are better than single-pane windows, but many homeowners are unsure why. The following article will explore the key considerations that make double pane windows superior.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Energy loss through windows can account for up to 25% of your home’s heating and cooling costs. Double pane windows are a smart choice that reduce these costs, as well as protect your furniture and carpets from premature fading.
They also improve the occupant comfort of your home, minimizing drafts and cold spots. Combined with insulation, they make it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature all year round and significantly reduce your energy bills.
The insulating space between two or more glass panes of an IGU (insulated glazing unit) may be filled with plain air, argon gas, or other gases such as krypton and xenon. This minimizes heat transfer, helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This lowers energy bills and reduces stress on your HVAC system. Options include casements, awnings, double or single hung, sliders, and picture windows. Choose a frame material that reflects your style and preferences. Wood, fiberglass, and vinyl are popular choices with high energy star performance ratings.
Reduced Noise
Double pane windows also reduce outside noise, which is particularly useful for homes that are located near busy streets or highways. Double pane windows feature two glass panes that are separated by an air gap and filled with a non-toxic, clear, odorless gas such as argon or krypton. This gap helps reduce heat transfer and decreases outside noise, creating a more comfortable living environment.
Double-pane windows are more expensive than single-pane windows but can help you save energy and money on heating and cooling costs. They can also increase your home’s resale value and are available in a wide range of styles and sizes.
New double-pane windows are made with safe materials that don’t contain lead or asbestos. They’re also more secure than older windows as they have heavy duty frames that are hard to break through. In addition, many double pane windows come with built-in dehumidifiers that eliminate condensation and protect against mold and mildew.
Increased Resale Value
Homeowners can boost their resale value by installing double-pane windows, which have two glass panes separated by a space filled with an insulating gas like argon. The insulated windows minimize heat transfer, reduce outside noise and increase energy efficiency. In the United States, homeowners can save up to $366 a year in heating and cooling costs by replacing older windows with Energy Star-certified windows.
ENERGY STAR-certified windows are rated to conserve energy by reducing air leaks, cold spots and excessive solar heat gain. They can also qualify you for a federal tax credit. You can find energy-saving windows with a range of frame styles, colors and materials including vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum. You can even choose clad-wood windows with wood inside and aluminum or vinyl on the exterior.
Modern, multi-pane windows are much more efficient than historic single-pane windows, with an R-value 4 or higher compared to 1 or less. These windows also have coatings that reduce radiative heating effects.
Increased Comfort
With their two panes separated by a gap filled with insulating gas such as argon or krypton, double-pane windows help minimize heat transfer and outside noise while creating a comfortable indoor living environment. They also reduce the demand on your heating and cooling systems, which leads to lower energy bills.
Double-pane windows can be customized with a variety of styles and materials. For example, clad-wood windows feature wood interiors and exteriors, making them ideal for any Murray window replacement project aiming to provide a home with a warm, cozy feel. Craftsman style windows offer intricate grid patterns that can enhance the aesthetic of any Murray house, while Colonial-style windows evoke a sense of history and tradition.
Energy Star-rated windows meet strict energy efficiency guidelines, which can reduce your household’s greenhouse gases and lower your energy costs over time. You can even qualify for energy saving tax credits.