Harsh winters often bring customers into our hardware store in Seattle who want to learn how they can better insulate their homes and lower their energy bills. Cost savings plays a huge role in many customers’ building and remodeling decisions, as heating and cooling prices continue to rise.
With spring on the horizon, homeowners might be planning to begin home remodeling projects. If you’re looking to finish a project that will lower your energy bill, consider replacing your old single pane windows with new double pane ones. Double pane windows not only lower your energy bills, but also help keep you and your family comfortable all year long.
What are double pane windows?
Double pane windows are essentially exactly what they sound like: windows with two panes of glass instead of one. The space between the two panes is filled with gas; the gas is normally regular air, but more high-end windows will sometimes use argon gas, which has additional thermal properties. The two panes and the gas between them act as insulators.
Benefits of double pane windows
The most obvious benefit of installing double pane windows is the increased energy efficiency they provide. Some studies have shown that double pane windows can reduce energy usage in your home by up to 24 percent in cold months and up to 18 percent in warm months. Having windows that help to retain warm or cool air inside your home means your heating and air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard, helping you save on energy bills month after month.
Double pane windows also provide additional benefits that are often overlooked. One such benefit is the additional noise insulation multiple panes provides. Having double the windowpanes is great for people who live in noisy urban areas because they help block exterior noise.
Additionally, double pane windows reduce the buildup of condensation. When there is cold air outside and warm air inside, moisture will adhere to your cold windows, causing condensation that results in pools of water on your windowsills. This water can end up damaging your windows, especially if they are wood. Double pane windows create a barrier between the warm and cool air, preventing condensation from occurring.
Finally, installing double pane windows can help increase the value of your home. This is particularly beneficial if you hope to sell your home in the near future. Buyers will love the fact that they won’t have to deal with old, worn-down windows and that the new ones will provide greater cost savings.
Things to keep in mind
Although the benefits of double pane windows are great, there are some things to keep in mind before you rush to your nearest hardware store in Seattle and purchase the supplies to install them.
First, recognize that double pane windows will cost much more than traditional single pane windows initially. A standard double pane window will run around $600, and a high-end double pane window can cost up to $850. The initial cost will be offset by the significant energy savings over time, but you should be aware of the investment up front.
Next, it’s important to remember that replacing one single window in your home will not make a major difference in energy savings. The remaining old windows can still leak and force your HVAC system to work harder. In order to see maximum cost savings and energy reduction, you’ll want to replace all existing windows with double pane ones.
If you’re interested in installing double pane windows in your home, stop by Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. to learn how to get started. Our hardware store in Seattle has served contractors, remodelers and homeowners for 90 years, offering a wide selection of top-quality products and building materials for every type of home project.