There are multiple decisions you get to make when replacing your home’s windows, including their style, frame material, the width of window glass, the number of panes, and more. Older houses usually have single-pane windows, but you benefit greatly by replacing them with double-pane windows due to their many advantages.
Read on to discover the primary differences between single- and double-pane windows so you can decide what will work best for your long-term needs.
The Difference between Single- and Double-Pane Windows
Before the 1970s, the majority of windows had a single pane surrounded by a wooden perimeter. That is why historic houses usually have single-pane windows. Double-pane windows became common in houses beginning in the 1970s, and they remain the standard for new construction and replacement windows.
While single-pane windows come in the same styles and materials that double-pane windows do, and they offer the same aesthetics, they have distinctions that matter long-term.
Their main differences include:
Insulation
Heat gain and loss through your windows can be responsible for up to 30% of your home’s heating use. With twice the number of panes to protect your house from Minnesota winters, double-pane windows offer significantly more insulation for your property than single panes. Additionally, the space between the panes shields your interior even more from outdoor temperatures, leaving your indoors comfy and warm each winter. Moreover, the area between double-pane windows is filled with non-toxic argon or krypton gas, contributing to even better insulation for your dwelling.
Security
Windows tend to be one of the most vulnerable places in a home. The harder they are to break into, the safer your property is. Double-pane windows fortify your house more than single-pane windows—safeguarding your dwelling from intruders.
Initial Investment
The initial investment for double-pane windows is greater than single-pane, but since they provide greater insulation, you will save throughout their lifespan if you invest in double-pane windows.
The Benefits of Double-Pane Windows
1. They provide greater energy efficiency.
Double-pane windows bolster your home’s insulation. Their two layers of glass, combined with the gas between them, deliver greater protection against Minnesota’s extreme winter temperatures. When you choose double-paned windows, your heating unit will not need to work as hard so it will not wear out as quickly.
2. They decrease noise infiltration.
While double-paned windows will not block all outdoor noise from entering your house, they will greatly decrease the amount of noise that penetrates, offering you greater peace and quiet in your interior. If you live on a busy street, near an airport, or have neighborhood dogs that bark a lot, double-pane windows will improve your indoor atmosphere by lowering noise intrusion.
3. They deliver greater indoor comfort.
More panes of glass mean greater protection from harsh weather. You will enjoy a more comfortable home throughout the year with double-pane windows.
4. They decrease your carbon footprint.
When you cut back on energy usage due to double-pane windows, you lower your carbon footprint in the process. While amounts vary based on climate, property characteristics, and utility rates, ENERGY STAR® certified windows can save thousands of pounds of CO2 for an average size home, and that is the equivalent of up to 300 gallons of gas per year. So if you want to make a more eco-friendly choice, double-pane windows are the way to go.
5. They are a better buy.
The increased insulation and strength double-pane windows offer can make them a better buy over the years.
Can You Replace Single-Pane with Double-Pane Windows?
Yes! If you currently have single-pane windows, it is wise to replace them with double-panes. If you are not sure what you have presently, look at your window’s outside edge where the glass meets the sash. Double-pane windows will have a metal divider in the middle of the window’s outer edge.
How Many Window Panes Are Best for Your Minnesota Home?
With the below freezing temperatures, snow and ice we experience each winter in the Twin Cities, it is easy to see why so many local homeowners choose double-pane windows. Imagine the warmth of an interior fortified with energy-efficient, dual-pane replacement windows installed by Beissel Window and Siding.
While you may just be browsing window styles and considering the idea of replacing your windows before winter, take a moment to dream a little while learning more about our window services
Beissel Window & Siding is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving homeowners and businesses in the Twin Cities for over 70 years. Please reach out to us for a free consultation.
