Before you determine whether dual pane windows are worth it, the following information concerning them should give you an idea of what these windows can do to enhance your home, and if you’re unsure what a dual-pane window is, here is an explanation:
Dual Pane Windows
Dual-pane or double pane windows consist of two panes of glass. The manufacturing process keeps the panes separate with a spacer that traps gas either through argon or krypton. A spacer keeps the panes securely in place, so it eliminates any exposure to pressure. Sealing keeps the gas from leaking into the layers, which makes dual pane windows both energy and cost-efficient. So, with that in mind, you’ll realize that dual pane windows have redeeming qualities.
Are Dual Pane Windows Better?
If you live in a quiet area where temperatures stay mild yearly, you can probably live with single-pane windows, but if you live in a region of the country where temperatures wildly fluctuate and winters are harsh, you’ll want to consider dual-pane windows. Dual pane windows keep the warmth of summer out, and when winter weather comes, the heat remains inside.
Cost Considerations
There are cost considerations with single and dual pane windows. Though single-pane windows were initially less expensive, homeowners realized that double pane windows helped their energy costs to go down with the addition of another glass panel.
Double-pane windows make up for the changes in temperature that occur during the warm and cold seasons, and they also lower your air conditioning and heating costs all around. High temperatures and their eventual costs can make it a real challenge to keep a home cool. That’s where dual pane windows come into the picture to produce conditions that are pleasant in your home. They also protect your home from noise from the outside because of dual-pane insulating factors, which help make your home much quieter.
Purchasing Dual Pane Windows
You should consider purchasing dual pane windows simply to replace single-pane windows that aren’t as energy-efficient and cost-effective as dual pane windows. As glassmaking technology moved forward from single pane windows to dual-pane windows, the idea caught on as to the effectiveness of double pane windows.
Whether you’re upgrading windows in your home or building a new home, you understand that in order to have total energy efficiency, it’s necessary to replace or install all new dual pane windows. There won’t be an impact on your utility bills if you only replace one or two windows.
Another thing to keep in mind is if you cannot afford to take on the investment in replacing your single pane windows with dual pane windows, you’re better off keeping your single pane windows and saving up for their replacements at a later date.
You’ll want to think about quality as well. When a double-pane window is of inferior quality, unforeseen costs will hit down the road. Quality counts. You don’t want to sacrifice quality for lower-cost double-pane windows.
What is the Value or Benefits of Dual Pane Windows
One benefit of dual pane windows is their ability to increase energy efficiency. The window’s structure is such that it creates energy savings. With two panes of glass, there is air between them that acts as an insulator. The window’s capacity is further increased with the replacement of air by gases. They typically use argon and krypton, though argon gas is the better of the two as it’s nontoxic. The gas expands when the weather warms up as the dual panes will bend out, but this expansion creates another mode of protection between the inside and the outside.
Other benefits of dual pane windows include:
- Rebates – Though Energy Star ended its tax credit in 2016, there are still different local, city and state programs that are in place to lower energy costs in various communities. You just need to inquire where you purchase dual pane windows.
- Energy savings – When you put double pane windows in your home, you are adding insulation. Reduction in energy consumption is a big factor in this addition to your home, and if you’re wanting to find an eco-friendly way to reduce the environmental impact, double pane windows can reduce that impact. You can save on fossil fuel and reduce greenhouse gases at the same time that you’re enjoying reduced energy consumption.
- Money-Saving – You can save money when you go from single-pane windows to double pane ones. Energy Star officials say you can save hundreds of dollars with simple upgrades. Even lower quality double-pane windows can save you at least a hundred dollars a year.
- Security Breaches – With single pane glass easily broken, you are opening yourself up to someone getting into your home fairly quickly. They construct double pane glass to withstand break-ins, at least to where the outer glass shows an attempt, and a homeowner realizes it. Single-pane windows can be a target, as they are more easily accessed.
- Noise – Whatever noise is disturbing, you can reduce it with properly installed dual pane windows. Whether the noise is from the inside or outside, you can live in peace simply by closing your windows.
- Value – You can increase the value of your home with the installation of dual pane windows. The total home value will depend on the quality of the dual pane windows and their installation, the value of your home before installation, or whether you do a partial or entire house installation. You add value to your home, particularly if you hang on to it anywhere from two to ten years.
- Appeal – When you install dual pane windows, your home takes on a whole new appearance, one that brings curb appeal to your home, plus others in the neighborhood will notice the change and appealing appearance that new windows can bring to a community.
- Long-Lasting Comfort – With the improved insulation that dual windows provide, you feel comfort from the even temperatures that the windows bring. As the day progresses, you won’t feel the changes that come with single-pane windows or windows that leak. You’ll have long-lasting comfort with dual pane windows.
There are many reasons to consider dual pane windows but if you have questions about them or are still unsure as to their value for your particular circumstances, fill out the contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
