Benefits of Switching From Single Pane to Dual Pane Windows

In the summer months do you feel like the rooms in your home are scorching hot, particularly near the windows?  Or during the winter months are you constantly reaching for a blanket because your home just cannot seem to get or stay warm?

In the summer months do you feel like the rooms in your home are scorching hot, particularly near the windows?  Or during the winter months are you constantly reaching for a blanket because your home just cannot seem to get or stay warm?  If your home has single pane windows, they could be the source of a lot of seasonal discomfort and rising utility bills.  The cost of investing in dual pane windows will be an up-front investment but the savings will pay for themselves over the life of the windows, and then some.

You may think that those single pane windows feel a little cold or hot but probably are not making that big of a difference on your home’s energy bills.  But, in fact, they are.  Energy.Gov explains just how much those single pane windows are costing you and why you should make a switch to dual pane windows, “Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and heat from the sun in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill by letting heat out. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install ENERGY STAR®-qualified windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows with high-performance glass—low-e or spectrally selective coatings. In colder climates, select gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain.”  In addition to lowering utility bills, switching to dual pane windows are an investment in your home.  The dual pane windows will add significant value to your home should you ever decide to sell your home.  Additionally, if your single pane windows are on the older side they may not have all of the current technologies in coating that are now available.  These coatings help reduce UV rays which protects your interior home decor as well as your skin.  While the cost is a factor for many homeowners, it is worth the investment in your home for the savings you will yield and the value it will add to your home.  Now, there are even trip pane windows you can choose to upgrade to if you want to yield the most significant benefits.  There is a 20-30% improvement in energy ratings when you make the switch to tripe plane instead of dual.  If you are upgrading from single pane consider either choosing dual pane or triple pane for a much more comfortable environment.  When making the switch it is important to hire a qualified professional for installation rather than trying to DIY it.  The only way to truly yield savings and experience the change in comfort is to correctly install the new windows and that means that a qualified handyman must be used.