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Windows are much more than just glass panes installed in the building or an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the outside world. They determine the energy efficiency and interior temperature of the house. According to research, windows are responsible for around 25 to 30 percent of the total energy loss in a building. These figures can in turn account for a huge rise in the energy bills. By choosing your window glass smartly, you can effectively reduce your monthly bills.
Single and multi-pane glass windows are the two main options for window glass. Single pane windows are considered the standard windows but multi-pane windows are now taking over the industry. We will see the reasons behind the rapid growth in the use of multi-pane windows. Let’s explore the difference between single and double pane windows.
Single vs Double Pane Glass Windows
There are a number of features that set the double glazed windows apart from the single-pane windows. Here are some of the main differentiating factors.
1. Construction
Single pane windows have just one layer of glass in their construction.
While double pane windows have two glass panels fused together to form a windowpane. The glass panels are typically separated by a layer of inert gas, argon, or krypton. This interlayer of inert gas serves as a barrier between the home and the outside temperature. This layer does not allow the outside air to flow through it. Thus offering insulation from the changing weather conditions.
Both single and double glazed windows are almost similar in appearance and come in a variety of styles.
2. Sound Insulation
As single pane windows only have one layer of glass. So they are not as effective at insulating your home from outside noises and temperature changes as double pane windows. If you aspire for a calm and comfortable home environment, double-glazed windows are the right option for you. Even though double pane glass windows cannot block the noise and heat completely. But they are capable of providing considerable insulation value to set up a homey atmosphere.
3. Energy Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, heat loss and gain through windows accounts for around 25 to 30 percent of a home’s temperature maintenance costs. Double pane glass windows provide an extra layer of insulation with their inert gas inner layer. This insulation layer effectively eliminates the possibility of energy waste. Double glazed windows don’t let the outside weather affect the interior temperature. Due to this, the home temperature regulator faces less stress. This ultimately results in lower energy consumption to maintain the desired interior temperature. The reduction in heat gain and loss can save you hundreds of dollars per year. These savings are more than the cost of double pane window installation in the first place.
4. Cost
Cost value is undoubtedly one of the most important considerations in choosing the windows for your home. A single pane window costs roughly around $50 to $75 per window. While a double pane window costs around $350 to $400 per window.
Double-pane glass windows seem like a huge investment up front. But they offer multiple benefits over the single pane windows and turn out to be a better choice in the long run. When compared to single-pane windows, double pane windows save up to 24 percent in cold climates and up to 18 percent in warm climates. These energy savings accumulate to offer better cost-effectiveness as compared to single-pane windows.
5. Eco-Friendly
Solar panels and wind turbines aren’t the only ways to go green. Being environmentally conscious also translates into minimizing your energy consumption. This practice ultimately lowers your carbon footprint. Double glazed windows are an excellent way to lower energy consumption. While also keeping your home cozy without incurring any additional costs. For a standard home, replacing single-pane windows with double glazed windows can result in 1000 to 6000 pounds of carbon dioxide savings per year.
6. Condensation
The accumulation of moisture and the formation of fog on the surface of window glass is referred to as condensation. You can notice small water droplets and puddles around your window sill on chilly days. If the moisture remains for a longer period of time, it could result in mold or mildew growth. The issue of condensation is more prevalent with single-pane windows. Double pane glass windows prevent condensation by insulating the home interior. However, condensation may also appear on double-glazed windows due to poor installation.
What to choose?
Double pane windows definitely have a lead over single-pane windows in terms of functional value. But the final choice still depends on a number of factors. If you reside in a calm area with moderate weather, single-pane windows may be sufficient. But if you’re concerned about noise and other exterior elements affecting the comfort of your home, the double panel window is the way to go. However, it’s worth noting that double-pane glass windows are becoming the new standard for all types of buildings.
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